Opening out into the Caspian Sea while sharing borders with Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is the Trans-Caspian nation of Turkmenistan. Dominated by Central Asia’s hottest desert the Karkum, Turkmenistan once the home of charging horsemen, swirling sands, bustling oases and nomadic tribes is now being transformed into an urban center with glossy towers of marble and gold, grand fountains of cascading water and pristine white high-rises.

Travel to Turkmenistan’s modern capital Ashgabat. Discover the ruins of the historically famous Silk Road cities of Konje-Urgench and Merv. Stop by the famous Tolkuchka bazaar for some celebrated Turkman carpets and call on the legendary Akhal Teke horses at the National Stud Farm. For an adventure-filled holiday that is marvelously different, check out Turkmenistan.