TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan - Desert, Ancient Cities, Golden Horses
Turkmenistan, a desert nation that’s grown rich on its vast reserves of oil and natural gas, remains one of the most closed countries in the world, and the least visited of the Central Asian nations. But a new e-visa system, due to be introduced in 2026, will make this enigmatic outlier easier to visit than ever before.
Under the iron leadership of its three post-Soviet presidents - Turkmenbashy, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov and his son Serdar Berdymukhamedov - the country has become known for its eccentricities. Months of the year re-named after members of Turkmenbashy’s family, burning gas craters, and a capital, Ashgabat, that holds the Guinness World record for the highest density of white marble buildings on earth.
But beyond the white marble and presidential pomp lie warm Turkmen hospitality and some of the most notable sites of the ancient Silk Road. Konye-Urgench, sacked by both Genghis Khan and Timur, was the glittering capital of the Khwarazmian empire, home to both Avicenna and Al Biruni, while Merv was one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Formerly known as Alexandria and Antiochia in Margiana, poets called it the ‘city holding the universe’ and ‘soul of the kings.’ Sacked, of course, by dear Genghis, Merv’s ruins are among the region’s best preserved Silk Road oasis-cities. As author Caroline Eden wrote in The Guardian: “A particularly eye-catching sight is the recently restored 12th-century Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, a rare example of Seljuk commemorative architecture.”
Turkmenistan’s deserts, mountains and Caspian Sea coast are home to an array of rare species, among them the Persian leopard, Striped hyena and Goitered gazelle. And for horse lovers, this is the land of the Akhal-Teke, an elegant desert breed famed for its golden coat. Queen Elizabeth II was given an Akhal Teke stallion called Melekush by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in 1956.
And if you’re into carpets, there’s the Turkmen carpet museum, home to the largest hand-woven carpet in the world!
Some of our Turkmenistan highlights
Tailor-Made Turkmenistan Tours
With our background in journalism and television production, and more than a decade’s experience of planning bespoke trips for individuals, families and small groups, tailor-made journeys are what we do best.
Turkmenistan is a fascinating, yet little-visited country. Whether you want to visit the ruins of Merv, explore the markets of Ashgabat, walk through the dramatic landscapes of the Köýtendag Mountains, or experience nomadic Turkmen heritage at traditional yurt camps in the Karakum Desert, we can make it happen.
Spotlight on: Meeting the Turkmen
Turkmenistan is of the world’s most isolated countries, with the average Turkmen having little access to the outside world, social media or independent press. So for us, one of the most memorable aspects of any visit here is the chance to meet and talk to people, and learn a little of their lives. This isn’t always easy, as many people are shy of foreigners. But to sit and have tea with a Turkmen, meet a shepherd, or share a joke with a market trader in downtown Ashgabat, is a real highlight of any visit here.
To discuss exploring Turkmenistan with us on a tailor-made tour, click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions - Expert Answers from Silk Road Adventures
Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to visit Turkmenistan?
This is a large country with diverse landscapes, but with a stable continental climate, you can be guaranteed of two seasons: winter is cold and dry, whilst summer is very hot and dry. If you are hardy enough, then travel is possible at any time of year - our guests have chosen all seasons for their trips. But, mid-June to late-August will be very hot indeed across much of the country. Spring, from mid-April to late-May has great weather, and autumn from mid-September to late-October is also generally reliable with comfortable temperatures. Navruz, the spring festival in March, can be a wonderful time to visit Turkmenistan.
How much does one of your Turkmenistan tours cost?
We don’t currently offer small-group Turkmenistan tours, focusing instead on private tailor-made tours which start from around £450 per person per day for a 2 person trip.
Is Turkmenistan safe for travelers?
Yes, Turkmenistan is incredibly safe for tourists. As specialists who have run dozens of tours since 2015, we can confirm:
This is a country with an outstandingly low crime rate against tourists - almost zero incidents.
It’s safe for solo female travelers;
We have an 100% safety record, with no serious incidents in 10 years. We provide 24/7 emergency support, satellite phones or Starlink access in remote areas, and have years of experience living and working across the region, meaning we create our trips using first-hand knowledge.
Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan?
All travellers will require a Visa to visit Turkmenistan. The much touted Evisa system has not yet started operating, (as of January 2026), so for the moment all visa applications need to be done via your local Turkmen Embassy, and with the support of a registered Turkmenistan tour operator. This is part of the service we provide to all guests wishing to visit Turkmenistan, which remains - for now - one of the most isolated countries on earth.
What is the best way to fly to Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan Airlines has direct flights from London, Frankfurt, Milan, Singapore, Beijing and Istanbul, plus a few other cities. You can also fly with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Fly Dubai from the gulf.
What's included in your Turkmenistan trips?
Every Silk Road Adventures Turkmenistan tailor-made trip includes:
Pre-trip planning consultation with Marley or Antonia
Brilliant, experienced English-speaking guides, personally chosen by us
Comfortable accommodation in quality hotels and authentic guesthouses (where possible, in Turkmenistan)
Ground transportation in high-quality vehicles
Most meals, featuring plenty of local cuisine
All activity, historical site and national park fees
Emergency support where required
Comprehensive pre-departure information in the Vamoos app format, with regular updates, articles, playlists, films and all of our personal recommendations along your route
NOT included: International flights, visa fees (if required), travel insurance, some lunches, drinks, tips.
How fit do I need to be for travel in Turkmenistan?
Obviously if you are going hiking, then you’ll need to be fit for that activity, but in general you will need to be able to walk on rough surfaces for visits to many of the sites in Turkmenistan, including Merv and Nissa.