How much does a Turkmenistan trip cost?

Costs are generally higher than neighbouring "Stans" due to the requirement for guided travel and specific visa processes.

Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan?

Yes, almost all foreign nationals require a visa, which is usually obtained with a Letter of Invitation (LOI) provided by us.

Is Turkmenistan safe for solo travellers?

It is very safe; however, independent travel is highly restricted, and most visitors must be part of a guided tour.

What currency should I take?

Take US Dollars in cash (pristine, post-2009 notes). Credit cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards

How physically demanding are the tours?

Tours are moderately demanding, involving long drives on rough roads and camping in basic desert conditions.

TurkmenistanFrom £2,9952 tours

Turkmenistan tours & holidays

Step into a world of startling contrasts, from the marble-clad grandeur of Ashgabat to the ancient Silk Road echoes of Merv and the fiery depths of the Darvaza Gas Crater.

Best timeApr–Jun & Sep–Oct
Time zoneUTC+5
CurrencyTMT
LanguageTurkmen & Russian; English (limited)
Travel styleSmall group, cultural & expeditionary
Transport4x4s (desert), flights & coaches
VisaVisa + Letter of Invitation (LOI) required

Overview

An introduction to Turkmenistan

To outsiders, this is a land few could place on the map, let alone visit. If anything of Turkmen fame has trickled down to us, it is likely rumours of a dictatorship under the bizarre 'Turkmenbashi' who created ubiquitous giant golden self-images.

And yet, to the intrepid, the former Soviet republic has a wonderful assortment of secrets to share: dramatic mountain ranges, verdant river valleys, fantastical natural and prehistoric wonders and oases which encircle the vast Karakum Desert; snaking its way across the sandy fringes runs the fabled Silk Road, lacing together some of the world's most important archaeological sites that demand joyful hours of exploration.

Turkmenistan will bestow on you an irrepressible sense of having experienced a cultural enigma.

Explore

Turkmenistan

Our journeys

Tours in Turkmenistan

Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.

Turkmenistan Encompassed

On the edge of the Silk Road and with a rich history stretching back millennia, Turkmenistan is a land of which few have knowledge. Dominated by forbidding desert and once the abode of fierce tribesmen renowned for their slave trading, the country today is characterised by sharp contrasts, from the futuristic building projects of the capital to remote communities living among the sands.

From

£2,995

Heart of the Silk Road

This tour concentrates the essence of Central Asia, visiting three now distinct states connected across the centuries by the Silk Road’s east west trading legacy. Important historic cities such as Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Ashgabat, join the fabled khanates of Bukhara and Khiva, and incredible archaeological sites such as Merv and Konye-Urgenche. The itinerary doesn’t aim to provide an in-depth exploration of Central Asia, but it does pack an incredible amount into a relatively short time, identifying a culturally rich and varied vein through neighbouring states that survived the wholesale homogenising of the Soviet period to emerge once again. If this is your first experience of Central Asia it won’t be your last.

From

£3,475

All tours

Why visit

What makes Turkmenistan worth the journey

A place apart

A Cultural Enigma

Turkmenistan remains one of the least-visited and most mysterious countries in the world, offering a truly unique experience for those seeking the road less travelled.

Silk Road Heritage

Home to legendary sites like Merv and Konye-Urgench, the country provides a deep and evocative insight into the history of ancient trade and empire.

Unearthly Landscapes

From the burning craters of the desert to the multicoloured cliffs of Yangikala, the natural scenery is as surreal as it is spectacular.

Fascinating Modern History

The transition from Soviet republic to a fiercely independent nation has created a modern culture and architecture that is unlike anything else in Central Asia.

See itineraries

Next departure to Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Encompassed

6 Sept 2026Guaranteed departurefrom £2,995 pp

View tour

Highlights

The highlights of Turkmenistan

Ashgabat’s Marble Architecture

Marvel at the dazzling capital, a city of grandiose monuments and record-breaking white marble buildings that bear testimony to the nation’s unique modern history.

Darvaza Gas Crater

Witness the "Gates of Hell", a fiery pit in the heart of the Karakum Desert that has been burning continuously for decades, lighting up the night sky.

Ancient Merv

Explore the crumbling mausoleums and vast mud-brick fortresses of one of the Silk Road’s most significant and oldest cities, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Yangikala Canyon

Discover the striking pink, red, and yellow rock formations of this remote "Grand Canyon of Central Asia", offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in the region.

Konye-Urgench

Visit the ancient capital of the Khorezmshahs, home to towering 12th-century minarets and mausoleums that survived the Mongol invasions.

Nohur Mountain Village

Experience the unique traditions of the Kopetdag Mountains in a village where locals believe they are descended from the armies of Alexander the Great.

Turkmenistan rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

The best times to visit Turkmenistan are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these periods, temperatures are pleasant for exploring both the cities and the desert. The summer months (July and August) can be intensely hot, with temperatures in the Karakum Desert often exceeding 40°C, while winter can be bitterly cold, particularly in the northern regions and mountain areas.

Live weather

Turkmenistan

Looking to travel outside the typical windows? Our Turkmenistan tailor-made team can advise on the best time for you.

From the journal

Stories from the region

Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.

All Turkmenistan stories

Asia & Pacific

Tales of Turkmenistan: A Journey Through Myths, Flames, and Forgotten Cities

From the ancient Silk Road cities of Merv to the ever-burning Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan is one of Central Asia's most mysterious and rewarding destinations — a journey through myths, flames, and forgotten civilisations.

Jim Louth·13 May 2025

Asia & Pacific

Chasing Waterfalls in Laos: A Guide to the Country's Most Spectacular Falls

From the famous turquoise pools of Kuang Si to the thundering rapids of Khone Phapheng, Laos hides a waterfall trail unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Here's where to find the best of them, from busy favourites to the quiet spots most travellers never see.

Jim Louth·6 Aug 2026

Asia & Pacific

Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar: A First-Timer's Guide to Mongolia's Capital

The best things to do in Ulaanbaatar include visiting Gandan Khiid Monastery and the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, exploring Sükhbaatar Square and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, and taking day trips to Hustai National Park or Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Round out a visit with Mongolian food, a night of traditional throat singing, and a walk through Narantuul Market. Give Mongolia's capital two to three days rather than a rushed afternoon, and it earns its place as the first chapter of any Mongolian adventure.

Jim Louth·29 Jul 2026

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“Merdan Nuriyev was an excellent guide with a good sense of humor and comprehensive subject knowledge. The drivers were similarly competent and worked hard all day to give us a good experience. They delivered the tour dossier and more. An unforgttable and immersive experience in this ancient and mysterious region. Thank you for helping to arrange this remarkable, rewarding and highly memorable tour of Turkmenistan's cultural and historic sights. I'm sure the memories of ancient ruins, remote desert communities, white marble metropoli and vibrant markets will remain with me forever. Owadan were a highly competent and well organised tour operator with professional and dedicated staff. Owadan deserve particular praise for the timely and effective help and support they gave me when I became ill on my last day. They were just tremendous. All in all, a fantastic tour. ”

Read full review

Jeremy Hammond, UK

“Merdan and the rest of the team were a pleasure to travel with. We saw so many incredible sights in such a short time, and got a excellent insight into the history and current culture of Turkmenistan, and all of the transport, accommodation and dining was first class.”

Read full review

Andrew Sneddon, UK

“I thought the whole trip was brilliantly organised and thoroughly enjoyable.”

Read full review

Richard Noble, UK

“it was a brilliant experience.”

Read full review

John Gregory, UK

“We thoroughly enjoyed this experience and we are looking forward to our next trip with you.”

Read full review

Neil and Sandra Harrison, UK

“Guiding was very good as usual. Good, well located hotels Accommodation was excellent and well located.”

Read full review

Veronica Hinchliffe, UK

“I had a great experience with Undiscovered Destinations from the moment I asked about the tour until I was there enjoying every single step of the itinerary, and they also have lots of other destinations and itineraries worth exploring.”

Read full review

Raquel Romeiro, Norway

“We went to Turkmenistan to discover how the people lived. The standards of accommodation and service were superb. To be thoroughly recommended!”

Read full review

Jackie Horsewood, UK

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

Read full review

Bernice Hird, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

Read full review

Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Turkmenistan journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

Gallery

Scenes from Turkmenistan

Tap any image

Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your
perfect Turkmenistan trip?

We’ll build one around you.

Prefer to travel at your own pace? Our tailor-made Turkmenistan holidays allow you to design a journey around your own interests and schedule. Spend more time exploring the archaeological wonders of the Silk Road, embark on an extended desert expedition, or focus on the unique traditions of the mountain communities. Every tailor-made trip includes private transport, dedicated local guides, and flexible accommodation options, from marble hotels in the capital to traditional yurt camps in the desert.

Your dates

Travel when it suits you

Private group

Just you, family or friends

Your pace

Linger longer, skip the rest

Bespoke extras

Private guides, rare access

Start planning your trip Speak to a specialist

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

How it works

1Tell us what you have in mind
2We build an itinerary + quote
3Refine until it feels right

Est. 2004

20+ years of
bespoke travel

Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Turkmenistan?

Costs are generally higher than neighbouring "Stans" due to the requirement for guided travel and specific visa processes.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

Before booking, please familiarise yourself with the UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Currently, there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Turkmenistan we visit.