TURKMENISTAN…THE LAND OF THE TURKMEN
April 22 - May 02, 2025
Led by Local Guide
Turkmenistan is an independent and neutral state located in Central Asia. The geographical position is more advantageous than its neighbors due to the outlet to the Caspian Sea. When traveling far inland, you can see sandy deserts with barchans, as it is a country of deserts, oases, and unique historical and cultural traditions.
The most ancient civilizations of the world prospered on its territory. Turkmenistan is a country of contrasts, especially today, as the cities have entirely changed and become more similar to European megacities. But despite all the changes, their Oriental character has been preserved in unique architecture, decoration of buildings, numerous mosques, and ancient monuments. It is the least explored country on the Silk Road, with a rich ethnic tradition, world-famous carpets, moon-like landscapes, newly discovered ancient civilizations, spectacular Islamic monuments, and deserted caravan cities - a lost world of Central Asia.
Four-fifths of the country is covered by the large and spectacular Kara Kum or Black Sands desert, where we will observe an industrial phenomenon known as "Fire Crater or Gate to Hell." The country is home to Turkmen, who trace their descent from nomadic tribes living in the Altai Mountains above Mongolia in the 5th century AD. The warm and friendly Turkmen people are some of the most appealing in Central Asia. The Turkmen's traditional clothes, with huge sheepskin hats, long coats, and boots, are true to their nomadic traditions. From the middle of the 1st millennium BCE until the 10th century CE the territories of modern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan were part of the Persian Empire. Later the Silk Road connecting China with Europe ran through the region.
Can be combined with Uzbekistan (May 02 - May 14, 2025)
Tour Cost (Land Only):
4 - 8 travelers $6,495.00
10 - 12 travelers $5,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $895.00
Price based on group size minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ****
Tour Includes
Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers.
Accommodation at mentioned Hotels or similar, 5* hotel in Ashgabat, 4* or best available outside of the capital.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
Travel by modern a/c vehicles.
English Speaking local guide.
Bottled water while on drives.
Turkmenistan Visa invitation Letter.
Ashgabat -Turkmenbashy - Ashgabat flights.
All Tours as per itinerary & entrance fees to the sites and museums mentioned.
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA - Ashgabat - USA.
Turkmenistan Visa - obtainable upon arrival for approx. $145.00 or through Washington DC, currently $45.00 - Subject to change.
Beverages & alcoholic drinks with or without meals.
Any required pre arrival & pre departure PCR tests.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance (Highly recommended).
Trip Grade:
II Active - Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides. Outside of major town, bathroom facilities are limited and not very clean.
LODGING Level:
**** Superior - Outside of main cities, lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service, and comfort level acceptable to western standards (4 stars) while in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashy your hotel is a 5*.
Trip remarks:
Travelers joining this tour require a high level of flexibility and tolerance and willingness to go with the flow when things change. accommodation is at 4 & 5* hotels acceptable by western standards during the trip.
Bathroom facilities along the way may be rather primitive and at times that will mean “in the wilderness”. By joining this tour, participants are acknowledging their full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that they are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with open mind, a sense of adventure and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope up with the tour.
