Tribal Culture and Camels Amidst Ruins, Past and Present

Turkmenistan, with its multiple personalities, should be high on your list of bizarro travel experiences. The country’s foothold on the oil-rich Caspian Sea is apparent in the marble and gold monuments to former President-for-Life Turkmenbashi in the capital, Ashgabat. Countless archaeological sites lie half-buried under the sands, and strange sights, such as the flaming “Door to Hell” gas crater, are not uncommon.
Why Travel with MIR to Turkmenistan

- 30 years of Turkmenistan travel experience
- Travel programs such as World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and the Harvard Museum of Natural History have chosen MIR to guide them to Turkmenistan
- Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
- MIR affiliate office in nearby Uzbekistan
- On-the-ground support and quality you can trust
- Personalized travel planning from start to finish
- Guides and tour managers that clients rave about
Signature Why end mights
We regularly garner applause from our travelers for the inspired opportunities we provide to help them get to know the local people, distinctive art, architecture and accomplishments of Turkmenistan. Below is just a sampling of the Turkmenistan experiences MIR has designed to take our clients far from the familiar.
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Pay a visit to a family of weavers in Nohur VillageRead More
Explore the mountain village of Nohur and pay a visit to the home of a family that has been weaving the special patterns of the Nohur people for generations...Pay a visit to a family of weavers in Nohur Village
Nohur, Turkmenistan
Explore the mountain village of Nohur and pay a visit to the home of a family that has been weaving the special patterns of the Nohur people for generations.
Journeys with this Signature Why end might
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Appreciate the heirloom Akhal-Tekke horseRead More
Venture outside Ashgabat to visit a horse-breeding farm devoted to the renowned Akhal-Tekke horse, arguably the oldest cultured breed of horse in the world....Appreciate the heirloom Akhal-Tekke horse
Outside Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Venture outside Ashgabat to visit a horse-breeding farm devoted to the renowned Akhal-Tekke horse, arguably the oldest cultured breed of horse in the world.
Journeys with this Signature Why end might
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Essential Turkmenistan
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Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
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Once Forbidden Lands of Central Asia & Iran
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Take a guided tour of the extensive ruins of UNESCO-listed MervRead More
Take a guided tour of the extensive ruins of UNESCO-listed Merv; the earliest of its five ancient cities is attributed to Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC....Take a guided tour of the extensive ruins of UNESCO-listed Merv
Merv, Turkmenistan
Take a guided tour of the extensive ruins of UNESCO-listed Merv; the earliest of its five ancient cities is attributed to Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC.
Journeys with this Signature Why end might
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Westbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Eastbound
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Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
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Overnight at the burning Darvaza Gas CraterRead More
Overnight in tents on the glowing rim of the eerie Darvaza Gas Crater, with an al fresco barbecue-style dinner....Overnight at the burning Darvaza Gas Crater
Darvaza, Turkmenistan
Overnight in tents on the glowing rim of the eerie Darvaza Gas Crater, with an al fresco barbecue-style dinner.
Journeys with this Signature Why end might
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Ways to Travel to Turkmenistan with MIR
We are endlessly fascinated with Turkmenistan. We design every one of our trips here to enable you to get a sense of how the country has evolved from a loose collection of fierce desert tribes to a place where marble and gold monuments line the streets.
Take a look at your options, from small group escorted tours to independent trips, from luxury rail journeys to custom and private travel:
Small Group Tours

Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
A Classic Silk Road Survey
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
21 Days / Departures in April, May, August, September, October 2018
Small Group land tour from $7,895, plus $350 internal air
See Trip
Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
A Classic Silk Road Survey
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
21 Days / Departures in April, May, August, September, October 2019
Small Group land tour - call for pricing
See Trip
Once Forbidden Lands of Central Asia & Iran
From Tashkent To Tehran via Turkmenistan
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
20 Days / Departures in April, October 2018
Small Group land tour from $8,195, plus $300 internal air
See Trip
Once Forbidden Lands of Central Asia & Iran
From Tashkent To Tehran via Turkmenistan
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
20 Days / Departures in October 2019
Small Group land tour - call for pricing
See Trip
Chinese Turkestan & Central Asia
The Silk Road Through Western China and the Five ‘Stans
Travels to: Central Asia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
24 Days / Departures in May, August 2018
Small Group land tour from $8,095, plus $900 internal air
See Trip
Chinese Turkestan & Central Asia
The Silk Road Through Western China and the Five ‘Stans
Travels to: Central Asia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
24 Days / Departures in May, August 2019
Small Group land tour - call for pricing
See TripRail Journeys by Private Train

Caspian Odyssey by Private Train: Eastbound
South Caucasus to Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, South Caucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
16 Days / Departures in September 2018
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $21,495
See Trip
Caspian Odyssey by Private Train: Eastbound
South Caucasus to Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, South Caucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
16 Days / Departures in September 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $22,595
See Trip
Essence of the Silk Road by Private Train: Eastbound
From Ashgabat to Almaty Aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Travels to: Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
14 Days / Departures in October 2018
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $5,895
See Trip
Jewels of Persia & The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
From Tehran to Moscow via Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Russia
19 Days / Departures in October 2018
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $20,995
See Trip
Jewels of Persia & The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
From Tehran to Moscow via Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Russia
18 Days / Departures in October 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $22,995
See Trip
Iran & The ‘Stans by Private Train: Eastbound
From Tehran to Tashkent Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
16 Days / Departures in October 2018
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $17,495
See Trip
Iran & The ‘Stans by Private Train: Eastbound
From Tehran to Tashkent Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
15 Days / Departures in October 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $19,195
See Trip
Jewels of Persia & The Silk Route by Private Train: Eastbound
From Moscow to Tehran via Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Russia
18 Days / Departures in March 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $22,995
See Trip
Iran & The ‘Stans by Private Train: Westbound
From Tashkent to Tehran Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
15 Days / Departures in March 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $19,195
See Trip
The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
Beijing to Moscow via Central Asia Aboard the Golden Eagle
Travels to: Central Asia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Russia
21 Days / Departures in April 2019
Rail Journey by Private train land tour from $25,795
See TripCustom and private travel is our specialty. We’ve been designing unforgettable custom itineraries through the mushrooming cities and the tribal villages of Turkmenistan for 30 years; a majority of our guests travel on custom itineraries.
For ideas, peruse one of our Regional Travel Planners, a roundup of the must-sees from our savvy staff.
Take a look at our Private Journeys, Essential Central Asia and Essential Turkmenistan or read more about how to design your own trip. Also, consider this: You can customize our Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans small group tour or other MIR small group Central Asia tour to match your preferred dates of travel.
Design Your Own Custom Trip
Traveling privately on a custom program means flexibility:
- You set the dates, the focus and the level of accommodations.
- You are met on arrival and seen off at the end of your trip.
- Your in-country transportation is pre-arranged hassle-free.
- Your own expert local guides ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
- And the best part? You travel at your own pace on an itinerary exclusive to you.
Check out just a handful of our Turkmenistan signature experiences below and then get in touch with a MIR Private Journey Specialist to craft an itinerary that suits your travel goals, budget and style. Or get started planning now.
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Take tea with a local familyRead More
Stop in at the private home of a Turkmen family for tea and the opportunity for a short camel ride....Take tea with a local family
Various locations, Turkmenistan
Stop in at the private home of a Turkmen family for tea and the opportunity for a short camel ride.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
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Explore Turkmenistan’s only seaport on the CaspianRead More
Explore Turkmenistan’s only seaport, which Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan’s first president, renamed in honor of his self-declared title, Turkmenbashi...Explore Turkmenistan’s only seaport on the Caspian
Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan
Explore Turkmenistan’s only seaport, which Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan’s first president, renamed in honor of his self-declared title, Turkmenbashi, meaning “Leader of all Turkmen.”
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
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Browse a vibrant Turkmen bazaarRead More
Browse a Turkmen market, brimming with textiles, traditionally patterned carpets and jewelry...Browse a vibrant Turkmen bazaar
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Browse a Turkmen market, brimming with textiles, traditionally patterned carpets and jewelry.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
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Visit Turkmenbashi’s huge family mosqueRead More
Visit Kipchak, the $100-million-dollar spiritual mosque and mausoleum in former Turkmen President Niyazov’s hometown, big enough to hold 10,000 people....Visit Turkmenbashi’s huge family mosque
Ashgabat,Turkmenistan
Visit Kipchak, the $100-million-dollar spiritual mosque and mausoleum in former Turkmen President Niyazov’s hometown, big enough to hold 10,000 people.
Next Steps
- Start to design your own custom trip
- Read more information about this region
- Find out how Custom & Private Travel works
- Contact a Private Journeys Specialist with any questions
Suggested Itineraries for Private Travel
Whether you’re looking for a compact trip with all the highlights or something a little roomier with some of the extras, MIR offers itineraries that are available on a private departure basis with your choice of dates. They can also serve as inspiration for your own custom itinerary.
Our itinerary, your dates – great for solo travelers, couples or small groups.

Essential Turkmenistan
From the Capital to the Caspian
Travels to: Central Asia, Turkmenistan
Departures in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November 2018
This itinerary available as a private journey
See Trip
Essential Central Asia
Markets and Minarets of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Travels to: Central Asia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Departures in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November 2018
This itinerary available as a private journey
See Trip
Weather
The location and terrain of Turkmenistan make its prevailing climatic patterns not at all surprising. Located in the center of Central Asia, far from the mitigating effects of the ocean, the climate in Turkmenistan is sharply continental. As the country is more than four-fifths desert, the climate is dry year round. Rainfall is slight throughout the country, with the exception being the occasionally damp northern winters. By and large the summers are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures sometimes topping 100 F degrees. The winters can likewise range from mild to downright cold, the lowest lows dipping to or below freezing.
April and October are the most temperate times to visit, before and after the extreme heat of the summer. Daytime temperatures in Ashgabat during these months usually stay in the 70s, and can dip down to the 50s at night. The months of May-September are the warmest, with daytime temperatures that usually stay in the 80s-90s, but can break 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures in the 11s and 70s.
It is important to remember that in a dry desert climate, there can be a wide margin between daytime high temperatures and nighttime lows. Sparse vegetation and low-moisture air do little to trap the day’s heat, so when the sun sets, be prepared for dramatic temperature changes.
Please remember, weather at all times of year has an element of the unpredictable. This information comes from and is based on data from previous temperatures on record. It is always advisable to check with closer to your departure date for current conditions and forecasts for the specific region of Turkmenistan you will be visiting.
Our Favorite Places in Turkmenistan


Ashgabat
In spite of its location on a trade route, Ashgabat never achieved the status and influence of other Silk Road cities like Khiva or Bukhara. Originally known as Konjikala, the city was destroyed by Mongols in the 13th century. In 1881 the Russians built a fortress on the site as a buffer against English-dominated Persia, and by the early 20th century Ashgabat was a prosperous and flourishing city. In 1948 a massive earthquake leveled the city, killing over two-thirds of the population. In the last few decades, Ashgabat has seen a boom in new construction, with super-sized marble and gold monuments springing up all over town.
View trips that travel hereJourneys that travel to Ashgabat
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Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
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Once Forbidden Lands of Central Asia & Iran
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Essential Central Asia
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Essential Turkmenistan
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Chinese Turkestan & Central Asia
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Caspian Odyssey by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Westbound


Nisa
The beautiful Kopet-Dag Mountains rise up around Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site 15 miles outside of Ashgabat. Nisa was once a major center of the ancient Parthian Kingdom, which spread out from there and took its place among such kingdoms as the Achaemenid under Cyrus the Great and the Macedonian under Alexander the Great. Though Nisa was ruled by a succession of dynasties, it remained an important center in the ancient world until the 13th century, when the Mongols sacked it. Today archaeological work continues at Nisa.
View trips that travel hereJourneys that travel to Nisa
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Essential Central Asia
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Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
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Once Forbidden Lands of Central Asia & Iran
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Chinese Turkestan & Central Asia
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Essential Turkmenistan


Merv
The fertile oasis of Merv has supported human life for over 4,000 years. Formed from the rich silt at the mouth of the Murghab River where it soaks into the Kara Kum Desert, the oasis was an early Bronze Age center. The earliest of the five ancient cities at UNESCO-listed Merv is attributed to Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC. Merv was the center of several succeeding civilizations, and became an important way station on the Great Silk Road between the 2nd and the 13th centuries, when it was sacked and burned by the Mongols.
View trips that travel here
Journeys that travel to Merv
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Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans
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Essential Turkmenistan
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route by Private Train: Westbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Eastbound
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The Silk Route ‘Stans by Private Train: Westbound


Kunya Urgench
Kunya Urgench is an agricultural center of about 30,000 near the Uzbek border. It is the site of the ancient capital of Khorezm, which was razed by both Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. About half a mile south of the town lie the remains of the UNESCO-listed old city, including the 11th-century Kutlug-Timur Minaret, ringed with 18 bands of decorative mud brick and blue majolica tiles. The minaret was for many years the tallest in Central Asia. About 1,000 feet from the minaret is the domed hall of the Turabek Khanym Mausoleum. Notable for the interlocking design of its remarkably-preserved ceiling, the mausoleum was built for the daughter of one of the leaders of the Golden Horde.
View trips that travel here
Journeys that travel to Kunya Urgench
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Turkmenbashi
Turkmenistan’s only seaport, Turkmenbashi was originally named Krasnovodsk and came into being when Peter the Great’s emissary, Prince Alexander Bekovich, arrived at the Caspian harbor to bring Russian “protection” to the khan of Khiva. Bekovich and most of his men were promptly killed and the empire didn’t make real inroads into the area until 1819. After Sapuramat Niyazov became president in 1990, he renamed the port in honor of his title, Turkmenbashi, meaning “Father of all Turkmen.” Turkmenistan’s largest oil refinery is located here.
View trips that travel here


Darvaza
Darvaza is a tiny town of about 350 semi-nomadic Teke tribal people just outside the “Door to Hell.” Located about 111 miles north of Ashgabat in the Kara Kum Desert, Darvaza was a site of natural gas exploration in the 1970s. The story goes that the drilling equipment was swallowed up by a huge sinkhole, which was filled with gas. Engineers decided to burn off the gas to make the cavern safe for more drilling. It has been burning ever since. You can visit two of the craters, taking stunning pictures through the “Door to Hell” as the sun disappears.
View trips that travel hereJourneys that travel to Darvaza
XWhen to Travel to Turkmenistan
Turkmen Independence Day (October 27-28)
In October Turkmenistan celebrates its 1991 independence from the Soviet Union. In Ashgabat, a full military parade with tanks, soldiers, dignitaries, horsemen and lots of balloons fills President Palace Square. Travel to the country is severely restricted during October because of the perceived sensitive nature of the festivities.
Oil and Gas Symposiums
Ashgabat plays host to a few major oil and gas symposiums during which time global delegations descend on the few upper-end hotels in the city. These are times to avoid, as hotel space is impossibly hard to get.
Navruz (dates vary by year)
The tradition of Navruz started as a Zoroastrian festival to celebrate the spring equinox. The ancient people closely followed the celestial cycle and noticed that when the hours of daylight started to equal the hours of darkness, the seasons changed and new life was born.
The Persians celebrated the start of the new year at this time, and spent the thirteen days following Navruz settling debts and mending relationships in order to set a positive tone for the upcoming year.
The people of Turkmenistan celebrate Navruz as their Central Asian neighbors do, visiting friends, ending quarrels, cleaning house and greeting the return of spring. The actual day of Navruz, March 31, is marked by official proclamations and feasting.
Ramadan (dates vary by year)
The Islamic holiday, Ramadan, is a time when practicing Muslims focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and strengthening their relationship to God. The holiday lasts a month, and during this period, Muslims fast during daylight hours, eating only before sunrise and after sunset. Islamic teachings explain that without the distraction of attending to physical needs and worldly matters, one is better able to focus on reforming one’s spiritual self. The religious pray more often than the rest of the year, and dedicate themselves to acts of charity. Some scholars believe the name is derived from the Arabic word for “scorching,” referring to the holiday’s power to “scorch” away past sins.