Turkmenistan Fixed-Date Group tour

TURKMENISTAN 4 DAYS FIXED-DATE GROUP TOUR

Tour Details

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

Day 1: Farap – Mary

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.

Day 2: Mary – Ashgabat (4h, 360km)

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.

Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza

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.

Day 4: Darvaza – Dashoguz

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

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Notes

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Turkmenistan Group Tour Itinerary map

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In order to speed up the process, please upload a copy of your passport(s), digital passport size photo(s) and the filled Letter of Invitation (LOI) application form(s). You can download the LOI application form below.

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 any of the tours on our website.

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.