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Turkmenistan Tours and Travel

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YPT Tours To Turkmenistan

Young Pioneer Tours are pleased to announce our Turkmenistan Tours and travel packages for 2026 and 2027.

YPT were one of the first companies to offer fully guided tours to Turkmenistan back in 2013. Since then, we have brought hundreds of tourists there, being among the very few to cover the National day celebrations in Turkmenistan, as well as expanding tours into all of the other “Stans”.

Group Tours To Turkmenistan

We run a number of group tours to Turkmenistan throughout the year, as well as bespoke Turkmenistan tours that can be arranged according to your schedule and availability. Most of our tours to Turkmenistan start and finish within the country, but we also combine with other “Stans” as part of bigger tours.

We are currently offering the following Turkmenistan tours for 2026 and 2027. This includes standalone Turkmenistan Tours, as well as those combined into our “5 Stans” Combo tours.

Turkmenistan 2026 Tours

We have designed our Turkmenistan Independence Day Budget tour to be short and easy on your wallet as you take part in the celebrations in Ashgabat – easily our most favourite nation of “the Stans”.

One of our most favourite Turkmenistan tours. You’ll be part of all the major celebrations, as well as seeing all the essential tourist sites as part of this trip to Turkmenistan.

For exciting road trip aficionados and country collectors alike, join us as we take you to five of the countries in Central Asia, that is Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Join us in Turkmenistan on our New Year tour as you ring in the new year sipping champagne with fireworks as the backdrop next to the nation’s iconic Davaza Crater, most famously known as the “Gates of Hell”.

Turkmenistan 2027 Tours

Make the most out of your spring break and join us on our Turkmenistan Spring Tour! A country that falls well below most traveller’s radars but is one of the most unique countries not only within the Stans, but in the entire world!

For exciting road trip aficionados and country collectors alike, join us as we take you to five of the countries in Central Asia, that is Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Due to popular demand, we are running our Five Stans tour in June, taking you around Central Asia to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Escape the ordinary and join us on our Turkmenistan Summer Tour. A journey through one of the most unique and least visited countries, not just in Central Asia, but in the entire world.

For exciting road trip aficionados and country collectors alike, join us as we take you to five of the countries in Central Asia, that is Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

All of our group tours to Turkmenistan are accompanied by an expert YPT guide, with us also using the best guides in Turkmenistan. You will notice our tours are extremely unique with our itineraries differing greatly from other companies, this is because we have been going to Turkmenistan for a long time and know the country inside out.

YPT will fully assist you with your visa for Turkmenistan. More details can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions about Turkmenistan section below.

Five Stans – Turkmenistan

YPT were the first company to offer “Five Stans tours”. Turkmenistan being very much a “Stan” is part of this. For those wanting to complete the absolute Stans including Afghanistan and Pakistan please let us know.

You can read more about what are the five Stans here.

Example Group Tour Extensions to Turkmenistan

  • Merv and Mary day extension – Merv is the oldest and best-preserved ancient oasis city along the Silk Road. Now UNESCO listed, several areas of the city are able to be visited, each part showcasing a different aspect of the rich history of the area.
  • Kugitang Mountains and Dinosaur Plateau Extension – Turkmenistan is known for many things, but you’re most likely unaware that it has the largest concentration of dinosaur tracks in the world. This is your unique opportunity to visit one of the most quirkiest yet least-visited sites in Turkmenistan.
  • Arriving / departing from Dashoguz or Konye Urgench borders (Uzbekistan) – Once a thriving metropolis, this ancient city has been destroyed many times over the centuries, but is still home to some of the most interesting mausoleums and buildings in Turkmenistan.
  • Day trip around Ashgabat – Explore some of the sites of Ashgabat that aren’t on the regular itinerary. These can include the Turkmenbashi Mausoleum, the Carpet Museum, part of the Walk of Health, the cable car, or anything else that takes your interest.
Fully Booked

Turkmenistan Independence Day Tour – September 2026

25 Sep, 2026 – 3 Oct, 2026

  • 8 nights, 9 days
  • US$
  • 1495

2 Jun, 2027 – 5 Jun – 23 Jun, 2027

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – June 2027

2 days – 18 days
  • US$
  • 245 - 3095
Confirmed Tour

2 Apr, 2027 – 5 Apr – 23 Apr, 2027

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – April 2027

2 days – 18 days
  • US$
  • 245 - 3095
Confirmed Tour

22 Mar, 2027 – 30 Mar, 2027

Turkmenistan Spring Tour

8 nights, 9 days
  • US$
  • 1495
Confirmed Tour

28 Dec, 2026 – 2 Jan, 2027

Turkmenistan New Year Tour

5 nights, 6 days
  • US$
  • 1095
Confirmed Tour

2 Oct, 2026 – 5 Oct – 23 Oct, 2026

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – October 2026

2 days – 18 days
  • US$
  • 245 - 3095
Fully Booked

25 Sep, 2026 – 29 Sep, 2026

Turkmenistan Independence Day Budget Tour

4 nights, 5 days
  • US$
  • 995
Fully Booked

25 Sep, 2026 – 3 Oct, 2026

Turkmenistan Independence Day Tour – September 2026

8 nights, 9 days
  • US$
  • 1495
Fully Booked

Independent Tours
To Turkmenistan

One of the most closed countries in the world, with even fewer tourists every year than North Korea, Turkmenistan is a truly unique place.

Far from the beaten track, you will spend the entirety of your time in Turkmenistan being in awe at something. This could be it the “Dictator’s Playground” as Ashgabat has come to be known, the giant flaming crater called the “Gates of Hell”, the futuristic, unfinished, ghost town of a beach resort, Awaza, the omnipresent statues and pictures of the President and the former President, or the spectacular and completely untouched natural wonder of the Karakum Desert.

If our dates don’t suit, or the itinerary isn’t what you’re looking for, or if you’d simply prefer to travel alone, please contact us to arrange an Independent Tour.

The types of tours that we can tailor for you are endless, including but not limited to 4WDing, hiking, natural sites, sporting, cultural, ancient cities and many more. If you have any suggestions of what type of tour you’d like to do tell us your idea and we’ll further discuss.

See our overview of all the best tourist sites in Turkmenistan here.

Example Turkmenistan Tour Itinerary

See our Sample Turkmenistan Itinerary here.

Turkmenistan 9 Day Private Tour

Day 1: Ashgabat

  •  Arrive at your convenience to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. You will be met with our representatives upon arrival. They will help you exchange money and transfer you to the hotel
  • After breakfast introductory city tour in Ashgabat with visits to Sunday bazaar, Independence Park and its monuments, Neutrality Arch, Monument of Constitution, Alem Ferris Wheel (ride it), Olympic Complex (pass by).
  • Lunch at local Lezzet restaurants (in AC yurts).
  • In the afternoon, continued the city tour with visits to the Russian bazaar, Lenin Monument, Pushkin Monument, University bookshop and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Ashgabat

  • Drive to Magtymguly Monument, the Stairs of Health park, transfer to Earthquake Memorial
  • Explore the Wedding’s Palace viewpoint.
  • Drive to Anau Mosque and Fortress (Sheikh Jemaladdin Mosque) for an excursion.
  • In the evening, a city-by-night tour in Ashgabat. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 3: Ashgabat – Darwaza

  • After breakfast visit to private Akhalteke horse farm, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque.
  • After concluding touring Ashgabat, you will begin the drive to Darwaza burning gas crater – perhaps the most iconic landmark in Turkmenistan and a highlight of the trip! Your transfer will be private.
  • On the way to the crater we will stop by two lesser known craters — one that is full of mud and one full of water. They were both formed the same way as the crater of Darwaza.
  • Enjoy the last few kilometers of the drive which are off road in the Karakum Desert! This desert actually covers around 70% of the country!
  • You will arrive just in time to watch the sunset over the ‘Gates of Hell’.
  • You can watch the sun die down and view the crater during dusk and nighttime.
  • Tonight you will be a guest in the nearby Yurts.

Day 4: Darwaza – Nohur – Serdar

  • After breakfast by the Gates of Hell, you will begin the drive back in the direction of Ashgabat. However, instead of returning just yet, you will turn and continue driving to Kow Ata Underground Lake.
  • At the lake, you are welcome to have a swim in this magnificent natural pool.
  • After a refreshing dip in the lake, you will continue drinking 175 km northwest towards the Koperdag Mountains to Nokhur — a traditional tribal village still practising their traditional ways of life. This visit will give you an opportunity to view a different side of Turkmenistan and its people.
  • Make a stop at the Nokhur Cemetery. Here, every grave stone has the horns of a mountain goat protruding from the gravesite. Be sure to ask your local guide why!
  • You will enjoy an included dinner and stay overnight in a nearby city called Serdar.

Day 5: Serdar – Arwaza – Turkmenbashi

  • Depart early and drive to the Caspian Sea coast and Awaza resort.
  • Enjoy lunch on arrival of fresh seafood and coastal views!
  • Check-in to the hotel.
  • Afternoon city tour in Turkmenbashi with visit to local bazaar, harbour, Awaza resort. In Awaza you may explore the amusement parks, beaches, and hotels of Awaza, and if you’re game, take a swim in the notoriously cold Caspian Sea! At this time of year, the resort is eerily empty
  • Overnight in Turkmenbashi.

Day 6: Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyons – Balkanabat (overnight train)

  • After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will begin the drive to the Yangykala Canyons
  • The Yangikala Canyons was once a seabed and was home to all kinds of interesting fossils. The Canyon stretches further than the eye can see.
  • In 4×4’s, you will drive over the canyon walls, through the canyon itself and up the other side, stopping at a couple different viewpoints for incredible pictures.
  • For lunch, you will stop at the pilgrim site Gozli Ata. Gozli Ata is one of the most remote shrines of Turkmenistan, devoted to the eponymous saint.
  • In the evening, drive to Balkanabat to catch a night train to Ashgabat, ETD 1900h. Dinner and overnight on the train.

Day 7: Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat – Mary

  • Arrive at 06:10 in Ashgabat.
  • 06:20-06:30 Transfer to the hotel for breakfast and luggage drop-off.
  • Visit to the National Museum, Berkarar shopping center.
  • Transfer to Mary and check into your hotel
  • Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Mary – Merv – Ashgabat

  • In the morning, you will drive to Merv, once one of the most important cities in the Silk Road. Merv is considered one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and it is here that you can see the ruins of the town.
  • After a full morning excursion, it is time to drive back to Ashgabat.
  • You will arrive back to Ashgabat in the evening. Feel free to head to dinner and enjoy your final night in Turkmenistan.

Day 9: Ashgabat

  • Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Bespoke Tours to Turkmenistan

We do not list all of our bespoke Turkmenistan itineraries, as we like to keep much our best bespoke Turkmenistan tours proprietary. Below are merely some examples of independent Turkmenistan trips that we can offer.

  • Cultural Turkmenistan Tours – The Turkmen culture is about much more than the current cult of personality, so if you are looking for something more anthropological, then we can arrange this for you.
  • School Trips to Turkmenistan – We can arrange school trips to Turkmenistan that cover any area of curriculum related to the country that you desire. Simply get in touch if you are looking for a Turkmenistan school trip.
  • Aviation tours to Turkmenistan – Turkmenistan still has a number of old Soviet vehicles, so is therefore interesting to many aviation enthusiasts. These can be tough to organize, so planning is definitely needed.
  • Soviet tours to Turkmenistan – It might not look all that much like the old Turkmenistan Soviet Socialist Republic, but there are still enough vestiges to make a tour like this a possibility. If you want a Turkmenistan Soviet tour, then get in touch the experts to talk about possibilities.
  • Turkmenistan Tours for journalists – Journalists are not permitted to join regular group tours to Turkmenistan and special permission must be sought. YPT can arrange trips of journalist to Turkmenistan.
  • Filming in Turkmenistan – This is ideal for those who are avid photographers and videographers. We can organise everything you need for the contents you require and arrange transports, permits, accommodations, translators and much more so you can focus on your content.

Central Asia Tours

Turkmenistan might well be very central to Central Asia, but there is also a lot of other stuff within the region worth seeing. YPT regularly run tours in Central Asia, inclusive of our legendary Five Stans Tour.

You can check out our dedicated Central Asia Page here.

Filming in Turkmenistan

Frequently ask Questions about travel to Turkmenistan

Below are what we are frequently asked about Turkmenistan for those interested in traveling to the country. We feel that we answered pretty much everything you might need to know before you go to Turkmenistan, but please feel free to get in touch about visiting Turkmenistan, it truly is unique, so we no question is too strange!

  • I heard getting a visa is hard, what is an LOI for a Turkmenistan tour?

    YPT will provide you with a letter of invitation (LOI) which will allow you to receive your Turkmenistan visa on arrival (VOA) once you arrive at Ashgabat International Airport. You may also present this LOI before boarding your flight to Ashgabat as proof of your valid tourist visit.

    The more time you give us to prepare your LOI, the better chance your application is at being approved.

    The rejection rate of LOI applications by the Turkmenistan Tourism Ministry is around 5% – 10% which is one of the lowest when compared to other travel companies due to our experience.

  • Can I receive a visa from a Turkmenistan embassy?

    If you wish to receive your Turkmenistan visa from a Turkmenistan embassy in your home country, or whilst you’re away travelling, you may contact the embassy directly to confirm your appointment, and use your LOI document along with your passport to apply. How long the process takes and the cost depends on the embassy.

  • What about getting a Transit Visa?

    Prior to the COVID pandemic the Transit Visa was a popular option for those wanting to avoid going on a tour and applying for a Turkmenistan visa. Something we assisted with previously as well. However, the Turkmenistan government has made the transit visa strict with tough regulations that are strictly enforced to drivers transporting goods directly through Turkmenistan with their freight vehicle. Regular tourists can no longer apply for this option anymore.

  • Do I have to go in a group tour?

    No, you don’t. At Young Pioneer Tours we can arrange your private tours. Essentially you can tell us where you want to go, what you want to see, according to your budget and travel schedule.

  • When is the best time to go?

    The best time of year to go is during spring and autumn. Summer can be rather hot in Turkmenistan in the high 40s (Deg. Celsius) and can go for weeks without even a single cloud in the sky. Winter can also get quite cold especially in the dessert with snow falling and temperatures dropping well below 0.

  • What should I see?

    It all depends on how long you’ve got. The top of everyone’s list should always be the Gates of Hell (Davarza). This is one of the most spectacular sites in the world and all because of a drilling accident in the early 70s by Soviet engineers. If you’ve only got 3­-4 days then other than your trip to the Gates of Hell (Darvarza) you should stick to exploring Ashgabat – The White Marble city, and its surrounds. Around Ashgabat is Kow Ata, the Turkmenbashi Mausoleum, the Ancient city of Nisa.

    If you’re planning on spending a week in Turkmenistan then a trip to Nohkur for a family homestay as well as venturing further west to Turkmenbashy (the city, not the person) where you can go to the Yangykala Canyons and see the deserted beach resort of Awaza. If you’ve got any longer than a week then you should also head east to Mary/Merv, the Kyrk Gyz caves and the Dinosaur Plateau, where apparently the largest Dinosaur footprints in the world are located.

  • Is it safe to travel to Turkmenistan?

    It is safe to travel to Turkmenistan in regards to zero petty crime and incidents involving visitors. It is probably one of the safest countries to visit provided you follow the laws and regulations as covered in our booking documents, at our pre-tour briefings, and throughout your stay in Turkmenistan.

    With that said, it is important to know that Turkmenistan has what amounts to extremely strict lèse-majesté laws, and in the event of you contravening those laws the consequences can be severe. To avoid any issues, you must not insult their ideology, or their leaders.

    With regards to safety, we always suggest also checking 3rd party sources, such as the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office UKFCO) – you can check their site here.

  • Is it ethical to travel to Turkmenistan?

    We feel that people to people exchanges are always a good thing no matter what you think of the government. We try to arrange so that the majority of the money we spend in Turkmenistan goes to ordinary people, but in the end the question of if it is ethical to travel to Turkmenistan will need to be decided by you.

  • Can journalists travel to Turkmenistan?

    Journalists who wish to travel to Turkmenistan should not do so on a group tour, nor without permission. YPT can arrange journalist travel to Turkmenistan. You can check this link for more details.

  • Do I need to take cash to Turkmenistan?

    The local currency is the Turkmen manat (TMT). You will need to exchange US dollars (clean, undamaged, non-ruptured and unwritten banknotes printed on or after 1996) into manat at banks or exchange offices. The best place to exchange your cash is at the two exchange offices inside the airport on your arrival.

    There are no ATMs or places that accept foreign cards.

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