Merv, Turkmenistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

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, 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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkmenistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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:

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Osnabrück, Germany, Medina, Ohio, United States of America, Palm City, Florida, United States of America, Detian, China, Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Qardho, Somalia, Meppel, Netherlands, Casamance, Senegal, New England, New South Wales, Australia, and Kaunas, Lithuania.