Best of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan – a fascinating country like no other. In one week we take you to the country’s most interesting historical, natural and architectural highlights: You will visit the marble city of Ashgabat, the ancient ruins at Merv, camp next to the burning gas crater known as “Gate of Hell”, visit Yangykala Canyon and go swimming in a luxury beach resort on the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan is a country full of amazing contrasts and on this tour, you will see them all.
The modern capital of Turkmenistan – Ashgabat (‘the city of love’) welcomes visitors with a unique architectural style that appears to be a blend of science fiction and Romanesque marble. The city is dotted with impressive monuments and tremendous fountains. Other interesting sights include a burning gas crater in the middle of the desert, a luxurious resort town along the Capsian Seashore, and – most importantly – the remains of ancient cities such as Konye-Urgench and Merv that were once important stopovers along the Great Silk Road. Turkmen people are very hospitable and proud of their ancient history and rich traditions and customs. Turkmen carpets are well appreciated around the world, but only in Turkmenistan, you can see how they are being crafted by hand. Another pride of every Turkmen is the Akhal Teke horse breed that you can find nowhere except in Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat
Monumental capital city full of marble and golden architecture. Ashgabat is the capital city of Turkmenistan, and it is one of the most interesting places that you can visit! Did you know that Ashgabat holds a Guinness record for the highest density of white marble-clad buildings in the world? The city also holds the record for the greatest number of fountain pools in a public space and many other curiosities. There are several options for a day trip from Ashgabat, such as visiting the ancient ruins of Old Nisa or visiting a horse farm with the famous breed of Akhal Teke Horses.
Darvaza
One of the most unusual touristic highlights around the world is this burning gas crater also known as the “Gate of Hell.” Darvaza from Turkmen means Gate, and the flames from the huge crater in the middle of the desert evoke the imagination of both travelers and locals. The history behind this mysterious crater is remarkably simple, as in 1971 Soviet geologists had been drilling for gas at the site of a cavern. The cavern collapsed, releasing the gas. Nobody was injured; however, fearing of getting poisoned, the gas was set on fire on purpose. There are no accurate records of the event, but the fact is that this gas cavern has been burning since then. The diameter of the crater is 69 meters and the depth is 30. You can go around it, and since 2018, there is even a fence installed for the travelers’ safety. You can visit this amazing site in the Karakum desert, and it is impressive to stay overnight and see it at night. In 2013, there was another Guinness record set by the first man to get down to the bottom of the gas crater. This was part of the National Geographic Channel series Die Trying, but as the name of the show says, you better not try to go down, unless you also want to set a World Record.
Yangykala, surreal cliffs and landscape of canyons
The impressive canyons of Yangykala formed 5.5 million years ago, and these amazing limestone landscapes have been formed by the rivers and winds of the Karakum desert. Around 15 million years ago, this area was a coastal region of the ancient Paratethys ocean/sea. It is one of the highlights of the country, but not many tourists go there, so if you decide to explore these parts of the country, it is most likely that you will have it all for yourself. You can reach it either from Balkanabat or Turkmenbashi, as from both cities the distance is about 160 km.
Merv, ruins of an ancient city that was once one of the biggest cities in the world
Merv is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, and its ruins comprise 4000 years of history. Until the 11th century, it was one of the important learning centers in the Islamic world. In the 11th-12th centuries, it used to be the capital of the Great Seljuks Empire. In the 13thcentury, it had a population of more than 500,000 and was considered as one of the largest cities in the world at that time. It was destroyed by the Mongol Empire in 1221, and since then it was partially rebuilt several times, but never achieved its former glory. Nowadays, you can walk around the ruins of ancient fortresses, medieval streets, and even visit the mausoleum of Seljuk ruler Sultan Sanjar. Walking in these huge mud-brick ruins, it is hard to imagine it was once an important city on the Silk Road.
Gonur Tepe, one of the most ancient settled cities
This is another impressive archeological site located 60 km away from ancient Merv. The site is an early Bronze Age settlement dated from 2400-1600 BCE. It was excavated in the 1970s and was identified as one of the largest cities of the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) or the Oxus Civilization. Gonur Tepe was one of the earliest cities. It had been carefully planned, had its own drains, streets, quartiers of houses, and temples probably used for religious ceremonies. It is believed to be one of the early centers of the Zoroastrian religion. There are many ceramics and stone artifacts found there as well as jewelry. The excavations started in 1976 under the leadership of Victor Sarianidi, and there are still excavations going on there.
PLACES VISITED
Ashgabat, Mary, Gonur, Darvaza. Turkmenbashi, Yangykala Canyon, Awaza
ACTIVITIES
Ashgabat – City Tour, Ruins of Ancient Merv, Gonur Depe ruins, Yangykala Canyons, Local oriental market in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi, Relaxing at beach resort Awaza, Camping next to burning gas crater at Darvaza
Inclusions
Transport: Airplane, Minivan, Jeep
Meals: Full Board - 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
Accommodation: Hotel 4*/5* (7 nights, incl. early check in on day 1), Tent (1 night), Yurt (1 night)
Please note this Best of Turkmenistan tour in 9 days is just a sample itinerary. The featured excursions, activities, and accommodations can be tailored to suit your taste, budget, and time availability in accordance with your personal wishes.
TURKMENISTAN TRAVEL INFORMATION
Money & Costs
The Turkmen currency is called the Manat. In Ashgabat, you may find ATMs that accept international payment cards. Vnesh Ekonom Bank for example accepts Visa credit cards. However, most ATMs accept only local cards issued by Turkmen banks. Credit cards may be accepted in a few high-end hotels, but most stores and restaurants do not accept any cards. We recommend bringing all money in cash, in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. They will be easy to exchange. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Safety
Turkmenistan is a safe country and most trips are trouble-free. There is a visible police presence and most citizens are law-abiding. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, steer clear of dark streets at night and avoid taking rides in unofficial taxis alone. Your safety is our first priority; we know and regularly assess all our Turkmen partners and we closely monitor political events.
Entry & Exit
Citizens of every country in the world need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. As soon as you book a tour, we will ask you to provide some additional information to apply on your behalf for a letter of invitation. If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approves your application, we will send you a letter of invitation. With this letter, you will be able to purchase the visa on arrival at Ashgabat Airport. Please note: your application for a letter of invitation may be rejected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Please do not book any flights or other non-refundable travel services prior to checking with us. Depending on your nationality, and circumstances we can advise you on your chances of getting the visa letter approved for Turkmenistan. As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Turkmenistan.
Best time to go
The climate of Turkmenistan is continental and dry and the best seasons to visit are Spring and Autumn, from mid-April until early June and then again from September until early November. Autumn is drier than Spring, but even in Spring chances are high you can enjoy the bluest sky you have ever seen. Autumn is also the time when the country goes to harvest, meaning markets are full of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you don’t mind the dry heat of 40° Celsius, sometimes more, summer is the best time to go. There are few tourists and the sun is shining every single day. If you are considering visiting Turkmenistan in winter you will practically have the country all to yourself. We recommend you go in November or December when daytime temperatures are still around 10° Celsius and the often chilly winds of January & February have not yet begun to make their presence felt.
Health
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Turkmenistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Turkmenistan are basic at best.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR PERSONALISED UNIQUE JOURNEY
contact us to start planning for a holiday
that is completely tailored to your preferences.
Comments