Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan – Turkmenistan Encompassed Tour – a 15 day Small Group Tour.
From among all the ‘Stans’, Turkmenistan remains that most tightly controlled by an intrusive state security apparatus. The legacy of the late president’s idiosyncratic authoritarian rule endures, as in part does his cult of personality. A perverse throwback to Stalinist repression, for visitors the dearth of personal and political freedom is a curiosity. However, for Turkmenistan’s population the reality is something to be endured.
At a national level tourism is apparently encouraged, though infrastructure, in a country possessing an immense wealth of natural gas reserves, attracts a lower priority. Incredible ancient sites of great historic importance see few visitors, the vast expanse of the Karakum Desert underlines a feeling of isolation and remoteness.
It’s not uncommon to encounter people who’ve never met westerners. This is frontier tourism. However, if you’ve read this far it’s likely you’re already on the way to being a pioneer.
This two week Turkmenistan tour is a comprehensive journey through one of the most mysterious places in Asia. Starting in Ashgabat we combine both ancient and modern, visiting monuments built by the previous ruler Turkmenbashi as well as the Parthian fortress of Nisa, before leaving the city behind and embarking on our journey to the mountains.
We visit a local community in Nohur, reputed to be descended from the armies of Alexander, and then travel through the remarkable canyon landscapes of Yangikala to the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata. From here we head to the Caspian Sea before flying to Dashoguz and visiting the UNESCO listed site of Konye-Urgench, evidence of former glories of this fascinating region.
Perhaps the most exciting part of our trip is a three day excursion into the Karakum desert, camping at a flaming gas crater and stopping in isolated settlements to meet people who rarely see tourists. After a brief stop in Turkmenabat we then drive to the Kugitang Mountains, with dinosaur footprints, caves and rare species to discover.
Turkmenistan is one of the most exciting countries in Central Asia and this pioneering trip takes you to all corners of the country, doing more than just scratching the surface but allowing you a detailed insight into its culture and history.
Itinerary.
Day 1 – Ashgabat
Begin your Turkmenistan tour on arrival in Ashgabat and transfer to the hotel accommodation. If time allows, explore the city independently. Overnight Ak Altyn Hotel or similar. No meals nor guided arrangements included today.
Day 2 – Ashgabat
After a briefing by your tour guide, the day is spent exploring Ashgabat. Visits include the bazaar (depending on day and schedule), Independence Park and Neutrality Arch, the National Museum, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient Parthian fortress at Nisa. Ashgabat is a city of grandiose monuments, an insight into nation building efforts that followed the breakup of the Soviet Union. The city is a microcosm of the country and good place to start to get to grips with Turkmenistan. Overnight at Ak Altyn Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 3 – Ashgabat - Geok Tepe – Nohur
After breakfast we visit the private Ahalteke horse stables, then continue to the Kopetdag Mountains. We stop at Turkmenbashi Mosque in Kipchak, afterwards exploring the battlefield of Geok Tepe, site of a famous engagement between Russian and Turkmen forces during the conquest of Central Asia. Later, we descend to the fascinating underground lake of Kowata. We arrive in Nohur after lunch. Overnight camping (BD)
Day 4 – Nohur - Balkanabat
(Approximate driving time: seven hours)
Leaving Nohur, we drive through walnut and pomegranate groves to Magtymguly. Our route follows the Iranian border, so we can expect to encounter several checkpoints along the way. We stop at the ‘Moon Mountains’, a series of rather striking barren hills, before continuing on to Balkanabat. We arrive early evening and check-in to our hotel. Overnight Nebitchi Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 5 – Balkanabat - Yangikala – Gozli Ata
(Approximate driving time: seven hours)
After stocking up on supplies we drive via Mollagara salt lake to the Balkan Mountains and the canyon of Yangikala, some of the most dramatic landscapes in Turkmenistan. Later we continue to the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata where we arrive in time for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we visit Yanagisawa canyon before returning to Yangikala. Overnight camping. (BLD)
Day 6 – Yangikala - Caspian Sea
(Approximate driving time: five-and-a-half-hours)
Today we drive via the volcanic rock formations of Kemal Ata to the Caspian Sea and the city of Turkmenbashi. In 1993 the city was renamed in his own honour by the late President for Life Saparmurat Niyazov, AKA Turkmenbashi. The day ends at the Caspian seaside resort of Awaza, a sharp contrast to the experiences of the last few days. Overnight Hotel Awaza or similar. (B)
Day 7 – Turkmenbashi – Dashoguz
After breakfast we first explore Turkmenbashi itself, visiting the port and the fish market. After an early lunch we head to the airport and catch a domestic flight to Dashoguz in the north of the country. On arrival we stock up on supplies at the bazaar in readiness for the forthcoming desert crossing. Overnight Hotel Dashoguz or similar. (B)
Day 8 – Dashoguz - Konye Urgench – Darwaza
(Approximate driving time: six to seven hours)
This morning we drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konye Urgench, an ancient capital of the land of Khorezm, known for its beautiful mausoleums. After visiting its key sights, we take the highway through the Karakum Desert to Darwaza, a burning gas crater where flames literally leap from the ground. Camp is set up nearby and we watch the sun go down, the crater’s flames lighting up the night sky. Overnight in yurt camp. (BD)
Day 9 – Darwaza - Damla – Ak Molla
(Approximate driving time: six hours)
Heading deeper into the Karakum Desert, the largest in Central Asia encompassing 80% of Turkmenistan, we cross rough tracks and sand dunes until we reach the small settlement of Damla. Here we stop here for lunch and explore the village, where there are exceptional opportunities to meet and interact with people who rarely see western visitors. Later we continue through the Murzachirla desert to Ak Molla. Overnight camping. (BLD)
Day 10 – Ak Molla - Gonur Depe – Mary
(Approximate driving time: eight hours)
From Ak Molla a full day of off-road driving lies ahead. We stop at the Bronze Age archaeological site of Gonur Depe. Around 55 hectares in size, the site comprises the remains of a fortified citadel with walls and towers clearly visible. From here we continue to Mary for the night, where the luxury of a hotel room and shower await. Overnight Hotel Mary or similar. (BL)
Day 11 – Mary - Merv - Turkmenabat
(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)
Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merv, once the world’s largest city and the most important ancient site in Turkmenistan. Here, remains of the silk road city’s mosques and citadels date back 2,500 years. Afterwards we drive to Turkmenabat for the night, passing through the Repetek Nature Reserve. Overnight Hotel Jeyhun or similar. (B)
Day 12 – Turkmenabat - Astana Baba – Koyten
(Approximate driving time: seven hours)
Driving out from Turkmenabat we pass the ruins of several old Silk Road settlements. We stop at Astana Baba to visit its interesting 11th century mausoleums. From here we follow the Amu Darya river, finally crossing it en route to the Kugitang Mountains. We reach a fertile valley surrounding the village of Koyten in the early evening. Overnight at a basic lodge. (BD)
Day 13 – Koyten
(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)
Today is spent exploring the Kugitang mountain, discovering dinosaur footprints, hiking to the Umbar Dere waterfall and Kyrk Kyz pilgrim cave. The area is part of the Kugitang Nature Reserve, home to several rare species including bukhara urial mountain sheep. Overnight at a basic lodge. (BLD)
Day 14 – Koyten - Turkmenabat - Ashgabat
(Approximate driving time: seven hours)
From Koyten we drive back to Turkmenabat, arriving in the afternoon, and take a domestic flight to to Ashgabat for a final night in Turkmenistan. Overnight Ak Altyn Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 15 – Ashgabat
The Turkmenistan tour ends today after breakfast with airport transfers departing to meet onward flights. (B)
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
Important Information
Please note that as of 1st January 2018, a tourist tax of 2 US Dollars per person per night for accommodation will be introduced. This must be paid on checkout and in US Dollars cash.
Single Supplement
Single supplement from £295 – not applicable to homestay nights.
Flights
Flights from London to Ashgabat start from £750. Please contact us for a quotation.
Transfers
Airport transfers are included if you are booking pre and/or post tour accommodation at the hotel mentioned in our tour dossier.
Extra Accommodation
Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Ashgabat costs from £48 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £74 per person in a solo occupancy room.
Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.
Turkmenistan Encompassed Private Tour
If you do not wish to be part of a group tour then you can do the same tour on a private basis. Please contact us for prices.
Kindly note that we can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements. Please get in touch so that we can tailor your perfect tour of Turkmenistan.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Transportation throughout
- Domestic flights
- All accommodation
- Services of English speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Drinks