Ashgabat is very close to the border with Iran. It occupies a highly seismically active oasis plain bounded on the south by the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains () and on the north by the Karakum Desert. It is surrounded by, but not part of, Ahal Province (). The highest point in the city is the  high sandhill upon which the Yyldyz Hotel was built, but most of the city lies between  of elevation. The Karakum Canal runs through the city.