Lebap Province Travel Guide

This travel guide provides all the information you need to plan your trip to Lebap Province, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and tips for safety and health.


Introduction to Lebap Province

Lebap Province is located in the eastern part of Turkmenistan, bordering Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The region is known for its diverse landscape, including vast deserts, mountains, and lakes. It also has a rich cultural history, with ancient cities and monuments that date back to the Silk Road era. In this travel guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of places to visit, activities to do, and tips for planning your trip to Lebap Province.

List of Places to Visit in Lebap Province

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Khujand Kala: Located in the city of Mary, Khujand Kala is a well-preserved 7th-century fortress that served as the residence of the governor of ancient Merv.
  2. Abiverd Ruins: These ancient ruins are located in the Abiverd Mountains and are believed to date back to the 9th-century.
  3. Gonur Depe: This ancient city was once a major center of the Margiana civilization and contains archaeological artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age.

Natural Attractions of Lebap Province: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Koytendag Mountains: These mountains offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and are a popular destination for hiking and camping.
  2. Karakum Desert: The largest desert in Central Asia, the Karakum is a destination for adventure seekers who want to ride camels or jeeps across the sand dunes.
  3. Garabogazköl: This lake is the largest in Turkmenistan and is known for its unique pink color.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lebap Province

  1. Koytendag Nature Reserve Hike: This 4-day hike takes you through the Koytendag Mountains and ends at the Pink Lake.
  2. Karakum Desert Bike Tour: This multi-day bike tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Karakum Desert and stops at several cultural sites along the way.

Best Things to Do in Lebap Province: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit Ancient Merv: This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the ruins of several ancient cities, including Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and Sultan Kala.
  2. Take a Camel Ride Through the Desert: Experience the Karakum Desert on a traditional camel ride.
  3. Explore the Museums of Mary: Mary is home to several museums, including the National Museum of Turkmenistan and the History Museum of Mary.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lebap Province

Day 1-2: Explore the ancient ruins of Merv Day 3-4: Hike the Koytendag Mountains and visit the Pink Lake Day 5-6: Take a bike tour through the Karakum Desert and visit cultural sites along the way Day 7: Explore the museums of Mary before departing

Food and Drink Scene of Lebap Province

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Shashlyk: Grilled skewers of lamb or beef, commonly served with bread and salad.
  2. Plov: A traditional Turkmenistan rice dish that is often served with lamb, carrots, and fried onions.
  3. Laghman: A savory noodle dish served with meat and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  1. Chai: A traditional Turkmen tea that is often served with sugar and sometimes with a twist of lemon.
  2. Akhal: A type of fermented camel milk that is slightly sour and has a creamy texture.

Where to Stay in Lebap Province: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Bahar Hotel: A 3-star hotel located in Mary that offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
  2. Lebap Guesthouse: A budget-friendly guesthouse located in the city of Turkmenabat.
  3. Yrsgal Hotel: A high-end hotel located near the Pink Lake that offers luxurious accommodations and an on-site restaurant.

What to Buy in Lebap Province: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Turkmen Carpets: Handwoven carpets that come in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns.
  2. Traditional Jewelry: Jewelry made from silver, gold, and precious stones that are often passed down from generation to generation.
  3. Camel Hair Products: Products made from the soft hair of Turkmenistan’s famous camels, including scarves, hats, and shawls.

Local Culture and Customs of Lebap Province

Turkmenistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and beliefs. It is customary for men and women to dress modestly in public, and visitors should remove their shoes before entering someone’s home or a mosque. Alcohol is not readily available in Turkmenistan, and travelers should not bring alcohol into the country.

Best Time to Visit Lebap Province

The best time to visit Lebap Province is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and the weather is comfortable for outdoor activities. Summers in Lebap Province can be hot and dry, and winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lebap Province

Do:

  1. Dress modestly in public.
  2. Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  3. Learn a few phrases in Turkmen.

Don’t:

  1. Bring alcohol into the country.
  2. Take photos of government buildings or military personnel.
  3. Be disrespectful of local customs and beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lebap Province

Lebap Province is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should take precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas or walking alone at night, to minimize the risk of theft or assault.

Health in Lebap Province

Visitors should take the necessary precautions to avoid foodborne illness, such as washing hands regularly and staying away from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Visitors should also drink only bottled water and avoid tap water to prevent water-borne illnesses.

Getting to Lebap Province: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lebap Province

The nearest airport to Lebap Province is the Mary International Airport, which offers flights to several major cities in Turkmenistan.

Bus Stations Near Lebap Province

Turkmenistan has a reliable bus network that connects major cities and towns throughout the country. The Turkmenabat Bus Station is the largest in Lebap Province and offers regular services to neighboring cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Lebap Province by train, with several routes connecting major cities throughout the country.

How to Get Around in Lebap Province

Visitors can travel in Lebap Province by bus or private car. Taxis are also available, although visitors should negotiate a fare before getting in the car.

Where to Go Next from Lebap Province: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Dashoguz: A city located in the northern part of Turkmenistan known for its historical and cultural attractions, including the Kunya Urgench UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Ashgabat: The capital city of Turkmenistan, known for its impressive modern architecture and cultural sites.

Conclusion

Lebap Province is a fascinating destination for travelers who want to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural history of Turkmenistan. Visitors can hike through the Koytendag Mountains, explore ancient ruins, and sample traditional Turkmen cuisine. With this travel guide, you should have all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Lebap Province.



    Köýtendag Nature Reserve
    Türkmenabat