Turkmenistan

In the midst of central Asia, surrounded by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran, with the Caspian Sea to the west, Turkmenistan is a country of diverse history and terrain. Over the course of its long and interesting history, the lands that make up modern-day Turkmenistan have been in the hands of the Persian empire, conquered by Alexander the Great, featured on the Great Silk Road and, more recently been annexed Soviet Union, until it won independence in 1991.

Nowadays it is a country of contrasts, with modern cities like the port of Turkmenbashi and the capital Ashgabat thriving with industry and, increasingly, tourism. Meanwhile, a more traditional way of life is led by the nomadic horsemen, moving from settlement to settlement in their yurts, and the ruins of the ancient cities at Merv tell of still earlier history. Similarly,the landscape - broadly characterized by the vast wastes of the Karakum desert - is punctuated by lush green national parks, not to mention the famous and astounding Door to Hell.

Turkmenistan Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Turkmenistan Itineraries

Classic Turkmenistan

This five-day journey is your chance to uncover Turkmenistan, an off-the-beaten path destination and one of the most mysterious regions of Central Asia. From a perpetually burning crater, an eerily quiet capital clad in white marble, and ancient UNESCO ruins, this guarantees to be a journey like no other.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,000
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A Flying Visit to Ancient Turkmenistan

This short and sweet four-day tour of Turkmenistan takes you to all the must-see sites in what is one of the most mysterious countries in Central Asia. After sightseeing in the capital, Ashgabat, make your way to the stunning ancient at Kunya-Urgench and Mary, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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Ancient Wonders of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

Turn back time on this two-week tour of two amazing countries. Explore historical wonders of Tashkent and Khiva and uncover the crumbling cities of Merv and Mary and the fortress of Nissa. Camp by burning gas craters, get up close to the famous Akhal Teke horses of Turkmenistan and discover the palaces and mausoleums of mighty Emirs.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,100
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Exploring Turkmenistan's Yangykala Canyons

The Yangykala Canyons, situated seven hours away from Ashgabat, are amongst the most spectacular of sights - not just in Turkmenistan - but in the whole of Central Asia. This three-day excursion is your chance to see the isolated, atmospheric, and deep flame-colored canyons in all their glory.

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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Historic Turkmenistan

Get to grips with the fascinating Turkmenistan capital, Ashgabat, over three action-packed days, before embarking on an epic overland journey. Your guide will take you to the World Heritage Site of Merv and Mary before you make your way back to the capital via the quaint local village of Bokurdak.

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,000
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Lights of Turkmenistan: A Phenomenal Road Trip

Discover the best of Turkmenistan with this nine-night, eight-day adventure tour of both cultural and natural phenomenons. From the white-marbled capital city of Ashgabat to overnight camping in the desert and everything in between, this trip will provide you with a cross-section of this unique Central Asian country. 

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,900
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Pan-Stans: Country Collecting in Central Asia

This tour of the Silk Road “Stans” takes you through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in just two short weeks. Designed specifically for those looking to dip toes into each destination rather than explore in depth, this itinerary ensures luxury and comfort in a part of the world that can be tricky to country-hop without expert guidance.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,600
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Turkmenistan Explorer: Ashgabat, Mary & Turkmenbashi

This tour around the mysterious Central Asian country of Turkmenistan offers you the best of what this fascinating country has to offer: glistening mausoleums, ancient fortress remains, desolate deserts and majestic mountains, all wrapped up into an unforgettable eight-day adventure. 

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,600
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UNESCO World Heritage Site Hopping in Turkmenistan

Take a quick dip into the history and culture of exciting Turkmenistan with this four-day, three-night adventure. In this short amount of time, you’ll visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, numerous mausoleums, countless forts and monuments and learn more about this fascinating Central Asian country.

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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Turkmenistan Road Trip: From the Door to Hell to Ashgabat

This eight-day tour of Turkmenistan opens up one of Central Asia’s most mysterious lands: Turkmenistan. Passing over the desolate, yet utterly spectacular Karakum Desert, you’ll explore ancient ruins, dazzling mausoleums, and fiery caves, all before ending up in the fascinating capital of Ashgabat. 

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,100
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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Turkmenistan

The best time to visit Turkmenistan is from March to May (spring) and from September to November (fall).

  • Turkmenistan has an extreme continental climate.
  • Temperatures in Ashgabat hover around 80°F (27°C ) in the summer and can get up to around 110°F (43°C); in the winter, temperatures drop down to around 30°F (-1°C), although it has been known to reach -8°F (-22°C) at times.
  • Temperatures in the desert can get even hotter, reaching up to 122°F (50°C) in the summer. It should also be noted that temperatures in the desert drop rapidly at night.
  • The ideal time to visit Turkmenistan is during the spring, when bright sunshine and cool temperatures combine to create excellent conditions for travel. Autumn is also good for travel, as the fierce summer heat has cooled down.

Multi-Country Specialists

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