The Silk Road adventure is waiting for you. Turkmenistan, also known as Turkmenia, is distinct from its neighbors.
The Middle Eastern country has a rich heritage. It has been its role as the crossroads between vast empires in Central Asia that influenced Turkmenistan's culture and traditions.
Turkmenistan is comparable in size to Spain, but it is a desert country. It is riskier to travel through countries with extreme climates, but having travel insurance can ensure financial security in case of a medical emergency. It also serves as a safeguard against trip cancellations. Be sure to buy travel medical insurance before your trip to Turkmenistan for a carefree trip.
Turkmenistan Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
A travel medical insurance plan is a must-have for travelers to Turkmenistan. A medical insurance plan is your safety net in the unfortunate event of falling sick or getting injured. Meeting with an accident or injury during your trip can cause a financial debacle. Buying travel medical insurance can protect you and your family from financial liability.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan travel medical insurance can provide several benefits to travelers:
- It protects you and your family from financial liability that may arise because of illness. Medical expenses in a foreign country could lead to financial difficulty. Medical insurance provides financial support so you can get the best medical care available without worrying about the cost to you.
- It is a financial safeguard against emergencies. It serves to protect you in the event of a robbery or theft of your belongings.
- It can provide repatriation or emergency medical evacuation to your home country. This includes transportation to other countries in case of an emergency medical event or if you require advanced medical care.
Things to Do for Travelers in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has preserved its history well and has multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country is famous for its horses, carpets, and vibrant bazaars. The Turkmen are descendants of nomadic desert tribes.
- Ashgabat: The capital city of the country is called “the city of love”. It is a mixture of grand ornate buildings and modern architecture. You can see the monuments of world leaders around the city. The Altyn Asyr bazaar is worth a visit too, especially if you are in the market for a Turkmen carpet. Other attractions include the Wedding Palace and the National Museum of Turkmenistan.
- Konye Urgench: UNESCO lists this ancient town as a World Heritage Site. The famous Arabic traveler Ibn Battuta mentions Konye Urgench in his writings. With two minarets, an ancient mosque, and a mausoleum, it serves as an open-air museum. Turkmen from all over the country make pilgrimages here year-round.
- Gonur Depe: Gonur Depe is a historical site dating back to the Bronze Age. It was contemporary to the Mesopotamian and Indus Valley civilizations and has a central citadel almost two square kilometers (about 0.75 square miles) in size. If you are a history buff, then visiting this site should be on your bucket list.
- Merv: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oasis of Merv is in the Karakum Desert at the Ama Darya River’s crossing. It is an ancient city of huge archaeological significance dating back to the Bronze Age.
- Darvaza Flaming Crater: In 1971, an oil rig struck a large pocket of natural gas near the town of Darvaza. The rig collapsed, resulting in an enormous crater filled with methane gas. Geologists lit the poisonous gas on fire rather than let it escape into the nearby town. While expected to burn itself out, the fire burns to this day and has earned the nickname “The Gateway to Hell”. Visit it at night to enjoy this strange phenomenon.
- Turkmen Horse Festival: This is an annual festival held on the last Sunday of April. It celebrates the famous Akhal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan. Horse races around the country attract the attendance of thousands of people globally.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a secure traveling place as long as you obey the law. Tourism in Turkmenistan is new, and travel scams aren't a common business for locals. Incidents of violent crime, pick-pocketing, mugging, and theft are rare. But as an international traveler, there are some travel risks that you should consider:
- Restricted areas and no-travel zones: Several zones in Turkmenistan are no-travel zones for tourists. They do not allow travelers near the border regions with Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. Some areas along the Caspian coast also fall under this category. Always consult an official guide to avoid problems.
- Vodka terrorism: Poverty and low employment rates have led to a boom in alcoholism. Vodka terrorism happens when a local Turkmen wants to fight or rob you after drinking too much vodka. Steer clear of drunk individuals when traveling here.
- Vaccinations: The World Health Organization recommends vaccinations before traveling to Turkmenistan. Hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, polio, rubella, tetanus, typhoid, and varicella are some of them. Vaccinations against meningitis, rabies, and tuberculosis are advised for travelers who intend on traveling longer.
- High temperatures: Turkmenistan's summer temperatures can be extreme. Staying hydrated and covering up exposed areas of the skin to avoid sunburn is a must.
Before You Travel to Turkmenistan…
- Vaccination: The WHO recommends travelers get a number of vaccinations before traveling to Turkmenistan. A few common ones include those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, yellow fever, measles, mumps, and varicella.
- Always drink clean water: Avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes in drinks, as they may contain traces of metal. Only drink boiled, purified, filtered, or bottled water.
- Documentation: Having your identification and travel documents organized goes a long way. It ensures a smooth journey and transition and makes the experience more enjoyable.