5 days in Turkmenistan tour
5 DAYS IN TURKMENISTAN TOUR
Tour Details
-
Period
April - October -
Tour length and Participants
5 days, 2 - 10 participants -
Price from
627 $ / person (for a group of 10)
Turkmenistan Tour Highlights
A tour to Turkmenistan promises a fascinating journey through time and landscapes. Tour highlights focuses on marvel at Ashgabat’s gleaming white marble architecture and futuristic monuments. During this tour tour you will explore well-preserved Silk Road citiy like Merv with ancient ruins and historical sites. Moreover witness the mesmerizing sight of the flaming gas crater, an otherworldly spectacle in the Karakum Desert named Darvaza Gas Crater.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Ashgabat International airport. You will be met by our representatives and transferred to hotel. Free time.
BF at Hotel. Morning drive to visit Nisa fortress. UNESCO declared this fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nisa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211 BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum.
In the afternoon you will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013, Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat the “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of the white marble. During the city tour you will see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities, the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
BF at hotel. Morning drive to Mary. You also see ruins of Seyitjemalledin mosque in Anau on the way. The mosque was built in 1456, when Abu-ibn-Kasim Baber Bahadurkhan ruled in Khorasan (1446-1457). Construction of the mosque was financed by Bahadurkhan’s vizier, Muhammed Hudaidot, who also selected a site of construction–near the grave of his father, sheikh Jemaleddin, a native of Anau. The square central hall (with the sides of 10.5 meters) was crowned with a dome. In later periods, the Seyit-Jemaleddin mosque was partially reconstructed. By the nineteenth century, the subsidence of land had already damaged the building heavily, and during the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake it was destroyed completely. Now, only lower parts of the portal and some fragments of the walls are extant.
On the way we also visit Abiwerd that was once an important trading town of North Khorasan. It was a key link on the Great Silk Road between Nisa and Merv, and also enjoyed ties in Nishapur, across Kopetdag Mountains to the south. Drive to Merv to explore the ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, that was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII) fortresses, Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum and Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing transfer to Mary airport for the return flight to Ashgabat. Arrival in Ashgabat.
Accommodation & overnight at a hotel.
BF at hotel. Free time. Afternoon we drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (3,5 h) translated by locals as “The Door to Hell”.
The Darwaza area is rich in natural gas and while drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today.
En-route we cross Karakum desert, will make a stop in small desert village Erbent. In the evening watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner at Gas Crater. After sightseeing drive back to Ashgabat. Accommodation & overnight at a hotel.
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer to Ashgabat International airport.
Tour information
Included
- Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass)
- Accommodation in DBL/Twin room:
- Stantrips Yurt Camp – 1 night (incl sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light)
- Escort English speaking guide service
- Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles and 4×4 where terrain requires
- Flight ticket: Mary – Ashgabat
- Entrance fee: per program
- Meals: BF at hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza
- 1.5 L water per person per day
- Travel tax
Not included
- International flights
- Cost of Turkmen visa w/border fees (70 – 100 USD)
- PCR test
- Payment for photo and video
- Meals: L & D
- Tips for guide and driver
- Medical insurance
- Services not shown in the program
Price Per Person in USD for 2024
| 2 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax | 8 pax | 10 pax | |
| Ak Altyn 3* | 800 | 706 | 678 | 645 | 627 |
| Sport 4* | 868 | 773 | 745 | 711 | 695 |
| Archabil 5* | 935 | 840 | 812 | 778 | 762 |
Notes:
- Due to the changing conditions of some roads & traffic, it might take slightly more or less time to drive than the mentioned driving time in the program
- Flight times are subject to change by Turkmenistan Airlines, the handbag is 5kg, and the baggage is 20kg per person, if the baggage is overweight you pay between 2-3$ per kg).
- If the traveler stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on a local Tourist Board.
- An express PCR test for Covid-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs between 33-37 USD.
- Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures.
- Make sure you have a spare charge with you to facilitate and expedite visa and other procedures at the airport.
Book your tour here
If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by the tour operators.
Turkmenistan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency in Turkmenistan is known as the manat. You can utilize a Visa card for transactions or cash withdrawals in some hotels and banks across the country; however, most ATMs exclusively accept local Turkmen cards. Notably, the majority of shops and restaurants operate on a cash-only basis. It is advisable to carry your funds in cash, preferably in new US dollars as Euro bills are not widely accepted.
While US dollars can be easily exchanged throughout Turkmenistan, euros are readily exchanged only in Ashgabat. Money exchange services are legally available at banks. Exercise caution and exchange only what you anticipate using, as converting manat back to dollars is not possible. The fixed exchange rate is 3.50 Manat for 1 dollar (2024). There is no fixed rate for Euros. Having a reserve of cash during Central Asia excursions is prudent for unexpected situations but especially in Turkmenistan.
Safety
Safety
Turkmenistan is considered a secure country as long as you adhere to the law. Crossing any boundaries could result in unpleasant consequences. It is advisable to wear a money belt, be vigilant about your belongings, avoid poorly lit streets at night, and refrain from using unofficial taxis when traveling alone. Additional recommendations include:
- During your travels throughout the country, it is essential to have identification with you at all times.
- Exercise caution when taking photographs, as capturing specific subjects like military zones, transportation hubs, and government buildings is prohibited by law. Turkmen individuals may also be sensitive about being photographed without their consent.
- Several social media applications and websites are restricted within the country and you can’t use them there (at least not without a VPN service).
- Steer clear of any public displays of affection, and bear in mind that homosexuality is illegal. It’s best to avoid forming relationships with Turkmen women, as it may lead to fines and deportation.
- Topics such as politics, human rights, religion, or criticism of the president, the country, or its people should be avoided in conversation.
- During Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims lasting 30 days in April-March, there are specific restrictions. Consuming food, drinks, smoking, or chewing gum in public is forbidden during daylight hours. Additionally, playing loud music, dancing, wearing revealing clothing, and engaging in public swearing are forbidden.
- Smoking is prohibited in all public areas, but there are assigned areas for smokers. Engaging in the possession or use of illegal drugs may result in a considerable prison sentence.
- Turkmenistan is susceptible to earthquakes, mainly tremors, but occasionally stronger earthquakes occur.
- Drones are in practice banned in Turkmenistan.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
A visa is essential for all international visitors planning to travel to Turkmenistan. To obtain a tourist visa, you will need an invitation letter (LOI) approved by the Migration Service of Turkmenistan, which must be submitted by a licensed tour operator in the country. Further details can be found here. If you are booking a tour through Central Asia Guide, we will always organize the necessary invitation letters and visa can be obtained at arrival to Turkmenistan through the land borders or Ashgabat airport.
Best time to go
Best time to go
Turkmenistan is characterized by a dry continental climate, making it one of the hottest regions in Central Asia. The months of July and August witness scorching temperatures in the capital, Ashgabat, reaching up to 50°C, making it the least favorable time for a visit. While most of Turkmenistan’s significant attractions lie in the treeless desert, areas surrounding the Caspian Sea generally offer milder temperatures compared to the inland regions, making them suitable for summer exploration.
December signals the arrival of cold weather, with temperatures dipping below 0°C and occasional frost even up to –20°C, along with snowfall in various parts of the country. The optimal periods for visiting Turkmenistan are from March to June, when sunshine prevails and temperatures are pleasant, and from September to November. Spring, especially, charms with a brief burst of delicate flowers and green landscapes.
Health
Health
To prevent traveler’s diarrhea, refrain from consuming non-bottled, unfiltered, or non boiled water. Avoid using tap water for oral hygiene or ice-making. Steer clear of ice cream. Choose thoroughly cooked and hot-served meat and fish. Boil vegetables and peel fruits before consumption. It is advisable to receive vaccinations against diphtheria, hepatitis A, and tetanus. Ensure comprehensive coverage for unforeseen medical scenarios, including repatriation. Medical services in Turkmenistan are rudimentary at best. In the event of urgent medical needs, promptly contact your travel insurance provider. Check for any restrictions associated with traveling with medications.
Other tours to Turkmenistan
Tour updated 20.1.2024
