Turkmenistan
Peak Seasons: March – June & September – October. These months offer great mild weather.
Extreme Heat: July – August. Extreme heat! However, you can still get great days!
Off-Peak: December – February. These are winter months and temperatures can reach freezing levels.
Make sure to bring USD (in crisp, post-2013 bills) to last your entire trip and exchange them at the bank or official exchange points.
Network Reality: Cellular service is non-existent with your international plans; however, you can find wifi in hotels and some restaurants. It is possible to purchase SIM cards at the airport in Ashgabat.
Power & Plugs: Turkmenistan uses Type C and F plugs. The voltage is 220V.
My most uncalibrated moment was the drive from the ancient ruins of Merv toward the gleaming white marble of Ashgabat. You’re traveling through a landscape that feels like a portal back to the Silk Road—vast, silent, and hauntingly beautiful. Then, out of nowhere, the desert literally came to life. A massive herd of camels appeared, claiming the road as their own. There was no “traffic jam” or honking; we just sat there in silence, watching them pass. It was a raw, unfiltered encounter that bridged the gap between the ancient history of the region and the futuristic city waiting for us at the end of the road. In that moment, the desert didn’t feel empty—it felt alive.