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Uncover the Great Silk Road less travelled
Discover the ancient ruins, endless sands and mythical haunts of isolated Turkmenistan, a country that is largely ignored by travellers. Journey through the prehistoric towns that dot the Silk Road and encounter humble and hospitable people along the way. From the marbled metropolis of Ashgabat to the tiny desert community of Yerbent, this ten-day adventure is a fantastic introduction to this mysterious country.
- Start
- Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
- Finish
- Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
- Destination
- Turkmenistan
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PCTK
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Enjoy the full experience of surprising Ashgabat, exploring this marbled city that was largely rebuilt following a destructive earthquake in earthquake in 1948.
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Traverse across the country on an overnight train journey in twin share cabins from Ashgabat to Dashoguz.
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Explore sprawling Silk Road ruins of Mary, Merv and others with a local guide - testaments to the once grand empires that ruled these lands.
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Watch the sun set over the surreal flames of the Darvaza Crater with a night camping in the desert.
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Stop by Yerbent, a settlement in central Karakum Desert, and learn about survival in this harsh and arid environment.
Is this trip right for you?
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There are few places like Turkmenistan on earth - isolated geographically and secluded politically. It's probably unlike anywhere you have ever been, so be prepared to be surprised and for things to run a little differently to home.
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Tourism is strictly controlled in Turkmenistan, with Letters of Invitation needed in advance in order to apply for your visa (which you can then get on arrival) and guides tending to be protective of what tourists see and fiercely proud of their nation and its leaders. Those used to more freedom of exploration and tour guides with a more global perspective may find their experience here different from in other destinations.
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There are some long days of driving over rough terrain and far from the capital, including an overnight sleeper train.
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You will need to have an excellent general level of health and fitness as we'll be exploring many of the vast archaeological ruins on foot.
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There is one night of basic camping included on this trip in the Karakum Desert - a huge contrast to our 5-star hotel in Ashgabat! Sleeping bags, mattresses and tents are all provided, but there are no bathing or permanent toilet facilities at the campsite.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Yyldyz Hotel or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Accommodation
- Overnight train (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ashgabat - Independence Monument
- Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
- Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Ashgabat - Russian Bazaar
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
We travel in comfortable 4 berth compartments which we will book out so that you can travel twin share. Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. Some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Safe, hot drinking water is always available. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins). Basic bathroom facilities with toilets and washbasins are situated at the end of each carriage. As toilet paper isn't always available, it's best to bring an emergency supply.Accommodation
- Dashoguz Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
- Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater
- Konye-Urgench - Turebek Khanum Mausoleum
- Konye-Urgench - Mausoleum of Najmitdin Kubra & Sultan Ali
- Konye-Urgench - Kutlug Timur Minaret
- Konye-Urgench - Mausoleum of Fakhr At-Din
- Konye-Urgench - Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Depending on the group size, the group may be split into more than 1 vehicle for our journey into the desert today.Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses are provided. Please note this is simple camping, with no bathroom or toilet facilities available.
Accommodation
- Yyldyz Hotel or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Yerbent - Village visit
- Geok-Depe - Ahalteke Horse Stables
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Yyldyz Hotel or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ashgabat - National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Ashgabat - Wedding Palace
- Ashgabat - Anau ruins
- Ashgabat - Nisa ruins
- Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Mary or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Hotel Mary or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Merv - Big & Small Kizkala
- Mary - Regional Museum
- Merv - Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
- Merv - Erk Kala & Gayur Kala
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Yyldyz Hotel or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ashgabat - Kopet Dag Mountains Cable Car
Optional Activities
- Carpet Museum - USD5
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, Overnight train, 4x4 vehicle, TaxiAccommodation
Ashgabat Feature Stay Hotel (4 nights), Hotel (4 nights), Camping (1 night)Included Activities
- Ashgabat - Independence Monument
- Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
- Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Ashgabat - Russian Bazaar
- Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater
- Konye-Urgench - Turebek Khanum Mausoleum
- Konye-Urgench - Mausoleum of Najmitdin Kubra & Sultan Ali
- Konye-Urgench - Kutlug Timur Minaret
- Konye-Urgench - Mausoleum of Fakhr At-Din
- Konye-Urgench - Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum
- Yerbent - Village visit
- Geok-Depe - Ahalteke Horse Stables
- Ashgabat - National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Ashgabat - Wedding Palace
- Ashgabat - Anau ruins
- Ashgabat - Nisa ruins
- Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan
- Merv - Big & Small Kizkala
- Mary - Regional Museum
- Merv - Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
- Merv - Erk Kala & Gayur Kala
- Ashgabat - Kopet Dag Mountains Cable Car
Dates & availability
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Turkmenistan Discoverer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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Important notes
1. A complimentary arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight details no later than 2 weeks before departure.

Essential trip information
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