Turkmenistan 4 days tour
Turkmenistan Tour in 4 days
Tour Details
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Period
April - October -
Tour length and Participants
4 days, 1 - 16 participants -
Price from
USD
Turkmenistan Tour Highlights
Turkmenistan offers a blend of modern extravagance, ancient history, and natural wonders, promising an unforgettable and diverse travel experience. You will engage with the warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions of the Turkmen people. Explore well-preserved Silk Road citiy like Kunya-Urgench with ancient ruins and historical sites.
Tour Itinerary
In the morning drive to Turkmenistan border point Nukus-Hojeili (80-100 km, 1, 5 h.).Be at the border at 9:00 AM when it opens and go through formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (minibus available for car 1 USD). With your invitation letter you will be able to get your Turkmenistan visas at the border.
Please note: Depending on the number of people waiting to cross the border you will need to wait up to one or two hours, also be prepared to be thoroughly searched. On the Turkmenistan side of the border, meet your Turkmen guide and driver and transfer to Kunya Urgench (UNESCO)
(20 km, 0, 5 h.). Visit mausoleums of Turebek Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret.
In the afternoon drive to Darwaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakym desert (270 km, 4-5 h.). Discover the burning gas crater by day and nighttime. Accommodation in the yurts. Camp dinner and overnight in yurts (two people per yurt).
After camp style breakfast drive to Ashgabat via water crater and Erbent desert community. Arrival in Ashgabat around noon. Check in at the hotel (at or after 14:00 hrs) and have some rest during the midday heat and after the long and shaky ride of the past couple of days.
In the afternoon, have a short sightseeing tour (3-4 hrs) in Ashgabat. The tour includes a visit of the National Museum of History, the Arch of Neutrality, and the Independence Park. Drive back to Ashgabat through New City area of Ashgabat enjoying the view with all its night illuminations (if time coincides with night illumination). Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast, we drive to Old Nisa fortress (UNESCO World Heritage site) – the earliest of Parthian Empire capitals. Located in an atmospheric area on an irregular pentagon hill, at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains, Old Nisa is a beautiful landmark. 14 hectares in size, the fort accommodates two semi-excavated complexes of Parthian period (III c. BC – III c. AD) structures, designated as royal residence and temple complex. We continue to the Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. Then drive back to Ashgabat, stopping en-route at National Memorial Complex “Halk Hakydasy” with WWII and Earthquake memorials. Spend some time at the Memorial Complex. Overnight in the hotel. |
Transfer to the international airport for an departure flight from Ashgabat. |
Tour information
Included
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass)
- Road transport in private air-conditioned vehicles, regular or SUV/4WD as per table (pls. see table below for seating capacity)
- Accommodation based on shared yurts (max 2-4 pax per yurt) and a shared double/twin hotel room, including breakfast
- BBQ-dinner
- English-speaking guide-interpreter services
- Entrance fees as per program
- Photo camera usage fee Kunya Urgench historical park
- Bottled water 1,5 ltr pppd
- Porter services
Not included
- Turkmenistan tourist visa from 55 USD per person, when obtained at land borders (subject to change; nationality dependent)
- Turkmenistan migration tax 10+4 USD per person, to be paid at land borders (subject to change)
- COVID-19 PCR tests by arrival and/or departure 33 USD per person per test (subject to change!)
- Tourist fee per night, charged in the hotels at departure 2 USD per person per night (obligatory)
- Photo/video fees at Nissa and National Museum
- Tips for local guide(s) and/or driver(s)
- Souvenirs and other personal items
- All other charges and services not mentioned under “Included”
Price Per Person in USD
Important notes for all travelers:
- Please bring cash only in USD for your local expenses in Turkmenistan, no EUROs or credit cards are accepted.
- Please be aware that a member of staff of our agency will need to take your original passport for several hours for registration
- Please be aware that there may be various vehicles and drivers used during your tour, depending on the route section and type of transport needed on that section
- National History Museum and Fine Arts Museum are closed on Tuesdays
- National Carpet Museum is closed on Saturday afternoon and Sundays
- Weekend Bazaar (aka Tolkuchka or Altyn Asyr Gundogar Bazaar) is best visited on Sundays, when there is an additional livestock section. On Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays this bazaar is closed, but other city bazaars are open (no photography permitted)
- Photo fees at historical sites and museums
- Nissa (UNESCO): ~3 USD per camera
- Kunya Urgench (UNESCO): ~3 USD per camera
- Carpet Museum: ~4 USD per photo!
- Fine Art Museum: ~14 USD per camera
- National Museum: ~14 USD per camera
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
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 in Turkmenistan, preferably in new US dollars as Euro bills are not widely accepted. Please note that damaged USD bills are not always accepted and there might not be change available in smaller enterprises or even at the borders.
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
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.
Turkmenistan Visa
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
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
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 have up to date vaccinations against diphtheria, hepatitis A, and tetanus. Ensure comprehensive insurance 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.
Khiva border (Shavat / Dashoguz)
Opens at 9 am, and closes at 6 pm. Lunch break between 13:00 and 14:00. Transportation will drop you off nearby Uzbek border buildings. Tourists will be stamped out of Uzbekistan. There is a 1km walk till to Turkmen customs building. There is no shared vehicle. After the walk, PCR tests will be taken and the LOI’s asked to obtain a visa. The visa fee is depends on nationality and in addition there is a 10-14$ custom fee (together no more than 100 USD). Then stamp in and fill out the custom declaration form, and custom formalities. From here the Turkmen guide will meet you and provide assistance. Leaving the building and walking 150 m to the transportation.
Bukhara border (Farap / Alat)
Opens 24 hours. Lunch break between 13:00 and 14:00. Transportation will drop you off nearby Uzbek border buildings. Tourists will be stamped out of Uzbekistan. There is a 300-meter walk to customs gate with a shared minivan charging 1 USD for the transfer till to Turkmen side (1km). After PCR test you will have to change the minivan to a Turkmen minivan, also charging 1 USD. Drive to 1.5 km until to Turkmen custom building where Turkmen guide will meet you and provide and provide assistance. At arrival you will be asked for your LOI. The visa fee is depends on nationality and in addition there is a 10-14$ custom fee (together no more than 100 USD). Then stamp in and fill out the custom declaration form, and custom formalities.The transportation will be waiting for you outside the building.
Ashgabat airport
Upon arrival, follow the direction of the “Luggage” or “exit” sign.
First you will need to make a PCR Covid test. Ask the airport staff where they make it and where you should go. Please do not hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance. After this, you will need to go to the cashier and pay for the test and visa fee. Don’t forget to take a receipt, you will need it to apply for a visa. Payment is made in US dollars, the test costs about 33 US dollars (price may change). The visa fee is about 55-75$ depending on nationality in addition to 10-14$ custom fee. We advise you to carry also small bills of good condition USD banknotes with you as change might be limited.
After payment, you go to the Migration Service/ Visa Service, they will issue you a visa. You will need to present a letter of invitation (LOI), a valid passport and payment receipt for the visa and Covid Test. The visa is pasted into the passport.