Au printemps
1 / 10

New Nisa Turkmenistan

4.3
·135 reviews·Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Explore the ancient Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO site and former capital, offering a glimpse into a powerful empire's history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures for exploring

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Au printemps

New Nisa Turkmenistan

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the ancient Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO site and former capital, offering a glimpse into a powerful empire's history.

4.3
(135 reviews)

"An interesting archaeological site of the old Parthian Persian empire, worth a visit for its historical depth."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book a Tour for Easier Access

Many find guided tours simplify visa and travel logistics in Turkmenistan.

Learn Key Phrases

Knowing basic Turkmen or Russian phrases can greatly enhance interactions with locals.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 135 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old Nisa Fortress

Old Nisa Fortress

Near Ashgabat

Explore the remnants of the Parthian Empire's first capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

New Nisa Fortress

New Nisa Fortress

Near Ashgabat

Discover the unexcavated remains of an ancient civilization, offering a different perspective.

Saglyk Ýoly (Health Path)

Saglyk Ýoly (Health Path)

Near Nisa

A scenic route offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and city.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Turkmenistan's Entry Requirements

Traveling to Turkmenistan can be complex due to visa and entry regulations. Many visitors opt for guided tours, which simplify the process and offer a structured experience. Researching current visa policies and booking well in advance is crucial for a smooth trip.

Understanding Nisa's Historical Significance

New Nisa, an ancient Parthian fortress, offers a glimpse into a powerful empire's past. While visually impressive, its historical context is key to appreciating the site. Understanding its role in Iranian independence adds depth to the visit.

Best Times

When
Spring and Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
October
Why
Mild weather, ideal for travel
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@edotenに返信 オススメの本はプロフに🙌 #株式投資初心者 #新nisa #資産運用
@investor_talk
81.7K likes • 1.9M views

Book a Tour for Easier Access

Many find guided tours simplify visa and travel logistics in Turkmenistan. Reddit

Learn Key Phrases

Knowing basic Turkmen or Russian phrases can greatly enhance interactions with locals. Reddit

#turkmen #turkmenistan #lebap #tm #ashgabat
@nazik.taganova
19.6K likes • 396.4K views
Review about Turkmenistan and Happy New Year greetings from our Hong Kong tourists Contact us: TurkmenTravels.com +99363832122 (WhatsApp, Telegram) Email: tours@turkmentravels.com turkmensiyakhat@gmail.com Ashgabat, Turkmenistan #turkmenistan #travel #traveltoturkmenistan #turkmenistantours #visitashgabat #ashgabattours #tourstoturkmenistan #visatoturkmenistan #silkroadadventure #silkroadtravel #...
turkmenistantours
35 likes • 282 views

Photography Fees

Be aware of potential photography fees at archaeological sites; they can be surprisingly high. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

Parthian Fortresses of Nisa The Parthian Fortresses of Nisa consist of two tells of Old and New Nisa, indicating the site of one of the earliest and most important cities of the Parthian Empire, a major power from the mid 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. They conserve the unexcavated remains of an ancient civilization which skilfully combined its own traditional cultural elements with those o...
j.mrtycl
0 likes • 5 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book a Tour for Easier Access

Many find guided tours simplify visa and travel logistics in Turkmenistan. Reddit

Learn Key Phrases

Knowing basic Turkmen or Russian phrases can greatly enhance interactions with locals. Reddit

Photography Fees

Be aware of potential photography fees at archaeological sites; they can be surprisingly high. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

Respect Local Customs

Dress modestly and be mindful of cultural norms to ensure a respectful visit. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(135 reviews)

Reviews Summary

New Nisa is recognized as an interesting archaeological site of the old Parthian Persian empire, offering insights into Iran's history. While its historical significance is noted, some visitors found the site lacking in explanatory signs and noted potential fees for photography. The journey to the site can also be challenging.

"An interesting archaeological site of the old Parthian Persian empire The ruins tell the story of the greatness of this empire related to the Iran history during the 3rd BC until 3rd AD Located only 20 mins from Ashgabat it is worth a visit"

Jason L

"We visited Old Nisa and we loved it. It’s out of city and you need to walk for a while there.
Unfortunately, you can not take photos of Old Nisa there unless you pay 14usd, so we just did not take photos ((
We liked the view to the city and the area around from the top hills of Old Nisa. As you can’t take for feee photos of Old Nisa, I took photos of New Nisa )"

Shukhrat Usmanov

"Beautiful archeological site from the Arsacid empire. Refer to Nusay when wanting to get here, otherwise the locals will have no idea where it is.
Unfortunately quite hard to reach by foot when walking the route of health (saglyk ýolu)"

Enver C.

What People Like

Historical significance
Parthian Empire ruins
Views from hills

What People Dislike

Lack of signage
Photography fees
Difficult access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

New Nisa is located about 20 minutes from Ashgabat. The easiest way to reach it is by hiring a taxi or arranging transport through a tour operator. Some visitors have mentioned it's hard to reach by foot, especially if trying to walk the Saglyk Ýoly. Reddit

Yes, Turkmenistan is known for its strict entry requirements and often requires visitors to travel with a tour group. Obtaining a visa can be a complex process. Reddit

Many travelers recommend booking a guided tour to navigate the country's regulations and logistics smoothly. Reddit

Independent travel is challenging due to visa restrictions. Most visitors opt for organized tours for a more accessible experience. Reddit

Within cities like Ashgabat, taxis are common. For intercity travel, buses and trains are available, but tours often include private transportation. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, a visa is generally required for most nationalities to enter Turkmenistan. The process can be lengthy and often requires an invitation letter, which tour agencies can help arrange. Reddit

While specific entrance fees can vary, be prepared for potential charges, especially for photography. One visitor noted a $14 USD fee for photos at Old Nisa. Reddit

Specific opening hours for New Nisa are not widely published. It's advisable to check with your tour operator or local guides for the most current information. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed, but be aware of potential fees, particularly at the Old Nisa site. Some visitors chose not to pay the fee and took photos of New Nisa instead. Reddit

Independent travel is very difficult due to strict regulations. Most visitors find that booking a tour is the most practical way to experience Turkmenistan. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Historical & Cultural Insights

New Nisa was a crucial city of the Parthian Empire, a major power from the mid-3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. It's considered one of the earliest and most important cities of that era. Instagram

Old Nisa and New Nisa are two tells representing the ancient city. Old Nisa contains unexcavated remains, while New Nisa offers a different perspective on the ancient civilization. Instagram

Nisa (Nesa) was the first capital of the Parthian Persian Empire, which played a significant role in restoring Iranian independence against Macedonian occupiers. Reddit

You can expect to see ruins from the Arsacid empire, including remnants of ancient structures. Some visitors noted that artifacts like decorative tiles and urn handles were found strewn in the sand. Reddit

Unfortunately, explanatory signs about Nisa's significance, particularly its connection to Greater Iran, are scarce, possibly due to government policies. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The top hills of Old Nisa offer great views of the city and surrounding area. New Nisa itself also provides interesting photographic opportunities. Reddit

While general photography is usually permitted, be aware of potential fees, especially at Old Nisa. It's wise to confirm any restrictions with your guide. Reddit

A versatile lens for capturing both wide landscapes and detailed ruins would be beneficial. Consider bringing a tripod for potentially lower light conditions. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the ruins. TikTok

Drone usage is often restricted in Turkmenistan. It's essential to check the latest regulations before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

You may also like

New Nisa Turkmenistan (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide