Turkmenistan Silk Road Classic
The country's signature route, the marble capital, the UNESCO oasis of Merv, an overnight beside the burning Darvaza crater and the mausoleums of Kunya-Urgench.
Marble cities and desert mystery
Turkmenistan is one of the world's most enigmatic and least-visited countries, a land where vast Karakum desert sands meet the marble-clad monuments of its capital, Ashgabat. Here the flaming Darvaza gas crater blazes through the night, ancient Silk Road cities lie half-buried in the sand, and grand Soviet-era spectacle mixes with deep Central Asian tradition. Independent travel is tightly regulated, so most visitors explore on guided tours that unlock the country's remarkable sites. For the intrepid, it offers a genuinely off-the-map adventure.
The landmarks that shape a journey through Turkmenistan, explore them on the map.
Turkmenistan has a harsh continental desert climate, so timing matters. The best periods are spring (roughly April to June) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are moderate and skies are clear, ideal for touring the desert sites and cities. Summer, from June to August, is punishingly hot in the lowlands and generally not recommended for travel. Winters are short, dry and can be cold, with most precipitation falling between January and May.
The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.
A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.
The country's signature route, the marble capital, the UNESCO oasis of Merv, an overnight beside the burning Darvaza crater and the mausoleums of Kunya-Urgench.
A short, dramatic desert run to the Darvaza 'Door to Hell', the fiery gas crater that has burned continuously since 1971, seen at its best after dark.
A capital-focused stay taking in Ashgabat's marble landmarks, the Parthian fortress of Old Nisa and the celebrated Ahalteke horses at the hippodrome.
The blazing "Gateway to Hell," a fire-filled crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert, is Turkmenistan's most iconic and otherworldly sight, especially after dark.
Ancient oasis cities such as Merv and the monuments of Konye-Urgench recall Turkmenistan's role at the heart of the historic Silk Road.
The capital is a spectacle of gleaming white-marble buildings, gold-domed monuments and grand fountains, unlike any other city in the region.
Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.
Travel facts verified from Turkmenistan - Wikipedia, Visa requirements - Embassy of Turkmenistan, Washington, Turkmenistan International Travel Information - U.S. Department of State, Best time to visit Turkmenistan - Weather Atlas. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.