Celebrate Nowruz in Turkmenistan: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

When someone mentions New Year, you probably think of 1 January. But across Central Asia and parts of the Middle East, millions of people celebrate the start of a new year in March. This celebration is called Nowruz (also spelled Newroz, Norouz or Navruz) and marks the arrival of spring after the long winter months. Families gather, cities come alive with music and celebrations, traditional dishes are prepared, and nature slowly turns green again.

If you’re looking for one of the most authentic places to experience Nowruz, Turkmenistan might surprise you. While neighbouring countries like Uzbekistan attract many visitors during the festival, Turkmenistan remains one of the least-visited countries in the world. That means you’ll experience one of Central Asia’s most important celebrations with very few international tourists around.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Nowruz and why travelling through Turkmenistan during this special time of year is such a unique experience.

What is Newroz?

The word Nowruz literally means “new day” in Persian. The festival has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years and has its roots in ancient Persia. Today, more than 300 million people celebrate Nowruz across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and beyond. Unlike New Year’s Eve on 31 December, Nowruz follows the spring equinox, usually on 21 March. It marks the moment when day and night are almost equal in length and symbolises renewal, hope and the beginning of spring. In 2009, UNESCO added Nowruz to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising its importance across many cultures.

Which countries celebrate Nowruz?

Although Nowruz originated in Persia, it is celebrated across a large part of Asia. Some of the countries where Nowruz plays an important role include:

• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
• Iran
• Azerbaijan
• Afghanistan
• Iraqi Kurdistan

Each country has developed its own traditions, foods and celebrations, making every destination a little different.

Why visit Turkmenistan during Nowruz?

Turkmenistan is already one of the most fascinating countries in Central Asia. The futuristic marble city of Ashgabat, the endless Karakum Desert, UNESCO Silk Road cities and the famous Darwaza Gas Crater make it unlike anywhere else on Earth. Visiting during Nowruz adds another dimension to your journey. Instead of only seeing monuments and landscapes, you’ll also experience local traditions that are normally reserved for Turkmen families and communities. Depending on the programme, visitors may experience:

• Traditional music performances
• Folk dancing
• Colourful celebrations
• Local markets
• Traditional Turkmen food
• Horse-related festivities
• Families celebrating the arrival of spring

What happens during Nowruz in Turkmenistan?

Nowruz is one of the biggest celebrations in Turkmenistan. On 21 March, families gather to celebrate the arrival of spring. People prepare traditional dishes, visit relatives and spend time outdoors. Throughout the country you’ll find cultural performances, music and celebrations.

Government-organised festivals are often held around Ashgabat, where visitors can enjoy traditional costumes, folk dances and local customs. Because these celebrations are organised by the government, schedules can sometimes change at short notice, oroccasionally be restricted or cancelled if attended by high-ranking government officials. Nevertheless, travelling during Nowruz offers a rare glimpse into Turkmen culture that relatively few foreign visitors experience.

Is March a good time to visit Turkmenistan?

Absolutely. March is one of the most pleasant months to travel through Turkmenistan. Temperatures are generally mild, making it much more comfortable to explore cities, archaeological sites and desert landscapes than during the hot summer months. Spring also brings colour back to the landscape after winter, making it an excellent time for photography.

Unique places to visit and things to do when in Turkmenistan

Ashgabat – the city of white marble

Turkmenistan’s capital is unlike any city you’ve ever visited. Filled with white marble buildings, giant monuments and remarkably wide boulevards, Ashgabat holds several Guinness World Records and is one of the world’s most unusual capitals.

Perhaps Turkmenistan’s most famous attraction. The Darwaza Gas Crater has been burning continuously since 1971, creating one of the most surreal landscapes in Central Asia. Spending the night in a nearby yurt while watching the crater glow under the stars is an unforgettable experience.

Ancient Merv

Once one of the greatest cities along the Silk Road, Merv is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ancient ruins tell the story of centuries of trade, culture and empires.

Yangykala Canyon

Often called Turkmenistan’s Grand Canyon, Yangykala surprises visitors with colourful rock formations in shades of red, pink and white. Despite its beauty, it remains one of the country’s least-visited natural attractions.

Ride the overnight train

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Turkmenistan is by taking the overnight train across the country. It offers a unique opportunity to travel like locals while covering long distances in comfort.

Meet the famous Akhal-Teke horses

The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse breeds in the world. Known for their metallic golden shine and incredible endurance, these horses are an important national symbol of Turkmenistan.

How do you travel to Turkmenistan?

Travelling independently through Turkmenistan can be challenging. Most visitors require a visa supported by a Letter of Invitation (LOI), and organised tours remain the easiest way to explore the country. The good news is that flights from Istanbul to Ashgabat make Turkmenistan surprisingly accessible from Europe.

Join our Nowruz Festival Group Tour

To celebrate this unique festival, we’ve created a brand-new Nowruz Festival Group Tour During 9 days, you’ll discover Turkmenistan’s most spectacular highlights while experiencing the country’s most important cultural celebration.

Highlights include:

• Celebrating Nowruz with local festivities
• Exploring Ashgabat
• Visiting the UNESCO sites of Nisa and Merv
• Discovering the colourful Yangykala Canyon
• Travelling on an overnight train
• Spending the night at the Darwaza Gas Crater
• Meeting the famous Akhal-Teke horses
• Crossing the Karakum Desert

With an experienced CultureRoad tour leader and knowledgeable local guide, you’ll experience a side of Turkmenistan that very few travellers ever see.

Why travel with CultureRoad?

At CultureRoad, we’ve specialised in unusual destinations for many years. We’ll help arrange the visa process, organise all transport within Turkmenistan and make sure you experience much more than the country’s famous landmarks. Travelling during Nowruz offers an extra layer to the journey—allowing you to experience not only the country’s landscapes, but also its traditions and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve always wanted to experience one of the world’s oldest New Year celebrations while visiting one of the least-visited countries on Earth, there’s no better time than March.

Our Nowruz Festival Group Tour combines Turkmenistan’s iconic highlights with a unique cultural celebration that few international travellers ever witness.

Interested? Take a look at our Nowruz Festival Tour or get in touch! We’d love to tell you more.