Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most unique and mysterious countries, is also a firm favourite for us in Central Asia! Known for its sprawling deserts, rich Silk Road history, and strong national identity, visiting here makes you part of a unique group — fewer than 6,000 tourists enter the country each year.
Whether you’re exploring the marble-lined streets of Ashgabat, camping next to the Darvaza Gas Crater, or experiencing local life in the mountains, packing smartly will help you make the most of your journey. Here’s a comprehensive Turkmenistan packing list, to prepare you for your trip!
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Prepare for a Varied Climate…
Turkmenistan’s climate is highly continental, given that it is a landlocked country largely covered by desert. In winter, it can get below freezing, even in Ashgabat, while summer highs of 45OC (144OF) are not unheard of. Therefore, it is essential to pack for all conditions, and the best way to do this is by bringing a range of layers.
- Base Layers: Opt for lightweight, quick-drying tops and bottoms. These will allow you to stay comfortable and prepare for Turkmenistan’s summer.
- Mid Layers: Bring a fleece or wool sweater for cooler nights, especially outside of summer months.
- Outer Layer: A water-resistant, windproof jacket is helpful in case of sudden temperature drops or high winds in desert areas. Rain is rare in Turkmenistan, but “April showers” are not unheard of.
… and for it to get very hot in summer.
In the summer, temperatures in the Karakum Desert and Ashgabat are amongst the hottest on earth. Packing lightweight and long-sleeved shirts and pants will protect you from the sun while keeping you cool.
Natural fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetic materials are ideal, while heavier fabrics such as denim should be avoided. Try to pack lighter colours, as these retain less heat than darker ones.
The sun is extremely strong, especially in the desert, so take extra precautions to protect yourself. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection are essential yet are difficult to find in Turkmenistan. Obviously, bring sunscreen, as well as lip balm.
Still, pack something extra for those desert evenings:
Especially if you’re joining our Turkmenistan summer tours, you probably wouldn’t think it necessary to bring anything to keep warm. However, the desert can surprise you! Even as the daytime high hits 40OC, it can get chilly after as the sun goes down.
While the heat from Darvaza may keep you warm, it’s best to bring a fleece, cardigan, or something similar for the evening. Worst case, you don’t use it!
Invest in Quality Footwear
To prepare for Turkmenistan, bring a mix of sturdy, comfortable footwear for various types of terrain:
- Hiking Boots: Essential if your tour gets out into the desert (most do), or you are exploring rugged sites, such as the stunning Yangykala Canyon.
- Casual Shoes or Sandals: For city walks, pack comfortable shoes that can handle both pavement and uneven paths.
- Warm Socks: If visiting in the winter, pack warm, breathable socks for insulation.
In Ashgabat, you’ll find smooth, well-paved roads, especially in the “marble districts,” but sidewalks in the Soviet neighbourhoods are often poorly maintained. Outside the capital, pack durable, closed-toe shoes, as paths are dusty and uneven.
Most bags are fine!
Your luggage will be easily managed throughout the tour, as transfers between accommodations are handled by car or bus, depending on the group size. There’s ample room for various bag types, so feel free to pack according to your preference—hard or soft suitcases, backpacks, wheeled or non-wheeled bags, all are suitable.
You’ll only need to carry your luggage short distances, such as from the vehicle to the lobby or from the lobby to your room. However, keep in mind that most domestic flights have strict weight restrictions for checked bags, so it’s best to pack as lightly as possible.
Many people also like to invest in a (very reasonably priced) Turkmen carpet. Don’t bring too much stuff out with you, or else you won’t have space for this!
Don’t bring a drone or certain medications
Virtually all visits to Turkmenistan are trouble-free and rewarding, but there are a few things that you shouldn’t bring into the country.
Contrary to popular belief, cigarettes are not banned in Turkmenistan. However, you cannot bring more than 40 individual cigarettes (two packets) into the country. Also, do not attempt to bring vapes or e-cigarettes into Turkmenistan – they are banned and will be confiscated.
When you prepare for Turkmenistan, please check all medications that you plan on bringing into the country. We will provide you will a comprehensive list of banned medications should you book at tour with us. Any medications containing tramadol, codeine, morphine, or opiates are prohibited, regardless of whether they were prescribed to you or not. You will be charged with importing narcotics should you bring them!
While Turkmenistan has plenty of pharmacies, clearly marked as DERMANHANA (Turkmen) or АПТЕКА (Russian), it’s always a good idea to bring any necessary medication with you. Certain products may not be readily available, especially your favourite brands.
If you’re prone to motion sickness or stomach upsets, bring appropriate medications, as long bus journeys are common. Feminine hygiene products, especially tampons, may not be easy to find, so bring a plentiful supply with you if needed.
Drones are not allowed in Turkmenistan, so don’t pack them.
Bring a scarf, pashmina, or similar!
There are two reasons you should add a covering like this to your Turkmenistan packing list:
For women, you’ll want to enter the country’s religious sites, which will require the wearing of a simple head covering. While some places offer scarves to hire, this is not guaranteed and can off-put people due to hygiene reasons. While a nominally Muslim country, Turkmenistan is very secular, and you will not be required to cover your hair outside of places of worship.
Being 80% desert, Turkmenistan also gets very dusty. Visitors of all genders, therefore, will benefit from having a simple covering that they can use to keep the excessive dust off. You’ll find this essential on any trips outside Ashgabat, including to Darvaza.
A note on Power and Electronics
It is good to bring a power bank on any trip, but especially to prepare for Turkmenistan, where electricity can be inconsistent in some areas. Most of our tours involve a night in a yurt camp and/or camping, and here your power bank will become essential!
Turkmenistan uses 220V outlets with Type C and F plugs, the same as in Continental Europe. Bring adapters if you’re travelling from a region with different socket types.
Ready to head off to Turkmenistan now?
With this Turkmenistan packing list, you should be ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkmenistan! If you’re still exploring options for your trip, take a look at our Turkmenistan page for essential travel tips and insights into this fascinating country.
Turkmenistan is one of our most popular destinations, and we have been bringing people here for over a decade! Whether you’re interested in an essentials tour or would like a specialized itinerary focusing on culture, history, or architecture, we offer plenty of options to suit your interests.
If our scheduled dates don’t work for you or if you’d like a more tailored experience, we encourage you to reach out — we’ll help craft your ideal Turkmenistan adventure!
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