Anau
Anau, Turkmenistan at a Glance
Costs: Typical tourist budget: $30-$60/day - very affordable local costs; proximity to Ashgabat increases transport options.
Safety: Stable but regulated - exercise caution - stable security but strict regulations; follow local laws and travel requirements.
Best Time: Best months: March-May, September-October - mild spring and autumn months are best for outdoor archaeological visits.
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.
Best Things to Do in Anau, Turkmenistan
Archaeological Site
Nisa
Ancient Parthian fortress city ruins near Ashgabat
Mosque
Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque
Large modern mosque with grand marble architecture
Stadium
Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Olympic Stadium
Large Ashgabat stadium used for national sports events
Mosque
Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque
Prominent Ashgabat mosque named after Ertuğrul Gazi.
Monument
Neutrality Monument
Monumental Turkmen landmark symbolizing national neutrality in Ashgabat
Stadium
Ashgabat Stadium
Large national stadium in Ashgabat used for sports
Monument
Independence Monument (Turkmenistan)
Monument celebrating Turkmen independence in Ashgabat
Tower
Turkmenistan Tower
Tall communication tower and city landmark in Ashgabat
Anau, Turkmenistan Bucket List
Don't Miss
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.
Hidden Gems
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.
Day Trips
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.
Winter
Mild days and cool nights make sightseeing pleasant; some hilltops remain windy. Good for walking and museum visits without summer crowds.
Spring
Warm, dry, and comfortable - ideal for ruins and city touring. Expect fragrant blossoms and long daylight for full day trips.
Summer
Very hot, sun-drenched days make outdoor sightseeing tough; plan morning excursions, find air-conditioned breaks, avoid strenuous daytime activities, and carry plenty of water.
Anau'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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -2° - 7° | 0° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Good | -1° - 9° | 2° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 2.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| March | Good | 4° - 15° | 8° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 11° - 23° | 17° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 49% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.0h |
| May | Excellent | 16° - 29° | 23° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 36% | 2.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.0h |
| June | Ideal | 21° - 36° | 29° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 23% | 3.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.5h |
| July | Ideal | 24° - 38° | 31° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 20% | 3.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.3h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 36° | 29° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 18% | 2.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.4h |
| September | Ideal | 16° - 31° | 23° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 22% | 2.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 9° - 23° | 16° | 15 mm | mostly sunny | 34% | 2.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Very Good | 4° - 16° | 9° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 51% | 2.3 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.0h |
| December | Good | 0° - 9° | 3° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 2.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
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 best accessed via Ashgabat (ASB) and then a short taxi or marshrutka ride. For comfort and quick transfers use taxis; marshrutkas and buses are the cheapest option for budget travelers.
- Taxi (US$5-15) - Taxis are the most convenient way to reach Anau from Ashgabat airport or train station; rides take ~20-30 minutes and are affordable if you agree a fare beforehand or use a reputable service.
- Marshrutka / City bus (US$0.2-1) - Shared minibuses and city buses connect Ashgabat with Anau on a frequent basis; they are very cheap but can be crowded and less comfortable with luggage. Timetables are informal-ask locally for the nearest stop.
- Train (domestic) (Varies by route) - Ashgabat’s rail station runs domestic services to other Turkmen cities. Trains are useful for longer-distance travel but are not typically used for the short hop between Ashgabat and Anau.
- Car hire (US$40-80/day) - Hiring a car or arranging a driver from Ashgabat gives flexibility to explore the surrounding Ahal Region and archaeological sites near Anau. Expect daily rates higher than local transport but convenient for remote sites.
- Walking - Anau is compact enough to walk around locally; walking is practical for short distances within the town and to nearby sites.
Where to Stay in Anau, Turkmenistan
Budget
Anau / near Ashgabat - $25-90/night
Anau is primarily archaeological and village-scale; few hotels list online. Most visitors stay in Ashgabat for wider choice.
Wyndham (Ashgabat options) - Budget to mid-range alternatives in Ashgabat
Mid-Range
Ashgabat - $60-150/night
Mid-range hotels are available in nearby Ashgabat rather than Anau; expect larger hotels with English booking pages there.
Wyndham (Ashgabat hotels) - Comfortable, internationally-branded options
Hyatt listings (check Ashgabat) - Regional mid-to-upper range choices
Luxury
Ashgabat - $140-300+/night
Anau itself lacks luxury hotels; choose high-end international hotels in Ashgabat for premium amenities and services.
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
Turkmen Home Cooking
Anau is a gateway to Turkmen cuisine - family-run cafés and teahouses serve plov, kebabs, shorba and freshly baked flatbread in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tea Houses & Bakeries
Small bakeries and tea houses are central here: expect warm breads, sweets and strong tea - ideal for quick stops or casual social meals.
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.