Flights to Ashgabat

Arriving at the airport

Ashgabat's airport terminal is built in the shape of a falcon in flight. Your agency or guide will usually meet you on arrival, as the letter of invitation names the company responsible for your visit. Taxis reach central hotels in 15 to 20 minutes, and the wide roads are usually quiet outside rush hour. Hotels can also arrange transfers if your agency has not. Bring US dollars in cash and change them at a bank or official bureau.

Marble city and monuments

After the 1948 earthquake the city was rebuilt, and since independence hundreds of buildings have been faced in white marble. The Independence Monument stands in a park in the south of the city, and the Neutrality Monument rises above the slopes nearby. The Halk Hakydasy memorial complex remembers the earthquake victims and those lost in the Second World War. Photography of government buildings may be restricted, so ask your guide.

Bazaars, museums and food

The Altyn Asyr market, known as Tolkuchka, sells carpets, felt, jewellery and camels' wool on the city's edge, with Sunday the busiest day. The Carpet Museum displays hand-knotted rugs in the traditional red and deep-brown patterns of the Turkmen tribes. Restaurants in the centre serve Turkmen and Russian dishes. Try plov, dograma soup with bread and meat, or ishlekli, a meat pie baked in the embers.

Hills, weather and practical tips

A long walking path, the Path of Health, climbs into the Kopet Dag hills south of the city. Summers are very hot and dry, while winter nights drop below freezing. Ashgabat is five hours ahead of the UK in winter and four in summer. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

Interested in flights to Ashgabat? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll check the Gatwick and Istanbul options for you.