Anau Travel Guide
Discover the best attractions, activities, and accommodations in Anau. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide to Anau, Turkmenistan.
- Introduction to Anau
- List of Places to Visit in Anau
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Anau
- Best Things to Do in Anau: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Anau
- Food and Drink Scene of Anau
- Where to Stay in Anau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Anau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Anau
- Best Time to Visit Anau
- Do’s and Don’ts of Anau
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Anau: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around Anau
- Where to Go Next from Anau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Anau
Anau, located in the Ahal Province of Turkmenistan, is a small yet vibrant city offering visitors a glimpse into Turkmen culture and history. Rich in cultural heritage sites and natural wonders, Anau is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
List of Places to Visit in Anau
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Anau Mosque: A historical mosque estimated to have been built in the 15th century that is still in use today.
- Abivert Complex: A shrine and museum dedicated to a prominent Sufi teacher and his followers.
- Anau Cemetery: A burial ground with mausoleums of prominent figures from the region’s history including the grand vizier of Iran’s Safavid dynasty.
Natural Attractions of Anau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Kopetdag Mountains: Anau is located at the foothills of these beautiful mountains, offering visitors breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
- Anau Nature Reserve: A protected area with a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered goitered gazelle.
- Garagum Desert: Explore the vast desert landscape by booking a camel ride or jeep safari tour.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Anau
- Kopetdag Mountains Hike: A challenging hike up to the mountain’s summit that rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of the region.
- Anau Nature Reserve Trail: A moderate hike through the reserve’s diverse terrain, including forests, streams and open plains.
- Anau City Biking Tour: An easy bike route that covers the city’s main highlights including the Anau Mosque and Abivert Complex.
Best Things to Do in Anau: Activities and Tours
- Abivert Complex Tour: Book a guided tour of the shrine and its’ museum to learn more about the Sufi culture and traditions.
- Anau Nature Reserve Jeep Safari: Hire a jeep and explore the natural beauty of Anau’s nature reserve. Don’t forget your camera!
- Kopetdag Mountains Adventure: Book a guided tour of the mountains and experience spectacular views and a challenging ascent to the summit.
Week-Long Itinerary for Anau
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Anau city, visit Anau Mosque and Anau Cemetery |
| 2 | Head out to Kopetdag Mountains for a full day hike, explore the local flora and fauna |
| 3 | Visit the Abivert Complex, have guided tour of the complex and learn about the Sufi culture |
| 4 | Rent a bike and explore the city on a biking tour |
| 5 | Enjoy an Anau Nature Reserve Jeep safari tour |
| 6 | Visit nearby cities like Baharly, and Mary |
| 7 | Relax at one of Anau’s cafés and review your trip, souvenir shopping |
Food and Drink Scene of Anau
Must-Try Dishes
- Plov: Rice pilaf with lamb or beef meat cooked in a flavorful onion-garlic base.
- Lagman: Noodle soup with beef or lamb meat, vegetables, and herbs.
- Chalpak: A flaky pastry filled with meat, onions, and herbs.
Local Beverages
- Chal: A yogurt-based drink, often served with sumac or sugar.
- Shalgam: A fermented turnip juice, often consumed with Turkish-style kebabs.
- Arkhi: A homemade, fermented alcoholic beverage made from animal milk.
Where to Stay in Anau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotel Nissa: A centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
- Hostel Anau: A budget-friendly option with dormitory-style rooms and shared bathrooms, located in the city center.
- Guest House Vatan: A cozy guest house with a friendly staff and comfortable rooms, located in a quiet residential area.
What to Buy in Anau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Traditional Turkmen Carpets: Purchase a stunning Turkmen carpet, made with natural dyes and wool, passed down through generations.
- Akhal-Teke Horse Souvenirs: The Akhal-Teke horse is the national symbol of Turkmenistan, buy souvenirs like miniature horses or horsehair jewelry to take home as a reminder of your trip.
- Turkmenistan Traditional Clothing: Explore the Anau markets and shop for traditional Turkmen garments, such as the traditional long, flowing dress.
Local Culture and Customs of Anau
Turkmenistan is an Islamic country, and visitors should be respectful of local culture and customs. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting shrines and mosques, and avoid eating or drinking in public during the month of Ramadan, while also avoiding public displays of affection.
Best Time to Visit Anau
Anau has hot and dry summers with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, while its winters are cold with occasional snowfall. The best time to visit Anau is between April and June as well as in September and October, where temperatures are moderate and the weather is sunny and clear.
Do’s and Don’ts of Anau
Do:
- Dress conservatively, particularly when entering mosques or visiting shrines.
- Greet locals with “Salam aleykum” (peace be upon you) followed by “waleikum as-salam” (and upon you be peace).
- Take off your shoes when entering a mosque or a shrine.
Don’t:
- Drink alcohol in public as it is strictly prohibited by law.
- Photograph military or government buildings as this may be considered a criminal offense.
- Disrespect Turkmen values and traditions.
Safety and Health
Safety in Anau
Anau is a relatively safe city with a low crime rate. Visitors should stick to well-lit and populated areas at night and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid discussions of politics or criticizing the government as this may lead to repercussions.
Health in Anau
Visitors should drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water. It’s also safer to avoid street food and stick to restaurants and cafés with good hygiene practices. It’s recommended to bring your necessary medication as sourcing from a local pharmacy may be difficult.
Getting to Anau: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Anau
Turkmenistan’s Ashgabat International Airport receives international flights from various parts of the world, including Asia and Europe. Anau is located 17 miles northwest of Ashgabat and can be reached by taxi or car rental.
Bus Stations Near Anau
Anau Bus Station services travelers headed to various parts of the country, including Mary and Ashgabat. It’s also easy to reach Anau via a taxi from Ashgabat or other neighboring cities.
Other Options
Renting a car or booking a private driver is also an option. Follow safe driving protocols if renting a vehicle.
How to Get Around Anau
Anau is a small city, and visitors can easily get around on foot or by bicycle. Alternatively, taxis are readily available and can be hired for the day.
Where to Go Next from Anau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Anau is located in the heart of Turkmenistan, perfect for exploring nearby cities like Ashgabat, Mary, and Baharly. Other popular options include visiting ancient ruined cities of Nisa or Merv, and the mesmerizing Darvaza gas crater.
Conclusion
Anau, despite being a small city, is full of cultural, historical, and natural wonders waiting to be explored. With its warm hospitality and fascinating history, a trip to Anau is an unforgettable experience that will leave visitors with memories for a lifetime.
