Turkmenistan
Fast Facts
Official Name: Turkmenistan
Location: Central Asia – Has Land Borders with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Population of Turkmenistan: ~ 6 million
Capital of Turkmenistan: Ashgabat
Turkmen Money: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)
Turkmen Timezone: UTC +5
Visa Requirements for Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan is one of the most difficult countries to get a visa for, especially if you want to travel independently (not on tour). Most visas that do get issued are transit visas which can make getting out of the country in time a challenge. If you are taking a tour, your tour company should be able to advise. Otherwise, you will need to visit a consulate, either in your own or a neighboring country.
Things to Do and See in Turkmenistan
Our Experiences in Turkmenistan
We passed through Turkmenistan briefly on out Silk Road Adventure in 2012. Unfortunately, we were unable to get more than a few-day transit visa, so only had time to pass through Mary and then explore Ashgabat before heading south to Iran.
It certainly was one of the more “Unique” countries we’ve been to. You can read more about our experience below.
- Always room for one more – Turkmenabat
- A huge case of paranoia! – Ashgabat
As far as I am aware, even after a decade, the country is still pretty strict on who can come in, and for how long. It’s not an easy country to get around independently and I’m sure, COVID-19 has bought a whole new set of challenges. So do your due diligence before heading there, or go with a well-established tour company that can help you avoid any headaches with logistics.
I’ve added a few tour options below:
Guided Tours of Turkmenistan
Not everyone has the time or desire to plan and complete an independent trip, and with Turkmenistan, you aren’t going to see much unless you take an official tour. So for those who prefer to have someone else do the organizing, or traveling with a guide, here’s a selection of tours on offer.
Short Tours (1-3 days)
Viator has one tour to the infamous gas fields. You can check them it out HERE
Longer Tours
Intrepid Travel has a range of tours to Turkmenistan in conjunction with other Silk Road destinations. Check them out HERE
GAdventures has some similar tours Check them out HERE
Tour Radar – Has a few tours more focused on Turkmenistan in its own right.
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