Short Tours in Turkmenistan

Ashgabat City

Short tours in Turkmenistan are an ideal addendum for lengthier Central Asia tours, particularly for travelers to neighboring Uzbekistan and for independent backpackers who are passing through Turkmenistan on a limited transit visa.

Ashgabat, recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the city with the highest density of white marble-clad buildings in the world, is perfect day tour material. On an Ashgabat tour you’ll encounter eclectic monuments dedicated to former leader and personality cult Turkmenbashi as you tour mosques, parks, museums and even the stables of the famed Akhal-Teke horse.

A noteworthy destination in itself, Ashgabat is likewise a great starting point for regional exploration to key cities with an experienced Turkmenistan tour guide. Consider the Parthian capital of Old Nisa, the culturally and linguistically unique mountain village of Nokhur or the stunning Koytendag Nature Reserve. The fiery gas crater of Darvaza, which lies in the middle of the Karakum Desert, makes for an unforgettable overnight trip yet can also be enjoyed on a full-day, round-trip tour.   

Travelers entering Turkmenistan from Uzbekistan will appreciate a day trip to ancient Merv, buried in five layers of history, or a tour of historic Kunya-Urgench near the Uzbek city of Khiva.

Each of our short tours in Turkmenistan is sure to whet your appetite for this unusual land.