Best Turkmenistan Tours & Holidays

Our comprehensive Turkmenistan tour packages typically come bundled as a multi-destination adventure, allowing you to experience the best of Central Asia. These tours will include hand-picked, 3 and 4-star hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts, and select other meals throughout your journey. You'll benefit from airport transfers on arrival and departure days, guided experiences with knowledgeable local guides, and transportation via comfortable coaches. 

Some itineraries may include internal flights or train journeys, depending on the destinations covered. Early hotel check-in is often provided to accommodate typical early-morning arrivals into Ashgabat. Sightseeing highlights commonly include Ashgabat city tours, cultural experiences, and visits to significant historical sites. All our tours come with our reassuring 7-day cooling-off period for peace of mind when booking.

Our smaller-than-usual Classic tours (of 12 to 24 travelers) provide excellent value to explore Turkmenistan's unique landscapes and culture with comfortable accommodations and expert guidance. For those with specific interests in Turkmenistan's history, architecture or nomadic culture, our Tailor-made tours can be customized to match your preferences. All our Turkmenistan tours are fully escorted by knowledgeable local guides who navigate local customs and provide cultural context throughout your journey.

Our team of flight specialists can book your flights for Turkmenistan tours from Australia, or you're welcome to arrange them independently. Due to the unique nature of this destination, most flights arrive in Ashgabat early in the morning (between 1-3 AM), with layovers typically in Dubai or Istanbul. Our itineraries accommodate the early arrival time, and your hotel is included from 2 PM the day before your trip starts, ensuring you can check in as soon as you land. You will only need a pre-tour accommodation night if you check in to your hotel from 2 pm, two days before your tour starts, to 1 pm, the day before your tour starts.

Please note that due to local regulations in Turkmenistan, extended pre-tour accommodation options may be limited in Ashgabat. The government requires foreigners to stay in specially licensed hotels, register with migration authorities after three days, and typically discourages stays outside of pre-arranged tour dates. Most visitors must travel with registered tour companies as independent travel is restricted. These policies are part of Turkmenistan's controlled tourism approach, which can limit flexibility when planning extended stays before your official tour begins.

Our Turkmenistan tours feature a thoughtful mix of comfort and authentic experiences. You'll stay in quality 3 and 4-star hotels in urban areas, combined with authentic accommodation experiences unique to the region. 

When included in your itinerary, traditional yurt accommodation offers a genuine cultural experience but has simpler amenities than hotels. Communal bathroom facilities may be located some distance from sleeping areas, and electricity might not always be reliable. Yurt accommodation is typically shared, and private rooms are not always provided. This authentic experience allows you to connect with Central Asian traditions while more comfortable hotel accommodations ensure you can rest and recharge throughout your journey.

Turkmenistan tours don't generally pose specific physical challenges and can be completed by most travellers with good mobility and health. Sightseeing activities typically involve walking up to 3 miles daily, sometimes over uneven terrain or steps. Many tours feature a packed itinerary with maximum exploration and minimal downtime. While not strenuous, you should be comfortable with longer travel days between destinations. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know when booking so we can suggest appropriate tour options or explore alternative solutions wherever possible. This transparency ensures you'll enjoy every moment of your Central Asian adventure without unexpected difficulties.

Traveling in a group to Turkmenistan provides both safety and enrichment to your experience. Our Turkmenistan group tours typically range from 10 to 24 people, offering a balance between intimacy and social interaction. Your fellow travelers will likely come from diverse backgrounds and age groups, united by a shared interest in exploring Central Asia. The group dynamic enhances your journey through shared experiences, while expert local guides provide cultural context and historical insights that would be difficult to access independently. Coach transportation is used throughout, with extra seating usually available for comfort on longer journeys.

The best time to visit Turkmenistan is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are most pleasant for exploring. 

Summer months (May to August) can be extremely hot, especially in desert regions, with temperatures often soaring to 104°F or higher. Winters can be quite cold, particularly in northern regions. 

September and October offer milder temperatures, around 77-86°F, making it ideal for sightseeing in Ashgabat and exploring desert attractions. These shoulder seasons also typically have fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful experience at major attractions and UNESCO sites. When planning your Turkmenistan holidays, consider these seasonal variations to maximize your comfort and enjoyment.

For Turkmenistan travel, pack lightweight, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially for women. Bring layers to accommodate temperature fluctuations, which can range from scorching 104°F days to chilly nights, particularly in desert areas.

Essential items include:

• Comfortable walking shoes for daily exploration
• A sun hat
• high-SPF sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight scarf (versatile for sun protection or modest dress requirements). 

For electronics, Turkmenistan uses Type C and F sockets (230V, 50Hz), so bring appropriate adapters. Don't forget a water bottle, hand sanitiser, basic medications, and some US dollars in cash, as ATMs are limited and mainly found in Ashgabat.

Turkmen cuisine is a delightful adventure for food enthusiasts. The national dish is pilaf (plov), a hearty rice dish cooked with meat (usually mutton or beef) and carrots. You'll also encounter shashlik (grilled meat skewers), manty (steamed dumplings), and chorba (a rich meat soup). Bread holds cultural significance and is treated with respect––never place it upside down. 

Green tea is the traditional beverage, often served throughout the day. While major cities offer some international options, traditional Central Asian cuisine generally doesn't cater well to specific dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. 

If you have dietary restrictions, please inform us when booking. You'll have opportunities to sample authentic dishes at local restaurants, bazaars, and during group meals, providing a genuine taste of Turkmenistan's culinary heritage.

Turkmenistan offers extraordinary sights that combine natural wonders with unique cultural experiences. 

• The undisputed highlight is the Darvaza Gas Crater (known as the "Gates of Hell"), a flaming natural gas crater in the Karakum Desert that's been burning for decades. 
• In Ashgabat, the capital city, marvel at the surreal white marble architecture, especially Independence Square and the stunning Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. 
• History buffs should visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kunya-Urgench, featuring impressive medieval Islamic architecture. 
• The ancient ruins of Merv, once one of the world's largest cities, tell tales of the Silk Road era. 
• Don't miss the chance to see the renowned Akhal-Teke horses, considered national treasures for their beauty, endurance, and metallic coat sheen.

Turkmenistan has a conservative culture influenced by Islamic traditions and unique local customs. 

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders, chest, and knees, while men should avoid shorts in formal settings. 
• Always remove shoes before entering someone's home or a mosque. 
• Use your right hand when eating, as the left is considered unclean. 
• Photography restrictions are common, particularly around government buildings, airports, and military installations – always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
• Public displays of affection should be avoided. 
• Alcohol consumption is acceptable in hotels and restaurants but not in public spaces.
• Learning a few basic phrases in Turkmen or Russian is greatly appreciated and shows respect for the local culture. 
• Finally, never criticize the government or leadership while in the country.

Connectivity in Turkmenistan is limited compared to many other destinations. Internet access is restricted, with social media platforms and many websites blocked. Hotels in Ashgabat and other major cities typically offer Wi-Fi, but connection speeds are often slow and unreliable. If staying connected is important, we recommend setting up a VPN before leaving home, though be aware that even VPNs can sometimes be blocked. 

Mobile phone coverage is reasonable in cities but may be nonexistent in remote areas like the Karakum Desert. International roaming can be expensive, and local SIM cards are available but require registration with your passport. 

For essential communications, WhatsApp (through VPN) tends to be the most reliable option when Wi-Fi is available. During your visit, embrace the opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in this fascinating country.

The official currency is the Turkmenistan Manat (TMT), but we recommend bringing US dollars in cash for your trip. ATMs are limited, primarily found in Ashgabat, and don't always accept foreign cards. 

Credit card usage is limited to mainly upscale hotels and select shops in the capital. Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels, and authorized exchange offices—always keep receipts from official exchanges. It's advisable to exchange only what you need as converting Manat back to foreign currency can be difficult. 

Bring crisp, newer USD bills (issued after 2009) in small denominations for daily expenses and larger bills for currency exchange. For your visa fee (approximately 100-120 USD) and PCR test payment (about 42 USD), you'll need exact amounts in US dollars. Having small Manat notes is useful for markets, taxis, and small purchases during your Turkmenistan travel.

Turkmen is the official language of Turkmenistan, spoken by about 72% of the population. Russian remains widely spoken, especially in urban areas and for business, functioning as a second language for many Turkmen people. Limited English may be spoken in tourist areas and hotels, but it's not widely used outside these settings. Learning a few basic Turkmen or Russian phrases before your trip can greatly enhance your travel experience and show respect for local culture.

Booking your Turkmenistan adventure is simple and straightforward. Explore our range of Turkmenistan tour packages with detailed itineraries, inclusions, and pricing information. 

If you prefer personalized assistance, you can contact the Inspiring Vacations team at 1 888 356 2021. We’re ready to answer all your questions about our guided tours to Turkmenistan and help you select the tour that best matches your travel dreams and expectations.