In Isolation - A Travel Video from Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is by far one of the most difficult countries I have ever set foot in. Due to its isolation from the outside world and its political obscurity, being there was a challenge but also fascinating.

For one, this country is where the Gateway to Hell is located. Darvaza crater, as it is known, is a natural gas crater that has continued to burn ever since it got lit on fire 60+ years ago. Camping near it at night was one of the most bizarre and yet beautiful experiences I ever had.

Ashgabat, or the white marble city, is quite hard to describe. Imagine if North Korea and Las Vegas had a baby, you'd get Ashgabat. With stunning, almost alien-looking structures scattered around Ashgabat, and the weirdly empty streets, I hated it at first, but then I started to enjoy the city as I learned the ropes. It was different.

In my 8 years of traveling, I have never seen a city like it. Ashgabat was interesting, but for me, Turkmenistan is best experienced outside the city. Camping near the crater or on top of a canyon was possibly one of the best experiences I had on this trip. These locations were so isolated with no one for miles away; it was quite incredible to think about it.

For this video, I went with a more atmospheric sound and dramatic visual with no crazy transitions or fast-paced cuts to convey just how isolated the country is from the rest of the world. Turkmenistan is the country of extremes: extreme wilderness, extreme extravagance, and unfortunately extreme poverty, and I hope this video touched on all three points I wanted to make. Enjoy the video.

Location: Ashgabat, Yangykala Canyon, and Darvaza Crater

Camera Gear: Sony a6500 + 16mm - 70mm Zeiss lens

Music: The Planet by Moment of Now (Licensed through Artlist.io)

For a complete travel guide to Turkmenistan: One Week Itinerary In Turkmenistan