Turkmenistan group tour
TURKMENISTAN FIXED-DATE GROUP TOUR
Tour Details
-
Period
March - November -
Tour length and Participants
5 days, 2 - 15 participants -
Price from
595$ / person
Turkmenistan Tour Highlights
Journey Through the Gems of Turkmenistan! Explore ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and the fiery wonders of the Karakum Desert with our exclusive 5-day guided tour. Uncover the magic of Ashgabat, experience nomadic culture under the stars, and witness the iconic Darvaza Gas Crater up close. Discover the timeless beauty of Turkmen carpets, Akhalteke horses, and local markets that bring the culture to life!
FIXED TOUR DATES IN 2025
- Group 1: 14 – 18 March
- Group 2: 28 March – 1 April
- Group 3: 11 – 15 April
- Group 4: 25 – 29 April
- Group 5: 9 – 13 May
- Group 6: 23 – 27 May
- Group 7: 6 – 10 June
- Group 8: 20 – 24 June
- Group 9: 4 – 8 July
- Group 10: 18 – 22 July
- Group 11: 15 – 19 August
- Group 12: 29 August – 2 September
- Group 13: 5 – 9 September
- Group 14: 15 – 19 September
- Group 15: 3 – 7 October
- Group 16: 17 – 21 October
- Group 17: 24 – 28 October
- Group 18: 7 – 11 November
Tour Itinerary
Option 1: Arrival in Ashgabat International airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel (check-in on time). Overnight at the hotel.
Option 2: Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border ‘Shavat’. Transfer to your hotel in Dashoguz (15km). Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Afternoon drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater, one of the top international tourist destinations. The area is rich in natural gas. Burning over 50 years, Darvaza Gas Crater shines like a pearl in the Karakum desert. One of the most vivid and addictive features of this trip is the fresh air of the desert and experiencing the nomadic life in person. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater hits the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and have a barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape will fascinate you and you will want to come again.
Picnic-style breakfast in Darvaza. After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat (276km).
Afternoon you will have an Ashgabat city tour. You will see the Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium and Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to visit the Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of the cultural centres of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. For example, the museum has the smallest carpet to wear keys and the world’s largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records.
Then drive to visit 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.
Afternoon, visit Gulistan Baazar (Russian Bazaar), which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets and a must-visit for any traveller to Ashgabat. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. There are also stalls selling spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor of the bazaar is home to a variety of shops selling clothing, and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the flight home.
Optional: Morning flight to Dashoguz or Turkmenabat, followed by transfer to the Turkmen/Uzbek border near Khiva (from Dashoguz) or Bukhara (from Turkmenabat). (additional 110 USD p/p)
Tour information
Included
- Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass)
- Accommodation in DBL/Twin room:
- Sport hotel 4* – 2 nights
- Dashoguz hotel 4* – 1 night
- 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
- Entrance fee: per program
- Meals: BF at hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza
- 5 L water per person per day
- Travel tax
Not included
- International flights
- Cost of Turkmen visa w/border fees (85-100 USD)
- PCR test
- Payment for photos and videos in UNESCO sites & museums
- Meals: L & D
- Tips for guide and driver
- Medical insurance
- Services not shown in the program
- Single supplement – 105 USD
Price Per Person 595 USD (based on shared accommodation)
A single supplement fee (105 USD extra) will be required if no suitable roommate is found, and the single supplement is only applicable in hotels.
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.
Arrive and depart to/from Turkmenistan airport
Arrive and depart to/from Uzbekistan borders
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 3.12.2024
