Culture of Turkmenistan Tour
AMAZING TURKMENISTAN
Tour Details
-
Period
April - October -
Tour length and Participants
7 days, 2- 10 participants -
Price from
1236$ / person (in a group of 10 pax)
Tour Information
Take an extraordinary five-day journey through Turkmenistan, where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes. Explore the UNESCO-listed Nissa Fortress, marvel at the white-marble grandeur of Ashgabat, and uncover the secrets of the Silk Road in Merv. Experience the surreal glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater, camping under the stars in the heart of the Karakum Desert. Discover the legendary Akhalteke horses, the pride of Turkmenistan, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions and culture of this fascinating land. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable sights, this tour promises an adventure like no other!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. You will be met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel (early check-in). Free time.
Morning drive to visit Nissa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared the fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa 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. However, it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence nor a mausoleum.
In the afternoon, you will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013, the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat a “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of white marble. You will see the Wedding Palace, the modern “Yildyz” Hotel, the Ferris Wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium, the Earthquake and Victims of WWII Monuments. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Ashgabat
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Mary (360km). You also see the ruins of the Seyitjemalledin Mosque in Anau. 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, Muhammad 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 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 the lower parts of the portal and some fragments of the walls are extant.
On the way, visit Abiwerd, which 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 the Kopetdag Mountains to the south.
Drive to Merv (35km) to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, 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), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive back to Ashgabat (395km). Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to visit “Altyn Asyr” Oriental Bazar (opens on Wed, Thu, Sat, and Sun) – Jygyldyk, located 20km to the north of Ashgabat. It is one of the world’s largest open bazaars, filled with colorful rugs, jewellery, carpets, silk, and national Turkmen costumes and animals in other parts.
Alternatively, visit Gulistan Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in Ashgabat and a must-visit for any traveller. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. Stalls sell spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor is home to a variety of shops selling clothing and souvenirs.
Take an afternoon drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (276km), which is one of the most popular international tourist destinations. The region is abundant in natural gas, and the Darvaza Gas Crater has been burning for more than 50 years, making it shine like a pearl amid the Karakum desert. Apart from the Darvaza Gas Crater, you will also have the opportunity to witness water and mud craters. One of the most captivating and intriguing aspects of this trip is the fresh desert air and the chance to experience the nomadic way of life firsthand. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater illuminates the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and have a barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape in the world will enthral you and make you want to return.
Day 4: Darvaza – Ashgabat
Picnic-style breakfast. Morning drive to Ashgabat (276km). Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangikala – Balkanabat
Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for a morning flight to Turkmenbashi (T5-241, 06:20-07:20).
After arrival at the Turkmenbashi Airport, drive to Yangikala Canyon. Visit to pilgrimage site Gozli-Ata on the way to drive to the Yangykala Canyons, one of the scenic natural objects of Turkmenistan. The word expression “Yangy kala” translates from Turkmen as “fire fortress”. Indeed, the sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ocher, purple, and red colours, fancily carved by winds and rains, are very similar to the stone castles from a fantasy. Explore the Canyons. After exploration, drive to Balkanabat. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Balkanabat – Nohur – Ashgabat
Breakfast at the local restaurant. After breakfast, drive to Nokhur – a village in the western Kopetdag Mountains on 4×4 vehicles. One is the town’s cemetery, where each grave is protected by the huge horns of the mountain goats that locals consider sacred – indeed, many houses in the village have a goat’s skull hanging on a stick outside to ward off evil spirits. Just beyond is the pilgrimage site of Kyz Bibi. A fat-trunked plane tree, surrounded by a small metal fence, is covered with small scraps of cloth representing wishes. From here, a flight of concrete steps leads up to a tiny cave, just a few centimetres across, on the side of the hill. The cave is surrounded by more pieces of material, some of which have been fashioned into tiny cribs, suggesting the nature of the wishes made here.
After a drive to the Gokdepe fortress, which was attacked in December 1880 by the Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy), which was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat, and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue coloured roof and white marble structure.
Then visit the Gokdepe museum about the battle between the Russians and the local tribe “Akhalteke” in 1881.
Later, drive to visit the Horse Stable to see a national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. After visiting the horse stable, drive to your hotel. Check in and rest till departure time.
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. Departure.
Tour Information
Service Includes
- Letter of invitation
- Registration in Ashgabat city
- Accommodation in DBL/TWIN rooms – 6 nights
- Yurt Camp – 1 night
- Transportation throughout the tour
- Flight ticket: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi
- Escort English-speaking guide service
- Entrance fees as per program
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, barbecue dinner at Darvaza
- 1.5 L water per person per day
Travel Tax: 2 USD per person per night
Service Does Not Include
- International flights
- Cost of Turkmen visa & border fees (70 – 100 USD)
- PCR test
- Payment for photo and video
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Medical insurance
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner (unless specified)
- Services not shown in the program
Tour Cost
| PAX | Sport 4* BB (USD) | Yyldyz 5* BB (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2510 | 2967 |
| 2 | 1668 | 2128 |
| 3 | 1645 | 2105 |
| 4 | 1386 | 1846 |
| 6 | 1346 | 1806 |
| 8 | 1254 | 1714 |
| 10 | 1236 | 1696 |
Single supplement:
210 USD for Sport hotel 4*
425 USD for Yildiz hotel 5*
Notes:
- Due to changing road and traffic conditions, the actual driving time may be slightly more or less than the estimated times mentioned in the program. Please note that the mentioned driving times do not include stops.
- 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 traveller stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on the local Tourist Board.
- An express PCR test for COVID-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs between 33 USD.
- Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures.
- Make sure you have spare change (1, 5, and 10 USD banknotes) with you to facilitate and expedite visa and other procedures at the airport. Please ensure the banknotes are new or in good condition, not damaged or torn, and issued no earlier than 2009.
- Most places accept only cash, and credit cards often do not work.
- To communicate with your contacts (family, friends, or colleagues) during your stay, we recommend downloading the IMO messaging app on your phone before your travel. Please also inform the people you will be contacting to install and using this application.
Check visa policy for Turkmenistan
Find your country from the list and check most likely visa requirements for Turkmenistan.
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.
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Tour updated 25.11.2025