In October this year, I did two fabulous and least visited countries back-to-back: Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Thirty days of spectacular human, cultural, and geographical terrain. For the traveller in me, it was 30 days of paradise!
The picture above is at Crocodile’s Mouth in Yangykala Canyon, Western Turkmenistan. Some millions of years ago the canyon was the prehistoric Tethys Sea’s ocean floor. Then continents collided and oceans receded, revealing miles and miles of this surreal desolate landscape in all its glory. And yes, I am standing on the edge of a crumbling limestone overhang. At times, I can be pretty brave too. 🙂
P.S. This image was taken by Dondon, a world traveller I met when visiting Turkmenistan.
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Wow! What a fantastic view! I saw this place before, but I thought it was a drone photo. How difficult was the hike? I look forward to reading more about your trips 🙂
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Hello Len. Yup, super fantabulous views! No hike. Your 4×4 will take you right up to the view points, but it is all offroad driving. I have already started writing about them — 4 posts on Afghanistan published so far. They are on the blog’s home page. 🙂 Hope you enjoy reading them.
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Awesome view.. and I like a bit of history there..
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It is stunning! Am happy you enjoyed the post.
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Breathtaking! Just glad you don’t do selfies Rama!
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Hehe. The reason I don’t do selfies is because I do not know how to take selfies. 😄
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I didn’t know you also went to Turkmenistan, which means you probably visited the ancient city of Merv as well? Compared to other Central Asian countries, Turkmenistan seems to be the most ‘mysterious’ because from what I read it sounds like the government don’t really encourage tourism.
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The country straddles the world’s 4th largest gas reserves, so tourism is definitely not a priority for them. 🙂 It is a fantastic country. Right next to Afghanistan but as different as can be. Yes, I did visit Merv. I visited all its 3 UNESCO listed sites: Nissa, Konye Urgench, and Merv. Whilst in Merv, I also went right up to Gonur Depe. Will be writing about it all.
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I was just there in September! Such a beautiful and unique country! 🙂
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Hello Jessie. I was reading your post on your 2023 travels. I agree with you fully — Turkmenistan is a fabulous country! I loved every bit of it, and in fact am starting my Turkmenistan posts next week. I just finished my Afghanistan series this week. It will be good to read your posts on Turkmenistan as well, and compare notes!
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I can’t wait to read more about your experiences in Turkmenistan! I’m in the middle of drafting my experiences in Turkmenistan as well and hope to post those in the coming weeks! I’ll have to read all about your experience in Afghanistan as well – I haven’t been there (yet!) but it’s on my list!
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Truly look forward to reading your Turkmenistan posts. I am sure we will have many similar pictures! Hehe. Afghanistan was fabulous. Try and go as soon as possible. It is peaceful right now, and the tourists are minimal. You will have its incredible sites all to yourself.
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Awesome! Shall be back to read all your posts from this trip at leisure.
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Thank you, Madhu! Yangykala Canyon is spectacular. I hope you enjoy the rest of the Turkmenistan series too.
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