Anau, Turkmenistan 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.
106°F
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#
_(45999846362).jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Anau, Turkmenistan Bucket List#
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.
December - February
0°C - 15°C (32°F - 59°F)
Mild days and cool nights make sightseeing pleasant; some hilltops remain windy. Good for walking and museum visits without summer crowds.
March - May
15°C - 30°C (59°F - 86°F)
Warm, dry, and comfortable - ideal for ruins and city touring. Expect fragrant blossoms and long daylight for full day trips.
June - August
30°C - 42°C (86°F - 108°F)
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, 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.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month with highs of 38°C and lows of 24°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
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#
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
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
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#
Anau is a gateway to Turkmen cuisine - family-run cafés and teahouses serve plov, kebabs, shorba and freshly baked flatbread in a relaxed atmosphere.
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.
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.
Nightlife in Anau, Turkmenistan#
Nightlife in Anau is minimal; most evening activity is in Ashgabat. Expect quiet nights and few tourist-oriented entertainment options.
