Merv, Turkmenistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
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Ready to pack for Merv, Turkmenistan? If you're planning to go to Merv, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Merv
- Important essentials for Merv
- Activities for Merv
- Merv in January: weather and what to pack
- Merv in February: weather and what to pack
- Merv in March: weather and what to pack
- Merv in April: weather and what to pack
- Merv in May: weather and what to pack
- Merv in June: weather and what to pack
- Merv in July: weather and what to pack
- Merv in August: weather and what to pack
- Merv in September: weather and what to pack
- Merv in October: weather and what to pack
- Merv in November: weather and what to pack
- Merv in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Merv, Turkmenistan
Based on the climate and weather in Merv, Turkmenistan, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Merv, Turkmenistan
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Merv, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Merv, Turkmenistan by month
January
January is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent choice.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
Our favorite is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
February
February here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
Jacket or coat
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
March
If you go to Merv in March, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Extra socks
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great kit.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck support pillow
A versatile choice is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
April
April for Merv is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel pillow
A versatile choice is this one
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
May
May here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel pillow
Our fave is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
June
June here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
thisSunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
Waterproof sandals
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.
Travel neck support pillow
A versatile choice is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
July
If you are traveling to Merv in July, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created for cooling and can provide UV protection.
Skirts
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should bring extra, since these often get wet or dirty.
this
Insulated water bottle
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel pillow
A good option is this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
August
August here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters dangerous contaminants:
thisSkirts
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.
Travel neck pillow
A great choice is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
September
Traveling to Merv in September, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel pillow
Our fave is this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
October
October dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light jacket or fleece
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Light and heavy skirts
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck pillow
What we like is this one
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
November
November dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost 5-10 days this month. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck pillow
A top rated pillow is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
December
Traveling to Merv in December, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Jacket or coat
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
Extra socks
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Merv. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
A top rated pillow is this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
If you go to the Mary Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
What to do in Merv, Turkmenistan
Merv, located in Turkmenistan, is a historical city that has been inhabited for over 4,000 years. The city has been a center of trade and culture since ancient times and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Merv played an important role in the development of the Silk Road and was once one of the largest cities in the world. Today, Merv is a popular tourist destination with many historical sites for visitors to explore. Here are the top tourist attractions in Merv, Turkmenistan:
1. Gyz Gala: Gyz Gala is a fortress situated in the northwestern part of Merv. The fortification is believed to have been constructed during the 7th or 8th century and is made up of mud bricks. The fortification walls are roughly 800 meters in circumference, and they can reach up to 10 meters high in some places. The fortress has a rectangular shape, with four towers situated at each corner.
2. Erk Gala: Erk Gala is the highest and the most well-preserved fortress in Merv. The fortress was built during the 6th century and is believed to have been used as a palace by the Sassanids. The fortress has a rectangular shape and the walls are made up of stamped clay bricks that are 3.3 meters wide and 9 meters high. The fortress also has two large courtyards and four towers that were used for defense.
3. Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum: The Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum is one of the most significant architectural monuments in Merv. It was built in the 12th century and is the largest and the most impressive of all the mausoleums in the city. The building is made up of intricate brickwork designs and has a unique design. The structure has three levels, and each level has a dome.
4. Kyz Kala: Kyz Kala is a residential fortress that was built in the 7th century. The fortress was used for housing and providing security for the women of the city. The fortress is situated in the desert and is made up of stamped clay bricks. The fortress has a rectangular shape and has three towers situated at each corner.
5. Greater Kyz Gala: This fortress was built in the 7th century and was used for providing security for the women and children of the city. The fortress was a place of refuge during times of conflict and turmoil. The fortress has a similar design to the Kyz Kala but is much larger in size.
In conclusion, Merv is a city with a rich history and many cultural and historical sites for visitors to explore. The city's ancient fortifications, mausoleums, and residential structures all showcase the architectural prowess of the ancient inhabitants of Merv. Visitors to the city should make sure to visit these top attractions to get a glimpse of the city's past and its significance in the development of the Silk Road.

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
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