DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Karakum Camel Breeding Center

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
—°
Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)

Weather…

The Karakum Camel Breeding Center is a significant facility located within the vast Karakum Desert, dedicated to the breeding and preservation of Turkmenistan's traditional camel breeds. Camels, particularly the single-humped dromedary and the double-humped Bactrian, have played a central role in the life of Turkmen nomads for millennia. They are valued as 'ships of the desert' for their extraordinary ability to withstand extreme heat and water scarcity. The center focuses on improving genetic lines to optimize the production of camel wool, meat, and nutrient-rich camel milk. A unique product is 'Chal,' a fermented camel milk drink widely regarded in Turkmenistan as a health-promoting and refreshing beverage. The breeding efforts combine centuries-old indigenous knowledge with modern veterinary standards. Camels are not merely livestock but a vital part of the national identity and culture, reflected in numerous songs and customs. The center provides insights into the traditional lifestyle of desert dwellers and demonstrates the importance of camels for the sustainable development of rural areas in arid zones.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C35111825313331251793
Rain mm1428332914441381714

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The camel breeding center in the Karakum Desert focuses on breeding dromedaries, traditionally indispensable for Turkmenistan's desert inhabitants. It not only preserves a centuries-old way of life but also supplies the region with camel products.
🚪
Visiting
The center lies off the main roads in the desert and is not open to tourists as it is a working farm. From the nearby track one can observe the camel herds grazing in the open landscape.
👀
Where to view it
A good place to see the camels is the dirt road passing the center, especially early morning or late afternoon when the herds are visible from afar. From a small dune nearby you get a wide view over the facility and surrounding desert.
🧺
Local products
In desert settlements and local markets, camel milk, camel meat and warm camel hair blankets are offered. Dried camel cheese and fermented milk drinks like shubat are considered local specialties and are popular among visitors.
📆
Active season
Camels graze year-round, but the highest activity occurs in spring during mating and birthing season. In autumn, traditional camel races and sales markets often take place, bringing special liveliness to the region.
➕
Nearby
A visit to the camel breeding center can be combined with a tour into the Karakum Desert, especially to the Darvaza gas crater (Door to Hell). Also a detour to the ancient Silk Road city Merv or a stay in a traditional yurt are recommended.

Geography

Coordinates
38.45000, 59.20000

Facts

  • There are over 130,000 camels in Turkmenistan, mostly of the Arwana breed.
  • The center specializes in breeding the Turkmen Arwana dromedary, prized for milk.
  • Camel milk contains three times more Vitamin C than cow's milk.
  • Camels can lose up to 25% of their body weight through dehydration without ill effects.
  • The drink 'Chal' is traditionally stored in ceramic vessels to keep it cool.
  • Camel wool is utilized in the production of famous Turkmen carpets.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Karakum DesertKarakum Desert38 km · SEExplore →
Nadir Shah FortressNadir Shah Fortress53 km · WExplore →
Karakum Flora ReserveKarakum Flora Reserve68 km · NEExplore →
Namazga DepeNamazga Depe73 km · NWExplore →
Abiverd RuinsAbiverd Ruins75 km · NWExplore →
KakaKaka77 km · NWExplore →
Anau Mosque RuinsAnau Mosque Ruins80 km · SWExplore →
Altyn Asyr BazaarAltyn Asyr Bazaar90 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can one visit the Karakum-Kamelzuchtzentrum?
Visits are often possible only by prior arrangement as it is an active agricultural facility.
Am I allowed to feed the camels?
Feeding is strictly prohibited without staff permission to protect the health of the animals.
What can one learn during a visit?
One learns a lot about breeding methods and the importance of camels in the region.
Are there products to buy?
Often, local dairy products or camel wool goods are offered for sale.
How do I get there?
Due to the remote location, reaching it with a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
Karakum Camel Breeding Center: where is it located?
Karakum Camel Breeding Center is located in Turkmenistan.
Karakum Camel Breeding Center: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Karakum Camel Breeding Center: why is it worth visiting?
The Karakum Camel Breeding Center is a significant facility located within the vast Karakum Desert, dedicated to the breeding and preservation of Turkmenistan's traditional camel breeds.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Turkmenistan →

Nearby cities

Tejen — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Tejen
An oasis city in the Karakum Desert that is an important transportation hub.
Bäherden — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Bäherden
A city on the edge of the Kopet Dag mountains, known for an underground cave.
Gökdepe — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Gökdepe
A historical city where a significant battle took place at the end of the 19th century.
Kaka — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Kaka
A small town on the Trans-Caspian Railway, near the Iranian border.
Änew — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Änew
A city east of Ashgabat known for its archaeological sites.

History & landmarks

Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque
Located in Gökdepe, it is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, distinguished by its white marble and golden dome.
Darvaza Gas Crater — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Darvaza Gas Crater
Often called the 'Door to Hell', this burning crater was formed in 1971 when a natural gas cavern collapsed.

Nature

Tejen River — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Tejen River
A river forming a fertile oasis in the dry landscape.
Köw Ata Underground Lake — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Köw Ata Underground Lake
An impressive underground lake with constantly warm thermal water.

More places

Karakum Desert — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Karakum Desert
A vast sand desert that covers more than seventy percent of the area of Turkmenistan.
Nadir Shah Fortress — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Nadir Shah Fortress
An 18th-century military fortress built by the Persian ruler Nadir Shah.
Namazga Depe — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Namazga Depe
One of the largest early agricultural settlements in southern Turkmenistan from the Chalcolithic period.
Abiverd Ruins — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Abiverd Ruins
One of the most important cities of northern Khorasan, abandoned after multiple destructive invasions.
Anau Mosque Ruins — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Anau Mosque Ruins
Remains of a 15th-century mosque that was almost completely destroyed in a 1948 earthquake.
Central Karakum — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Central Karakum
The heart of the Karakum Desert, characterized by endless sand dunes and sparse vegetation.
Akhal-Teke Stud Farm — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Akhal-Teke Stud Farm
An agricultural facility for breeding the famous Turkmen Akhal-Teke horses.
Ahal State Power Plant — Karakum Camel Breeding Center (Turkmenistan)
Ahal State Power Plant
An important power generation facility that supplies electricity to the capital Ashgabat and the surrounding Ahal region.