Dekhistan
It took some off-road driving to reach - in return, we got more than just ruins: probably the best night in the country.
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Darvaza gas crater
Probably one of the strangest places I have seen on our planet, the ever burning gas crater of Darvaza could be the closest image of hell you can get on earth.
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Köw Ata underground lake
Ideal if you want to block out the sun for a while, the underground lake of Köw Ata is, indeed, far from any daylight. It also is a major site for newly weds to celebrate their union.
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Arch of Neutrality
A pinnacle in a sea of totalitarian architecture, the Arch of Neutrality offers fantastic views over the city, and a spectacle at night.
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Independence Park
Turkmen nationalism and the Niyazov personality cult combined find their zenith in the Independence Park which is one of the most telling examples of the uniqueness of the capital city.
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Izmukshir
Once a major city in medieval Khorezm, and the birthplace of one of the best known scholars, Izmukshir now is a semi-desert plain surrounded by badly damaged city walls.
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Merv
Once a major city, one of the most important landmarks of the Silk Road, and a principal centre of studies, Merv was brutally sacked by Genghis Khan, and now is one of the major historic sights of Central Asia.
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Nokhur
A remote village in the Kopet Dag mountain range, Nokhur has retained much of its authenticity independent from developments in the rest of the country.
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Nisa
Ancient ruins which are only partly uncovered, Nisa is the closest ancient place to Ashgabat and still holds lots of unsolved questions and mysteries, and makes for a worthwhile excursion.
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Konye-Urgench
Spread across a large empty plain, the area around Konye-Urgench holds a wide array of different sights, including probably the most impressive building of the country.
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Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque
A chilling example of how religion can be used in a political way, the Turkmenbashy Ruhy mosque was one of the last great projects of Niyazov before his death. Next door, a mausoleum with his own tomb, and those of his relatives.
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Yangykala Canyon & Gozli Ata
Probably one of the most most beautiful and wild nature areas in the entire country, Yangykala Canyon is different from what you probably expect in a canyon - and Gozli Ata, an attractive remote shrine.
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read and sign the