Turkmenistan Fixed Date Group Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included. $70 deposit, balance in cash at the start of the tour.
Turkmenistan Fixed Date Group Tour Highlights
Join our Fixed-Date Group Tour and discover the highlights of Turkmenistan, from the Uzbekistan border near Bukhara to the border close to Khiva. There is also an option to arrive and depart from Ashgabat Airport.
Explore the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, admire the spectacular white-marble capital of Ashgabat, and visit a local Akhal-Teke horse farm to learn about Turkmenistan’s legendary horse breed. Experience the unforgettable Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell,” and spend a night under the stars in the Karakum Desert.
This 4-day journey combines ancient history, unique culture, impressive architecture and extraordinary desert landscapes – an ideal introduction to Turkmenistan for travellers continuing their journey through Central Asia.
Difficulty: Easy No hiking and no altitude – only short walks at the sights. Long drives of 4–5 hours (250–360 km) on most days, partly by 4x4 to the crater, and one night in a simple yurt camp/tent at Darvaza.
Guaranteed departures
Every date runs as scheduled. Same price on all departures.
Guaranteed tour dates 2026
| Dates | Days | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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Guaranteed tour dates 2027
| Dates | Days | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Available | Fri – Mon | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Fri – Mon | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
|
| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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| – Available | Thu – Sun | $510 |
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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 and transfer to Mary to meet the group. Explore ancient Merv – the "Queen of the World", once one of the most important capitals of Islam alongside Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing includes Greater Kyz Gala and Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII c.), the Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV c.), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), the Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive to Mary and see the city's main downtown buildings, the bazaar and the Russian Orthodox church, time permitting. Overnight in Mary.
Merv
- Alat / Farap border control → Mary (253 km)
Overnight: Mary (Hotel)
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.
Ashgabat
- Mary → Ashgabat (360 km)
Overnight: Ashgabat (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Darvaza Gas Crater, Karakum Desert
- Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater (276 km)
Overnight: Darvaza Gas Crater (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
- Darvaza Gas Crater → Shavat border control
Meals: Breakfast
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Group Tour Price
Single room supplement: $65
What's included
Included
- Letter of Invitation (LOI) - State Registration, Travel Pass
- Accommodation in DBL/Twin room: Sport hotel (1 night), Mary Hotel (1 night), Yurt camp/Tent (1 night, incl. sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light)
- Escort guide services
- Transportation as per program (AC regular road vehicles and 4x4 where terrain requires)
- Entrance fees as per program
- Meals: breakfast at the hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza
- 5L water per person per day
- Travel tax
Not included
- International flights
- Cost of Turkmen visa and border fees (70-100 USD)
- PCR test (40 USD)
- Meals: lunch and dinner (about 10 USD per meal, except BBQ dinner at Darvaza)
- Transfers on the Uzbekistan side: Bukhara to Farap border, Shavat border to Khiva
- Medical insurance
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Payment for photo and video at particular sights or museums
- Services not shown in the program
- Single supplement - 65 USD per solo traveller (applies if you prefer a single room or no roommate of the same gender can be found)
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
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Night 1
Mary
Mary Hotel or similar
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Night 2
Ashgabat
Sport Hotel or similar
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Night 3
Darvaza Gas Crater
Darvaza yurt camp or similar
Border crossings & arrival
Khiva border (Shavat / Dashoguz)
Open from 9 am to 6 pm, lunch break 13:00–14:00. Transport drops you off near the Uzbek border buildings, where you are stamped out of Uzbekistan. There is a 1 km walk to the Turkmen customs building (no shared vehicle). After the walk, PCR tests are taken and your LOI is checked to issue the visa. The visa fee depends on nationality, plus a customs fee of 10–14 USD (together no more than 100 USD). Then you are stamped in, fill out the customs declaration and pass customs formalities. The Turkmen guide meets you here and assists you; the vehicle waits about 150 m from the building.
Bukhara border (Farap / Alat)
Open 24 hours, lunch break 13:00–14:00. Transport drops you off near the Uzbek border buildings, where you are stamped out of Uzbekistan. A 300 m walk takes you to the customs gate, from where a shared minivan (1 USD) takes you to the Turkmen side (1 km). After the PCR test you change to a Turkmen minivan (also 1 USD) for the 1.5 km drive to the Turkmen customs building, where the Turkmen guide meets you. On arrival you will be asked for your LOI. The visa fee depends on nationality, plus a customs fee of 10–14 USD (together no more than 100 USD). Then you are stamped in, fill out the customs declaration and pass customs formalities. The vehicle waits for you outside the building.
Ashgabat airport
On arrival, follow the “Luggage” or “Exit” signs. First you take a PCR test – ask the airport staff where to go. Then pay for the test and the visa fee at the cashier and keep the receipt, you need it for the visa. Payment is in US dollars: the test costs about 40 USD (subject to change) and the visa fee is about 55–75 USD depending on nationality, plus a 10–14 USD customs fee. Bring small USD notes in good condition, as change may be limited. Then go to the Migration / Visa Service with your letter of invitation (LOI), valid passport and payment receipts; the visa is pasted into your passport.
Please note: if other guests also join the group tour from Ashgabat, you will need to wait for them before departing for Mary to meet the group at the start of the tour. We always advise arriving early on those dates – most flights arrive at Ashgabat Airport early in the day.
Turkmenistan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Turkmenistan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Turkmenistan before booking. For Turkmenistan most tourists require a letter of invitation and a visa based on it.
The official currency is the manat. Most shops and restaurants take cash only, so carry your money in cash, preferably new US dollar notes.
Cards and ATMs
A Visa card works for payments or cash withdrawals in some hotels and banks, but most ATMs only accept local Turkmen cards.
Exchanging money
US dollars are easy to exchange throughout the country, but euros only in Ashgabat, and euro notes are not widely accepted. Exchange money legally at banks, and only as much as you expect to spend: manat cannot be changed back into dollars. The official rate is fixed at 3.50 manat to the US dollar; there is no fixed rate for euros.
Keep a reserve
A cash reserve for unexpected situations is wise anywhere in Central Asia, and especially in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is a safe country as long as you stay within the law; overstepping it can have unpleasant consequences.
Staying safe
- Carry identification with you at all times while travelling around the country.
- Wear a money belt, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid poorly lit streets at night and do not use unofficial taxis when travelling alone.
Photography and internet
- Photographing military zones, transport hubs and government buildings is prohibited by law. People may also be sensitive about being photographed without consent.
- Several social media apps and websites are blocked and cannot be used without a VPN.
- Drones are in practice banned.
Laws and customs
- Avoid public displays of affection. Homosexuality is illegal. Relationships with Turkmen women are best avoided, as they can lead to fines and deportation.
- Avoid talking about politics, human rights, religion, or criticising the president, the country or its people.
- During Ramadan, the Muslim holy month whose dates move each year, eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public are forbidden in daylight hours, as are loud music, dancing, revealing clothing and swearing in public.
- Smoking is banned in all public places except designated smoking areas. Possessing or using illegal drugs can mean a long prison sentence.
Earthquakes
Turkmenistan is prone to earthquakes, mostly tremors, though stronger ones occasionally occur.
All international visitors need a visa for Turkmenistan.
Letter of invitation
A tourist visa requires a letter of invitation (LOI) approved by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, applied for by a licensed tour operator in the country.
Booking with us
When you book a tour with Central Asia Guide, we always arrange the letters of invitation, and the visa is issued on arrival at the land borders or Ashgabat airport.
The best times to visit Turkmenistan are March to June, when the sun shines and temperatures are pleasant, and September to November. Spring is especially lovely, with a short burst of delicate flowers and green landscapes.
Summer
Turkmenistan's dry continental climate makes it one of the hottest places in Central Asia. July and August are the least favourable months, with temperatures in Ashgabat reaching 50°C. Most of the main sights are in the treeless desert, but the Caspian coast is usually milder than inland and suits summer travel.
Winter
Cold weather arrives in December, with temperatures below 0°C, occasional frosts down to −20°C and snow in parts of the country.
Medical services in Turkmenistan are rudimentary at best. Make sure your insurance covers unforeseen medical situations, including repatriation.
Food and water
To avoid traveller's diarrhoea, drink only bottled, filtered or boiled water, and do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or for ice. Avoid ice cream. Choose meat and fish that are thoroughly cooked and served hot, cook vegetables and peel fruit.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against diphtheria, hepatitis A and tetanus are advisable.
Medical care
If you need urgent medical care, contact your travel insurer straight away. Check the rules for travelling with medicines before you go.
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