Nokhur
Nohur
An ancient mountain village deep in the Kopet Dag, known for its graveyard hung with wild sheep horns, its stone houses and its gorge waterfalls.
Nokhur village lies in the Kopet Dag valleys about 130 km northwest of Ashgabat. Its residents claim descent from soldiers of Alexander the Great and keep a language and customs distinct from those of the Turkmen of the plains. The most famous feature is the village graveyard, where wooden poles on the graves are hung with wild sheep horns, seen as symbols of guarding the souls of the dead. Most village houses are old structures of stone and timber beams. Streams and waterfalls in the surrounding valleys make short walks possible. The village is usually combined with the Kowata underground lake as a day trip. Visitors must travel with a licensed guide and vehicle, as independent travel is restricted. The mountain road takes about 2.5 hours one way. Keep quiet at the graveyard, and ask permission before photographing villagers.
Opening hours
Open all day (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Kow Ata Underground Lake
- Gökdepe Fortress & Mosque
- Parthian Fortresses of Nisa
- Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque
- Walk of Health
- Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park
- Turkmenistan Tower
- Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center