This invite-only country could soon open up to travellers
The phrase 'off the beaten track' gets a little overused, but it definitely applies to Turkmenistan, one of the world's most closed-off destinations.
Why? Well, since it gained independence from the Soviet Union back in 1991, Turkmenistan has been run by an autocratic government, has relied economically on its vast natural gas supply, and has historically operated with very, very strict entry requirements – visas have to be obtained in advance, and travellers must supply a 'letter of invitation'.
But according to the Independent, a new law has just been passed which will mean the country is much easier to visit. Travellers will now just have to fill out a simplified online form and no longer need to be 'invited'. It's down to President Serdar Berdymukhamedov to decide the types of electronic visas that are available and how they're issued, as well as how long they're valid for, but the new process should make life easier for those visiting for business or as tourists.
And in terms of what to go and see once you've arrived, there's a handful of intriguing sights – why not start the 'gates of hell'? Yep, you read that right. It's actually known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, but you'll soon see how this 60 by 20 metre chasm got its name.
Reportedly formed by a gas exploration accident back in 1971, the crater has been burning away in the Kakarum desert. Geologists set it alight to prevent the spread of harmful gas, expecting it to burn off in a few weeks, but it's still going to this day.
Turkmenistan also sits at the heart of the Silk Road, and Merv, an oasis city which began as a trading centre around 4,000 years ago, is a UNESCO-protected world heritage site well worth visiting.
Then there's the striking Yangykala Canyon, which translates to fiery fortresses in English, and is a dramatic rock formation around 160km east of Türkmenbaşy, the Köw Ata Underground Lake, the Kyrk Gyz Cave and the Saparmurat Hajji Mosque. The country's capital Ashgabat is eerily known as the 'city of the dead' and has a famous Sunday market called Tolkuchka Bazaar.
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