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.
As Featured In
About this journey
What to expect on this trip
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.
This two week trip is a comprehensive journey through one of the most mysterious places in Asia. Starting in Ashgabat we combine both ancient and modern, visiting monuments built by the previous ruler Turkmenbashi as well as the Parthian fortress of Nisa, before leaving the city behind and embarking on our journey to the mountains. We visit a local community in Nohur, reputed to be descended from the armies of Alexander, and then travel through the remarkable canyon landscapes of Yangikala to the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata. From here we head to the Caspian Sea before flying to Dashoguz and visiting the UNESCO listed site of Konye-Urgench, evidence of former glories of this fascinating region. Perhaps the most exciting part of our trip is a three-day excursion into the Karakum desert, camping at a flaming gas crater and stopping in isolated settlements to meet people who rarely see tourists. After a brief stop in Turkmenabat we then drive to the Kugitang Mountains, with dinosaur footprints, caves and rare species to discover. Turkmenistan is one of the most exciting countries in Central Asia and this pioneering trip takes you to all corners of the country, doing more than just scratching the surface but allowing you a detailed insight into its culture and history. We think this is one of our most exciting trips – join us and we’re sure you will agree.
The journey
Turkmenistan Encompassed
What makes this trip special
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
The highlights
The Darvaza Gas Crater — The Door to Hell
Camp beside Turkmenistan's most spectacular sight: a 60-metre-wide crater that has blazed continuously since geologists accidentally ignited underground gas in 1971. Watch the flames rise up to 15 metres as darkness falls across the Karakum Desert — one of the most surreal and memorable experiences in Central Asia.
Ancient Merv and the Silk Road
Explore Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across 100 square kilometres and 2,500 years of history. Zoroastrian citadels, Timurid mausoleums and Sufi shrines stand as testament to the city's extraordinary role as a crossroads of empires, from Alexander the Great to the Mongols and Timur.
Yangikala Canyon
Marvel at the striking red, orange and white limestone formations of Yangikala Canyon, remnants of a prehistoric sea reef rising dramatically from the desert. The canyon is accessible only by 4WD, adding to its sense of remoteness, and the colours at sunrise and sunset are among the most vivid in Turkmenistan.
Trip highlights for Turkmenistan Encompassed
Full itinerary · 15 days
Free — no sign-up
Dates & prices
Choose your departure
Reserve your place with a £350 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.
| Departs | Returns | Status | Price pp | Single supp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Sept 2026 | 20 Sept 2026 | Guaranteed | £2,995 | +£255 | Contact for availability |
| 24 Apr 2027 | 8 May 2027 | Guaranteed | £2,995 | +£255 | Book now |
| 5 Sept 2027 | 19 Sept 2027 | Guaranteed | £2,995 | +£255 | Book now |
| 28 Apr 2028 | 6 May 2028 | Guaranteed | £2,995 | +£255 | Book now |
| 3 Sept 2028 | 17 Sept 2028 | Guaranteed | £2,995 | +£255 | Book now |
- GuaranteedDeparture6 Sept 2026 → 20 Sept 2026Contact for availabilityFrom£2,995 ppSingle supp. +£255
- GuaranteedDeparture24 Apr 2027 → 8 May 2027Book nowFrom£2,995 ppSingle supp. +£255
- GuaranteedDeparture5 Sept 2027 → 19 Sept 2027Book nowFrom£2,995 ppSingle supp. +£255
- GuaranteedDeparture28 Apr 2028 → 6 May 2028Book nowFrom£2,995 ppSingle supp. +£255
- GuaranteedDeparture3 Sept 2028 → 17 Sept 2028Book nowFrom£2,995 ppSingle supp. +£255
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.
What's included
What your tour price covers
Included in the price
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Overland transport throughout with professional driver
- Domestic flights
- All accommodation
- Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Budget separately for
- International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)
- Any airport taxes (except when included with domestic airfares)
- Travel Insurance
- Visa – when required
- Drinks
- Items of personal nature
- Tips (Discretionary)
Before you go
Essential information
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
Voices from the road
What travellers say about us
Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Turkmenistan Encompassed. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.
Want to customise this tour?
Make Turkmenistan Encompassed your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
Keep exploring
All destinationsMore Asia & Pacific destinations
Ready when you areStart planning your
Start planning your
Turkmenistan adventure
Join a small-group departure, or let our Turkmenistan specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
Common questions
Things travellers usually ask
How many travellers will be in my group?
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Can I travel solo?
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
How fit do I need to be?
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
When are the next departures?
The next available departures are 6 September 2026; 24 April 2027; 5 September 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
What's included in the tour price?
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; Domestic flights; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Where exactly does this trip go?
This tour visits Turkmenistan. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
