Yoloten - Discovering Turkmenistan

Travelling to Yoloten

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Yoloten, a pretty good destination in Turkmenistan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Yoloten and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Yoloten, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Turkmenistan, here's everything to know about Yoloten for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Yoloten

Yoloten is a district in the eastern part of Turkmenistan, located in the Mary region. It is known for its vast gas fields, which make up a significant portion of Turkmenistan's natural gas reserves. The district features a desert landscape with occasional oases, as well as interesting local cuisine and traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving and pottery making. There are also several historical and cultural sites in the area, such as the ancient Abiverd city ruins and the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum.

What to visit in Yoloten

Yoloten is a district in the Mary Province of Turkmenistan. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Yoloten: 1. Darvaza Gas Crater: One of the most iconic attractions in Turkmenistan, the Darvaza Gas Crater is a fiery pit that has been burning for decades. It is a natural gas crater that was set alight to burn off the excess gas in the 1970s and has been blazing ever since.
2. Gyz Gala: An ancient fortress that dates back to the Parthian era, Gyz Gala is a remarkable piece of Turkmenistan's history. The fortress was underground for centuries before being rediscovered in the 20th century.
3. Gonur Depe: Another archaeological site dating back to the Bronze Age, Gonur Depe is a complex of ruins that belong to one of the earliest civilizations in Central Asia. The site includes the remains of an ancient city, a tomb, and a palace.
4. Kugitang Nature Reserve: Located in the northeast of Yoloten district, Kugitang Nature Reserve is a protected area that covers more than 14,000 hectares. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including mountain goats, leopards, and wild boars.
5. Mary Museum of History and Ethnography: A great place to learn about the region's cultural heritage, the Mary Museum of History and Ethnography has a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the region from prehistoric times to the modern era.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Turkmenistan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Yoloten.

When to go on holiday to Yoloten

The best time to visit Yoloten, Turkmenistan is during the spring season (March to May) and fall season (September to November), when the weather is milder and more pleasant. During these seasons, temperatures are typically between 15-25 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for exploring the desert landscapes and visiting historical sites. The summer months (June to August) are extremely hot in Yoloten with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius. The winter months (December to February) can be quite cool with temperatures dropping below freezing at night.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Yoloten

Yoloten is a small town in Turkmenistan located in the Mary province, in the southeast of the country. The town is primarily known for its gas reserves and the Yoloten-Osman gas field.
To get to Yoloten, you can fly to the Mary International Airport, which lies about 45 km south of Yoloten. There are several international airlines that operate flights to Mary, including Turkish Airlines, Fly Dubai, Belavia and S7 Airlines. Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Yoloten.
Alternatively, you could also take a bus or a marshrutka (a shared taxi-van) from the nearby city of Mary to Yoloten. The journey takes around 45 minutes, and the buses and marshrutkas usually leave from the Mary bus station.
It is important to note that Turkmenistan imposes several restrictions on foreign visitors and travel within the country can be difficult without prior arrangements. It is therefore advisable to seek the assistance of a local travel agent or tour operator to help organize your travel to Yoloten.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Yoloten, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Yoloten

Here are some examples of typical foods in Yoloten, Turkmenistan: 1. Plov - This is a popular dish made with rice, onions, carrots, and meat (usually lamb or beef). Sometimes raisins or other dried fruits are added for sweetness and flavor.
2. Manty - These are steamed dumplings filled with ground meat and onions. Sometimes they are served with sour cream or a spicy tomato sauce.
3. Shashlik - This is a type of kebab made with marinated meat (usually lamb or beef) that is grilled on skewers over an open flame. It is usually served with fresh vegetables and bread.
4. Ash - This is a thick soup made with lamb or beef and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes. It is sometimes served with noodles or dumplings.
5. Samsa - These are savory pastries filled with ground meat and onions. They are usually baked in a tandoor oven and are a popular snack or breakfast food.
6. Dushpara - These are small dumplings filled with ground lamb or beef and cooked in a broth. They are similar to Manty, but smaller in size.
7. Halva - This is a sweet confection made from ground sesame seeds, sugar, and sometimes nuts or dried fruit. It is often served as a dessert or snack with tea. I hope this helps you!
You can find general info about typical foods in Turkmenistan here.

Is Yoloten an expensive destination for tourists?

Yoloten, like most regions in Turkmenistan, is generally considered an expensive destination for tourists. Travelers to Yoloten can expect to pay higher prices for accommodations, food, transportation, and activities than in many other destinations.
Additionally, Turkmenistan has strict visa requirements and a relatively limited tourist infrastructure, which can make planning a trip more difficult and costly.
However, Yoloten does offer unique cultural and historical attractions, such as the Kow Ata Underground Lake and the Yangysuw Natural Gas Crater, which may make the cost of travel worth it for some adventurous travelers.

Where to find accomodation in Yoloten

Yoloten is located in the eastern part of Turkmenistan, near the border with Uzbekistan. There are several areas near Yoloten where you can find accommodation: 1. Mary: This is the nearest major city to Yoloten and has a good selection of hotels and guesthouses.
2. Ashgabat: The capital city of Turkmenistan, located about 400 km west of Yoloten. There are many hotels and guesthouses in Ashgabat.
3. Turkmenabat: This city is located about 250 km north of Yoloten. There are several hotels and guesthouses in Turkmenabat.
4. Dashoguz: This city is located about 400 km northwest of Yoloten. There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Dashoguz.
Please note that accommodation options in Turkmenistan may be limited and it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
You can check hotel prices at Yoloten here:
Booking.com

Is Yoloten a safe destination for tourists?

Yoloten is a region in Turkmenistan that is generally safe for tourists. However, it's always advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night. It's also recommended to follow local laws and customs and avoid any political demonstrations or public gatherings. Additionally, ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents and insurance before visiting Turkmenistan.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Turkmenistan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Yoloten.

What type of travelers will enjoy Yoloten the most?

Yoloten, Turkmenistan is known for its natural gas reserves and is not typically a tourist destination. However, if someone were planning a trip there, it would likely be most enjoyable for couples or solo travelers who are seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Yoloten does not offer many attractions, so it may not be the best destination for families or young people looking for excitement and entertainment.

How to get around Yoloten

Yoloten is a district in Turkmenistan, and the most common way of transportation is by car or taxi. You can hire a car or taxi from the nearest city, Mary, or from the capital city, Ashgabat. Buses are also available, but they may not be as frequent or reliable as taxis. It's recommended to hire a driver who knows the area well to navigate the roads in Yoloten. Additionally, there are no airports or train stations in Yoloten, so air or rail travel is not a viable option.

What to see around Yoloten

Sure, below are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Yoloten, Turkmenistan: 1. Kow-ata Underground Lake: Situated around 40 kilometers east of Yoloten, Kow-ata Underground Lake is a stunning cave formation that houses a turquoise pool of water. Visitors can explore the area and swim in the lake, which is believed to have healing properties.
2. Yangykala Canyon: Located around 150 kilometers northwest of Yoloten, Yangykala Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder with towering rock formations and vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow. Visitors can hike along the canyon edge and take in the stunning views.
3. Darwaza Gas Crater: Situated around 240 kilometers northwest of Yoloten, the Darwaza Gas Crater is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers. This massive crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert has been burning continuously for over 40 years, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape.
4. Ancient Merv: Situated around 140 kilometers southeast of Yoloten, Ancient Merv is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts some of the best-preserved Silk Road ruins in Central Asia. Visitors can explore the impressive well-preserved historical monuments in the area and learn about the rich history of the region.
5. Gonur Depe: Located around 300 kilometers southeast of Yoloten, Gonur Depe is an ancient archaeological site that dates back to the Bronze Age. Visitors can explore the remains of the city and learn about the ancient culture and civilization that once thrived there.
For every travel information about Turkmenistan you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.