Anau, Turkmenistan Travel Guide
City Turkmen city in Ahal Province
Just east of Ashgabat, Anau offers an archaeological site, carpet workshops and quieter bazaars. Travelers combine short visits to ancient layers with trips into the Kopet Dag foothills and evenings tasting spiced lamb at small roadside teahouses.
Why Visit Anau, Turkmenistan? #
Anau appeals to travelers fascinated by deep history and Turkmen heritage: the nearby Anau archaeological site preserves layers of Neolithic and Bronze Age occupation and pottery that helped define the region’s early cultures. Visitors can pair the ruins with experiences of Turkmen crafts - especially carpet weaving - and the country’s famous Akhal‑Teke horse tradition at nearby studs. Its proximity to Ashgabat makes Anau an accessible window into ancient settlement and living cultural practices.
Top Things to Do in Anau, Turkmenistan
All Attractions ›
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- Anau Archaeological Site - Eneolithic and Bronze Age remains revealing early urban settlement near modern Ashgabat.
- Anau Museum - Local displays of pottery, tools and explanations of Anau's archaeological significance.
- Akhal-Teke horse stables - Nearby stables keep Akhal-Teke horses, with occasional viewing and stable tours available.
- Traditional pottery workshops - Small workshops produce traditional ceramics reflecting regional patterns and ancient techniques.
- Older mud-brick houses - Scattered older mud-brick houses showcase vernacular techniques and local building traditions.
- Neighborhood teahouses - Neighborhood teahouses offer Turkmen tea, pastries, and relaxed social atmosphere.
- Ashgabat - Turkmenistan's capital with grand monuments, museums and modern marble architecture nearby.
- Kow-Ata underground lake - Natural subterranean lake offering warm bathing pools located within a scenic karst area.
Best Time to Visit Anau, Turkmenistan #
Best to visit Anau in spring or autumn when days are warm and evenings cool - ideal for nearby archaeological sites and Ashgabat excursions. Summers are extremely hot and arid.
Best Time to Visit Anau, Turkmenistan #
Anau, Turkmenistan's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 40 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 38°C and lows of 24°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Anau, Turkmenistan
Anau is a short drive east of Ashgabat, so the easiest approach is via Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) or Ashgabat rail/bus hubs. Local marshrutkas and taxis provide the frequent short transfers between the capital and Anau.
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB): Ashgabat’s airport is the main international gateway for visiting Anau (about 10-20 km away). Taxi rides from the airport to Anau typically take 20-30 minutes; fares are commonly in the range of US$5-15 depending on vehicle and negotiation.
Mary Airport (MYP) / Turkmenabat (CRZ): For some regional itineraries travelers may arrive via other Turkmen airports, but Ashgabat is the most practical for Anau. From regional airports expect longer ground transfers (1-3+ hours) and higher taxi costs.
Train: Ashgabat Railway Station offers domestic train services to Turkmen cities; schedules vary and trains are used for longer-distance domestic travel. The station in Ashgabat is the main rail hub for reaching surrounding towns.
Bus / Marshrutka: Local marshrutkas (shared minibuses) and city buses run between Ashgabat and nearby Anau; expect a 20-30 minute ride from central Ashgabat with fares typically very low (around US$0.2-1). Taxis are more convenient and faster if you have luggage.
How to Get Around Anau, Turkmenistan #
Anau is close to Ashgabat and is typically reached by taxi or shared minibus from the capital. The archaeological and mosque areas are walked between on site. Public transport options are basic; if you’re staying in Ashgabat, plan for a short taxi trip. Roads around Anau are straightforward but signage can be limited.
Where to Stay in Anau, Turkmenistan #
- Wyndham (Ashgabat options) - Budget to mid-range alternatives in Ashgabat
- Wyndham (Ashgabat hotels) - Comfortable, internationally-branded options
- Hyatt listings (check Ashgabat) - Regional mid-to-upper range choices
- Wyndham Grand / Regency (Ashgabat) - Top-end international chain properties
- Corinthia (regional luxury) - Luxury chain options in Turkmenistan's capital
Where to Eat in Anau, Turkmenistan #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Anau, Turkmenistan's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Anau, Turkmenistan #
Nightlife in Anau is minimal; most evening activity is in Ashgabat. Expect quiet nights and few tourist-oriented entertainment options.
Shopping in Anau, Turkmenistan #
Anau itself has only small local markets and everyday shops. For meaningful shopping - handicrafts, bigger markets and modern stores - you’ll want to go into Ashgabat. Local vendors may sell simple souvenirs near the archaeological areas.