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Mary, Merv, Turkmenistan
Home Destinations North and Central Asia Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Holidays

A country of rich contrasts. The discovery of national gas has brought vast wealth and luxury to the cities – but away from this glitz, vast deserts play host to gorgeous deposits of deep-green mountains and natural gorges.

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Central Asia is steeped in history and the vestiges of ancient civilizations are scattered across wide desert plains. Persians, Parthians, Sasanians and Seljuks have all left their mark and more recently it formed the playing fields of the Great Game.

The area we know as Turkmenistan played a pivotal role in all these, making any visit a journey through time. It combines particularly well with Uzbekistan.

Man,Turkmenistan
Local man
Yurt and House, Damla, Turkmenistan
Yurt and traditional home

What to expect on your Turkmenistan holiday

With the discovery of vast reserves of natural gas, Turkmenistan has transformed itself from a forgotten Russian satellite state to a major player on the world stage. The wealth is obvious and the contrast between life in the cities and life in the remote villages is striking. Much of Turkmenistan is desert, but you will find lush green mountains, natural gorges and a diverse range of fauna and flora ranging from the bustard to the Central Asian gazelle.

Ashgabat is a relatively new city, but Kunya Urgench was one of the greatest cities on the Silk Road, and along with Merv and Nisa, provides some insight into the vast wealth that once defined the region.

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Maximise every moment

A selection of activities and experiences you could consider including in your holiday to Turkmenistan.

Mary, Merv, Turkmenistan
 

Visit Merv

Explore the ancient trading town of Merv, reputedly one of the oldest and best preserved oasis cities on the Silk Road.

Suggested Holiday Idea

The site of Nisa in Turkmenistan
 

The Remains of Nisa

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nisa, ancient capital of the Parthian empire.

The site of Kunya Urgench in Turkmenistan
 

Kunya Urgench

Stop at this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the 11th-century minaret of Gutluk-Temir, spared by Genghis Khan when he seized the city in 1221.

Gas Crater, Darvaza, Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan
 

Darvaza Gas Crater

Visit this strange natural gas hole in the middle of the Karakum Desert – measuring 70 metres across it is thought to have been burning since 1971.

Yangikala Canyon, Turkmenistan
 

Yangikala Canyon Visit

Explore Yangikala Canyon by 4wd or on foot. Shaped by the Caspian Sea, millions of years ago, the dramatic flame coloured rock formations are imbedded with seashells and fossils. Hike to the top for never ending views, stay below to watch the colours ignite as the sun sets or even camp out in this remote setting.

Explore

  • Ashgabat
  • Nisa
  • Darvaza gas crater
  • Merv

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

Talk with our experts
  • 1(800)272-4163
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Jim Davies

Having spent a decade myself working as a guide all around the world, I understand just how important it is to link you with the right people on the ground. With my background, any tailor made itinerary is guaranteed to deliver on local insight and authentic experiences.

Talk with our experts
  • 1(800)272-4163
Idea
Kyrgyzstan
Journey through Central Asia – The Five Stans
Travel through five very different countries, crossing desert, mountains and grasslands, seeing the finest architecture in Central Asia and mingling with the many different ethnic groups that inhabit the region.
23 days from $7,775pp
Men, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia by Paul Craven
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Uzbekistan
Highlights of Uzbekistan
This comprehensive holiday to Uzbekistan takes in the silk road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
10 days from $3,895pp
Hast Imam Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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Idea
Kyrgyzstan
Highlights of Kyrgyzstan
This holiday is designed to showcase Kyrgyzstan’s stunning scenery, from alpine forests to snow-capped peaks and high altitude lakes.
11 days from $3,245pp
Herd of horses grazing in picturesque mountains in Kyrgyzstan
View Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Turkmenistan holiday ideas.

Our Turkmenistan experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Kyrgyzstan
Journey through Central Asia – The Five Stans
Travel through five very different countries, crossing desert, mountains and grasslands, seeing the finest architecture in Central Asia and mingling with the many different ethnic groups that inhabit the region.
23 days from $7,775pp
Men, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia by Paul Craven
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Uzbekistan
Highlights of Uzbekistan
This comprehensive holiday to Uzbekistan takes in the silk road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
10 days from $3,895pp
Hast Imam Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Kyrgyzstan
Highlights of Kyrgyzstan
This holiday is designed to showcase Kyrgyzstan’s stunning scenery, from alpine forests to snow-capped peaks and high altitude lakes.
11 days from $3,245pp
Herd of horses grazing in picturesque mountains in Kyrgyzstan
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas

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Frequently asked questions about Turkmenistan

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