Damla
In the midst of the arid sprawl of Turkmenistan's vast Karakum desert, the tiny village of Damla is a little haven of traditional Turkmenistani life. Among just 60 dwellings in the swirling sands, the local inhabitants go about their daily lives quietly and simply and a visit to Damla is a unique opportunity to see and experience a slice of their way of life.
Located to the east of the fiery crater at Darvaza and connected to other civilization by endless sandy dunes, Damla is secluded and cut off; indeed, many of the villagers trek miles to neighboring towns like Bekuri, on foot or carried on camels or horseback for supplies and services. However, it is precisely Damla's isolation that creates its charm; see and experience for yourself the marvel of the peace and tranquility of this preserved piece of true Turkmenistan.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Bekuri village
Damla’s larger neighbor, Bekuri, is a popular destination in the area for its traditions and industries. Here, you can see authentic Turkmenistani carpets woven before your eyes using original medieval techniques, unchanged for centuries.
Camel and horseback riding
Travel like a local and experience the life of a local horseman, proud of their stunning Akhal Teke horses, thought to be the purest breed in the world, or charter a ‘desert ship’ - the indigenous one-humped camels well-suited to the sandy terrain.
Darvaza
Journey west of Damla to discover Darvaza, the village that means ‘gate’ and the home of the ‘Door to Hell’. Gaze into the vast crater of fiery gases which have been burning for decades without respite.
Local life
Join the locals in Damla and share in their way of life. Learn their customs and experience their traditions through mealtimes, lively conversations and evenings of entertainment including traditional live music performances.
Yurt camping
Spend a night in a traditional nomadic yurt and experience the unforgettable feeling of being both exposed to the elements and totally safe. The semi-portable tents might not have hotel-standard luxury, but they do provide a window to the starlit canopy on magical desert nights.
Turkmenistan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Dashoguz to Merv: 3 Days to Discover Turkmenistan
- Author
- Travelogues
It would be impossible to take in all the history, depth, and curiosities of Turkmenistan in just three days. Still, worth a shot.
Knocking on Turkmenistan’s Door to Hell
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Jay Tindall takes his camera to the Turkmenistan desert for a look into the famed Darvaza gas crater, otherwise known as the Door to Hell, in the dead of night.
Remote Lands’ Dozen Dream Destinations for 2015
- Author
- Remote Lands
The new year is already upon us and so it’s time for us to once again share our pick of what we think are Asia’s hottest destinations for the coming 12 months.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A Couple from California
Our guide in Uzbekistan seemed to know everyone wherever we went which made us feel like locals.
Couple from Madrid
Our private jet was a very important part of our trip. Most of the legs were less than 30 minutes, compared to six to 10 hours if we traveled by road. Overall, we had a fantastic trip to a new country for us. Remote Lands never fails!
