Balkan Region: Coast, Nature and Culture

Protected areas, striking rocky landscapes, the Caspian Sea coast and historic sites offer a range of reasons to visit the Balkan Region. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you want to focus on birdlife and nature, coastal activities or history. Hazar combines the theme of bird wintering with a large protected area; Avaza brings together coastal and leisure activities. Dehistan/Mishrian and Gerkez add historical architecture and museum collections to the regional picture.

Nature: Birdlife and striking landscapes

The Hazar State Nature Reserve covers approximately 268,000 hectares. It is a wintering ground for hundreds of bird species and is home to more than 300 species of waterbirds. Bird numbers vary seasonally, so the time of year is an important consideration for nature enthusiasts planning a visit. The reserve’s Hazar Nature Museum is an attraction; check the current visitor rules before visiting.

On Ogurjaly Island, the Ogurjaly State Nature Reserve was established to breed deer listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan. An official report from 2022 stated that their numbers later exceeded 2,000. The Balkan Region’s large-scale landscape features include the western foothills of the Kopetdag, the Uly Balkan and Kichi Balkan ranges, and the valleys of the Etrek, Sumbar and Chendir rivers.

The Yangykala natural landmark features steep cliffs in shades of white, yellow, red and violet, with red predominating. Akpatlavuk offers a different geological focus: the mud volcano is about 80 metres high, and its crater lake is around 150 metres wide. The two sites differ both in their form and in their landscapes.

Avaza: Coast and leisure

Along the coast of the Avaza National Tourist Zone, waves roll quietly onto soft, cool sand. Cycling paths have been laid through scenic areas in the resort zone, and people take walks along the Caspian Sea coastline and the Avaza River. On boat trips in Avaza, holidaymakers can view Turkmenistan’s Caspian Sea coast. Avaza Water Park is another place where visitors can spend time.

The Gämiler dünýäsi Museum (“World of Ships”) is located on the banks of the Avaza River. The Avaza Sanatorium has balneotherapy, mud therapy and hydrotherapy departments, as well as a pool and spa. Avaza therefore offers not only coastal and leisure activities but also a museum experience and a specific wellness focus.

History, architecture and collections

From the 10th to the 14th century, Dehistan/Mishrian was the most important city in western Turkmenistan. Parts of two minarets and the richly decorated, 18-metre-high portal of a mosque have survived. The remaining structures make the architecture of this historic site a distinct point of interest alongside its history and former importance.

The Gerkez branch of the Magtymguly Fragi Museum displays a ring that Magtymguly made for Mengli and a teapot that he brought from India for his sister Zubeyda. The collection also includes national dress, horse tack and tools once used in the home. The exhibits range from individual objects associated with Magtymguly to clothing and everyday items from earlier times.

The Magtym-maezzem Mausoleum is a well-preserved architectural monument in the Sumbar Valley, near the village of Magtym-gala in Magtymguly Etrap. Shibli-Baba, also known as Shyvlan, is a ritual complex at the foot of Mount Syunt-Hasar, 10 kilometres northeast of the settlement of Magtymguly. Different landmarks help orient visitors: the Sumbar Valley and Magtym-gala for the mausoleum, and Syunt-Hasar and the settlement of Magtymguly for the ritual complex.

The Sumbar Valley can be reached by mountain roads via Nukhur or Sayvan; a winding road then descends into the river valley. Check current road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Balkanabat, Lebap Region, Mary Region, Daşoguz Region, Ahal Region, Ashgabat

For the main travel overview: Turkmenistan.