Plizio Visual Lab

Karakum Desert

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

desert

Weather…

The Karakum Desert, whose name means Black Sand, covers approximately 70 percent of Turkmenistan's total land area, spanning about 350,000 square kilometers. It ranks among the largest sand deserts in the world, stretching from the Amu Darya River in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west. The landscape is characterized by massive barkhans (crescent-shaped dunes), sand ridges, and flat salt pans known as takyrs. Despite extreme aridity and summer temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, the Karakum supports a specialized ecosystem including the desert monitor lizard and various cobra species. The Karakum Canal, one of the world's longest irrigation systems, cuts across the desert to transport water from the Amu Darya to arid agricultural regions. Economically, the desert is paramount due to the vast natural gas reserves buried beneath its sands, such as the famous Darvaza gas field. Historically, the desert was a challenging segment of the Great Silk Road, marked today by the ruins of ancient caravanserais.

Location: Turkmenistan
Nearby: Änew (83 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	4	11	18	26	31	33	31	25	16	8	3
Rain mm	11	25	28	24	12	3	3	2	3	7	14	12

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The desert is easily accessible from Ashgabat and other cities via major transport routes before transitioning onto unpaved sand tracks. Expeditions deep into the heart of the desert are typically organized with professional local tour operators.

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Best season

Spring, particularly April and May, and early autumn are the best times to visit in order to avoid the extreme summer heat and bitter winter cold. During these months, daytime temperatures are tolerable and the desert shows a bit of life.

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Terrain & paths

Expect endless sand dunes, hard salt pans, and dry, trackless terrain that is constantly reshaped by the prevailing winds. Driving on this loose surface requires specialized off-road skills and proactively reduced tire pressures for safety.

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What to bring

A large supply of water, spare fuel, shovels, and sand boards are indispensable for freeing vehicles from stuck situations. Additionally, headgear, sunglasses, and warm clothing for the extremely cold desert nights are highly recommended.

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Parking

Centrally organized parking lots do not exist beyond the desert towns, so camps are usually set up directly in the wilderness. It is crucially important to always position the vehicle in such a way that it does not sink into the soft sand.

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Safety

The danger of dehydration and loss of orientation in the vastness of the Karakum is omnipresent and must never be underestimated. All journeys should take place with multiple vehicles and utilize reliable satellite phones for absolute safety.

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Time needed

Visits range from short half or full-day tours on the fringes to extensive, multi-day adventures deep inside the desert. An overnight stay under the remarkably clear starry sky is the highlight for many and typically requires a two-day commitment.

Geography

Coordinates

39.00000, 59.00000

Facts

The Karakum covers an extensive area of roughly 350,000 square kilometers.
It accounts for nearly 70 percent of Turkmenistan's total landmass.
Ground temperatures in the desert have been recorded up to 80°C.
The Karakum Canal spans over 1,300 kilometers across the desert floor.
The desert contains the Darvaza gas crater, which has burned for decades.
The region is a key source of natural gas for the global market.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Karakum Camel Breeding Center38 km · NWExplore →

Karakum Flora Reserve62 km · NEExplore →

Central Karakum63 km · SEExplore →

Anau Mosque Ruins82 km · SWExplore →

Altyn Asyr Bazaar85 km · SWExplore →

Nadir Shah Fortress87 km · WExplore →

Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque91 km · SWExplore →

Ashgabat92 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Karakum Desert?

A vast sandy desert that occupies a large part of Turkmenistan and is known for its heat.

Can one travel the desert safely?

Yes, but only with professional guides and in off-road vehicles.

What is the gas crater phenomenon?

Known as the 'Door to Hell', a burning crater created by a drilling accident.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring or autumn, to avoid the extreme summer temperatures of over 40°C.

Is a lot of water needed?

Yes, always carry twice as much water as planned, as there are no supply points.

Karakum Desert: where is it located?

Karakum Desert is located in Turkmenistan.

Karakum Desert: when is the best time to visit?

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

Karakum Desert: why is it worth visiting?

The Karakum Desert, whose name means Black Sand, covers approximately 70 percent of Turkmenistan's total land area, spanning about 350,000 square kilometers.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →