Turkmenistan · October 26 - November 2 2024
8 Day Turkmenistan Expedition
Flaming Gas Craters, Desert Fortifications, and the Strangest Capital City in the World
ENQUIREOverview
Beyond bizarre, Turkmenistan is one of the most peculiar countries you'll ever visit. This expedition begins in the capital of Ashgabat, where the buildings are all uniform, adorned in white marble and gold, and it's against the law to drive a dirty car. This itinerary will take off from Ashgabat to explore the desert hinterlands of Yangikala, the historic cities of Mery and Merve, the port city of Turkmenbashi named after the nation's first 'forever president', and finally onto the pit that's been on fire since 1971- the Door to Hell where we will spend the night of Halloween.
Highlights
Itinerary
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What's included
What's Included
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
Support documents including Letter of Invitation
English speaking guide
Accommodations in hotel based on double occupancy
One night in a yurt camp sharing with 3-4 passengers
Domestic airline tickets
Transportation
What's Not Included
Turkmenistan visa fee ($89 USD)
Turkmenistan migration tax ($14 USD)
PCR test on arrival ($33 USD)
Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks
Camera usage fees in historical parks and museums
Tips for local staff
Hosts
Extras & Options
FAQs
Is Turkmenistan Safe to Visit?
Despite its strange policies, Turkmenistan is safe to visit.
Where are the Start & End Points on this Expedition?
This 8 Day Turkmenistan Expedition will begin and end in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The trip starts on the evening of October 26th and ends on the evening of November 2nd.
What Is The Difficulty Level Of This Turkmenistan Expedition?
This departure is rated as easy. Most days will involve walking around various sites and on some days, light hiking.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Join this Turkmenistan Expedition?
To join any Safar Expeditions departure you will need to carry an active travel insurance plan.
We recommend using IATI travel insurance for medical coverage and an evacuation plan from Global Rescue.
What are the Entry Requirements for Turkmenistan?
All citizens require a visa in order to visit Turkmenistan. We will provide a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to bring with you to obtain your visa on arrival at Ashgabat International Airport.
What Currency Is Used In Turkmenistan & How Can I Pay For Things in Turkmenistan?
The official currency of Turkmenistan is the Manat. Since 2015, the official exchange rate has been set at $1 USD to 3.5 TMT.
With that said, carry all cash for personal expenses, etc in Turkmenistan into the country in USD. For smaller purchases, you can exchange dollars for manat.
Credit cards are not accepted and ATMs generally don't work with foreign cards.
Is There A Turkmenistan Packing List & Prep Guide?
Yes, we do provide a suggested packing list and preparation guide for our Turkmenistan expedition that can be viewed here.
What Is The Food Like & Can You Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Turkmen cuisine features many similarities to pan-Central Asian cuisine, so expect a lot of meat dishes, fried rice, soups, and manti (dumplings). As we will largely be staying the night in cities, we will have access to international cuisine.
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.
Will I Have Internet Access?
The short answer? Not really.
Turkmenistan's internet it tightly controlled by the government with most new sites and social media being blocked. This even includes platforms such as Google and Gmail.
It's best to plan to be largely offline throughout the duration of your stay in Turkmenistan because of this. Also, note that VPNs generally do not work as the government frequently disables them from working.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Necessary for the Expedition to Run?
Yes, a minimum of 4 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn't reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.