Timeless Turkmenistan.
Timeless Turkmenistan.
Timeless Turkmenistan.
Timeless Turkmenistan.
Timeless Turkmenistan.
Timeless Turkmenistan.
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
One of the most enigmatic and least-visited countries in the world, Turkmenistan is a destination of extraordinary contradictions — a hermit state of vast gas reserves and white marble cities, ancient Silk Road ruins and one of the most surreal natural phenomena on earth. For the adventurous traveller willing to navigate its unique complexities, Turkmenistan delivers experiences of rare and lasting power that are simply unavailable anywhere else in Asia.
The ancient city of Merv — once the largest city in the world and a jewel of the Islamic Golden Age — lies at the centre of Turkmenistan's extraordinary historical heritage, its vast ruins spreading across the Karakum Desert in a UNESCO-listed complex of mosques, mausoleums and caravanserais. The Parthian city of Nisa, the ancient fortress of Dehistan and the medieval city of Konye-Urgench add further layers to a Silk Road heritage of remarkable depth and variety.
At Asian Geographical, our Central Asia specialists craft tailor-made Turkmenistan holidays and small group tours that navigate this complex destination with expertise and sensitivity. From the flaming crater of the Darvaza Gas Crater — the Gates of Hell — to the gleaming white boulevards of Ashgabat and the ancient ruins of Merv, we design Turkmenistan itineraries that reveal the extraordinary depth behind this most closed of Central Asian nations.
Best of Borneo
ASHGABAT AND THE KOPET DAG FOOTHILLS: Turkmenistan's bizarre and fascinating capital sits beneath the Kopet Dag mountains on the Iranian border — a city of white marble monuments, golden statues and Soviet-era institutions that has been transformed into one of the world's most distinctive urban spectacles. The National Museum of Turkmenistan houses a superb collection of Silk Road artefacts, while the nearby Parthian city of Nisa — a UNESCOWorld Heritage site — lies just 18 kilometres from the city centre.
MARY AND ANCIENT MERV: The Mary oasis in southeastern Turkmenistan has been an inhabited landscape for over 4,000 years, and its centrepiece — the ancient city of Merv — is the greatest archaeological site in the country and one of the most significant in all of Central Asia. Five distinct cities spanning three millennia of continuous habitation spread across the desert east of Mary, their mud-brick towers, mausoleums and citadels evoking the extraordinary civilisation that once made Merv the cultural capital of the Islamic world.
DARVAZA AND THE KARAKUM DESERT: The vast Karakum Desert covers over 80 percent of Turkmenistan's territory — a landscape of sand dunes, saxaul forest and dry riverbeds of haunting emptiness that conceals one of the world's most remarkable spectacles: the Darvaza Gas Crater. The overnight drive from Ashgabat across the desert to camp beside the flaming crater, watching its orange glow intensify as darkness falls across the surrounding sands, is the single most memorable experience Turkmenistan has to offer.
KONYE-URGENCH AND NORTHERN TURKMENISTAN: The remote northern Dashoguz region of Turkmenistan preserves the extraordinary medieval heritage of ancient Khwarezm — a civilisation of remarkable sophistication that left behind some of the finest Islamic architecture in Central Asia before its annihilation by the Mongol armies of Genghis Khan. The UNESCO-listed monuments of Konye-Urgench, including the towering Kutlug-Timur Minaret and the beautiful domed mausoleums of the Khorezmian sultans, are among the most moving and least-visited historic sites in Asia.
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A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.
People & Culture
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without Flights
Turkmenistan's Desert Wonders is a 9-day adventure through ancient cities, vast deserts, and modern marvels. Discover UNESCO sites, the flaming Gates of Hell, and remote desert villages. From archaeological ruins to white-marble Ashgabat, this tour reveals the rich history, culture, and surreal beauty of Turkmenistan with expert guidance throughout.
Heritage, Off Grid
Turkmenistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£3,695
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.
People & Culture
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Grid View
List View
Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.
People & Culture
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without Flights
Turkmenistan's Desert Wonders is a 9-day adventure through ancient cities, vast deserts, and modern marvels. Discover UNESCO sites, the flaming Gates of Hell, and remote desert villages. From archaeological ruins to white-marble Ashgabat, this tour reveals the rich history, culture, and surreal beauty of Turkmenistan with expert guidance throughout.
Heritage, Off Grid
Turkmenistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£3,695
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.
People & Culture
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Grid View
List View
Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.
People & Culture
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without Flights
Turkmenistan's Desert Wonders is a 9-day adventure through ancient cities, vast deserts, and modern marvels. Discover UNESCO sites, the flaming Gates of Hell, and remote desert villages. From archaeological ruins to white-marble Ashgabat, this tour reveals the rich history, culture, and surreal beauty of Turkmenistan with expert guidance throughout.
Heritage, Off Grid
Turkmenistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£3,695
Without Flights
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
ASHGABAT AND THE KOPET DAG FOOTHILLS: Ashgabat introduces Turkmenistan through marble avenues, monuments, museums, bazaars and striking modern architecture set below the Kopet Dag Mountains. The capital offers insight into the country’s contemporary identity, while nearby Nisa, an ancient Parthian site, connects the region with deeper Silk Road and imperial history.
MERV AND MARY: Merv and Mary form Turkmenistan’s most important historic region, centred on one of the great ancient cities of the Silk Road. The ruins of Merv reveal layers of Persian, Islamic and trading history, with fortresses, mausoleums, city walls and archaeological remains spread across a vast desert-edge landscape.
KARAKUM DESERT AND DARVAZA: The Karakum Desert covers much of Turkmenistan, creating a landscape of dunes, open horizons, nomadic traditions and remote travel routes. Darvaza, known for its burning gas crater, is the best-known desert highlight, especially at night, when firelight and silence create one of Central Asia’s most unusual experiences.
KONYE-URGENCH AND THE NORTH: Konye-Urgench and northern Turkmenistan preserve the remains of a once-powerful Silk Road city near the old course of the Amu Darya. Minarets, mausoleums and monumental Islamic architecture reflect the region’s former importance, while the surrounding desert plains add a sense of remoteness and historical scale.
Time your visit for local festivals and seasonal events—we’ll design your holiday to match the dates.
Spring and autumn bring mild days and clear views—tell us your dates and we’ll shape the route.
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The best time to visit Turkmenistan is from March to May and September to November, when desert temperatures are milder and more comfortable for Ashgabat, Merv, Darvaza and Silk Road sites. Summers are extremely hot, especially across the Karakum Desert, while winters can be cold and dry.
Discover sides of Asia you never knew existed, revealed by people who know every facet.
Explore our newest small-group adventures across Asia, crafted by experts.
Featured
August 29 - September 14, 2026
A multi-centre holiday in Turkmenistan lets you explore ancient Silk Road cities, vast deserts, and unique Soviet-era architecture and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Yes, our Turkmenistan itineraries can be tailored to your interests, allowing you to choose destinations, cultural experiences, and desert or historical excursions.
Yes, UK citizens need a visa and a Letter of Invitation from a tour operator to visit Turkmenistan. Check the latest entry requirements before travelling.
The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are mild. Summers are extremely hot, while winters can be cold and dry.
Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Some travellers may need rabies or malaria precautions. Check with your GP before travel.
Dress modestly, respect local traditions, avoid discussing politics, and always ask permission before taking photos of people or government buildings.
The Turkmen manat (TMT) is the local currency. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so carrying cash, preferably in US dollars for exchange, is highly recommended.
Wi-Fi is limited, even in major cities. A local SIM card may help, but connectivity is restricted. Expect limited internet access during your visit.
Ashgabat, the Darvaza Gas Crater, Merv, Konye-Urgench, Yangykala Canyon, and Nokhur offer a mix of history, natural wonders, and unique cultural experiences.
Booking is simple—fill out the contact form on our website, email tours@asiangeog.com, or call 0208 350 6199. Our experts will help design your perfect trip.
Real reviews from travellers who explored Asia with us.
“They are experts in multi-destination trips and no one we know does it better.”
“There was a fine mix of guided adventures and leisure activities (or non-activity), and luxurious accommodation wherever we went.”
“We especially enjoyed our visit to Komodo National Park, named for the giant lizards called Komodo Dragons that are native to the area.”
“Every aspect was perfectly curated and delivered, … so that we never had to worry about anything.”
“you’ll have a journey to really write home about.”
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
