Turkmenistan Fixed-Date Group tour
TURKMENISTAN 4 DAYS FIXED-DATE GROUP TOUR
Tour Details
-
Period
March - November -
Tour length and Participants
4 days, 2 - 15 participants -
Price of the group tour
490$ / person
FIXED TOUR DATES IN 2025
Group 1: 28 August – 31 August
Group 2: 10 September – 13 September
Group 3: 16 September – 19 September
Group 4: 2 October – 5 October
Group 5: 16 October – 19 October
Group 6: 30 October – 2 November
Group 7: 13 November – 16 November
TURKMENISTAN TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Join our Fixed-Date Group tour through the highlights of Turkmenistan, starting at the Uzbekistan border near Bukhara and ending near the border close to Khiva. Explore the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, marvel at the white-marble capital Ashgabat, visit a local Akhalteke horse farm, and experience the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater with an overnight stay under the stars. This compact 4-day journey offers a rich taste of Turkmenistan’s history, culture, and natural wonders, perfect for travellers continuing their route through Central Asia.
Tour Itinerary
Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border “Alat” at 9:00. Transfer to Merv (253km, 5h) to meet the group.
Optional: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport. Transfer to Mary to meet the group.
Start 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 to Mary. Then you will see all the major buildings of Mary the downtown. If time permits, you will also visit Mary Bazaar to see a variety of local products and the Russian Orthodox church (one of the oldest in Turkmenistan). Overnight in Mary.
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, visit to Horse Stable to see the national pride of 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 beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon.
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, and Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities. Overnight at the Hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time till noon.
Afternoon, drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater (276km, 4h). The Crater is also called “The Door to Hell”.
The area is rich in natural gas. 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 60 m and 20 m. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided 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. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner at Gas Crater.
Picnic-style breakfast. After breakfast, drive to the Turkmen/Uzbek Border Checkpoint to cross into Uzbekistan.
Optional: Drive back to Ashgabat. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport or to the hotel for an additional night.
Tour information
Included
- Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass)
- Accommodation in DBL/Twin room:
- Sport hotel – 1 night
- Mary Hotel – 1 night
- Stantrips Yurt camp (Tent/Yurt) stay – 1 night (incl sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light)
- Escort guide services
- Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles and 4×4, where terrain requires
- Entrance fee: per program
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza
- 5 L water per person per day
- Travel tax
Not included
- International flights
- Cost of Turkmen visa and border fees (70 – 100 USD)
- PCR test (33-35 USD)
- Payment for photo and video
- Meals: L & D
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Medical insurance
- Services not shown in the program
- Single Supplement – 65 USD p/p
Tour price: 490 USD
Please be aware that we pair individuals of the same gender in shared rooms, and a Single Supplement fee will apply if we cannot find a suitable roommate.
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. Hand luggage 5kg, and baggage 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 33-35 USD.
- Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures.
Arrive and depart to/from Turkmenistan 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.