SOVIET TURKMENISTAN TOUR

Join us for a unique collaboration between Privet Tours and The Atlas Sovieticus. This carefully curated journey goes beyond Turkmenistan’s gleaming white marble capital to explore Turkmenbashi, Balkanabad and Mary, offering a deeper understanding of the country outside Ashgabat. Our route has been thoughtfully designed to uncover Turkmenistan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and often-overlooked Soviet history.

What makes this tour truly unique? We are not here for a checklist experience. Instead, we immerse ourselves in the country, exploring its vibrant heritage through Soviet-era mosaics, monumental reliefs, stained-glass windows and historic monuments. You will witness first-hand the artistic and architectural legacies that are often missed by standard tours.

We maximise every moment of your journey, from camping at the Gates of Hell to exploring bustling bazaars and sampling local cuisines. This tour blends cultural heritage, historical exploration and natural wonders, offering a rare chance to experience Turkmenistan in all its complexity and beauty.

As one of the most challenging post-Soviet countries to visit, Turkmenistan offers an unmatched sense of discovery. This tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover its history, its people and its hidden Soviet legacy.

Be one of the first to embark on this unique journey, a special collaboration between Privet Tours and The Atlas Sovieticus.

Thursday 4th March – Ashgabat

• Arrive at your leisure in Ashgabat, the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat is well-connected to Istanbul and to many cities across the Middle East and Asia. Upon arrival, our team will transfer you to our centrally located hotel.
• Hotel check-in is from 13:00pm, you can store your bags and take a leisurely walk through the white city centre,
• At 17:30pm, we will meet in the hotel lobby for a pre-tour briefing. You’ll be introduced to your fellow travellers and your Privet Tours guide and the Atlas representative, who will walk you through the itinerary and plans for the days ahead.
• Dinner and drinks at a popular Georgian restaurant for shasliks, khinkali and wine.
• Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Friday 5th March – Ashgabat – Darwaza (Gates of Hell)

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a relaxed late check-out.
• The morning is yours to explore Ashgabat at your own pace and capture its striking architecture. We highly recommend visiting the ornate ceramic reliefs of Turkmen performers inside the Turkmenistan State Circus, as well as the impressive Ashgabat Wine Mosaic.
• At the designated time, we regroup and transfer to 4×4 vehicles, beginning our journey into the desert towards the legendary Gates of Hell.
• Along the journey, we’ll stop for lunch at the Berkarar Shopping and Entertainment Centre, offering a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. This is also a great opportunity to pick up any supplies needed for our overnight desert camp.
• Continuing our journey, we pass two lesser-known craters, one filled with bubbling mud and the other with water, both formed by the same natural processes as the Gates of Hell.
• The final stretch takes us off-road across the desert. As the landscape opens up, we arrive at the spectacular, flame-filled crater, an unforgettable sight.
• Settle into your traditional yurts and take time to gather around as the sun begins to set. Watch in awe as dusk falls and the crater’s glow intensifies against the darkening desert sky.
• In the evening, enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner and drinks under the stars, surrounded by one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
• Overnight stay in Darvaza.

Saturday 6th March – Darwaza – Ashgabat

• Early morning start with breakfast at the campsite. Once ready, we begin our journey back to the capital, Ashgabat.
• Upon arrival in the “White City,” we delve into its lesser-known Soviet past. We visit the distinctive Lenin Monument Ashgabat, considered one of the most unique Lenin monuments in Central Asia. Its design incorporates traditional Turkmen “göl” motifs, transforming it into something both decorative and symbolic rather than purely ideological.
• We continue to a monumental relief by Ernst Neizvestny, depicting the struggle of revolution in Turkmenistan. Controversial at the time of its unveiling, the composition was said to resemble a cross, an unusual feature given the Soviet Union’s atheist stance.
• Next, we head to the lively Russian Bazaar (Русский базар), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in Turkmenistan. Designed in Soviet modernist style, it’s an excellent place to pick up souvenirs, including the famous Ruhnama. The market also features an abstract sculpture by Turkmen artist Klych Yarmamedov at its centre.
• Enjoy lunch at the bazaar, where we recommend trying manti, steamed dumplings filled with spiced meat, typically lamb or beef, perfectly paired with local beers.
• Next, we’ll visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan, which houses an extensive collection of Turkmen paintings and sculptures, including works by notable Soviet and Turkmen artists such as Ivan Cherinko, Durdy Bayramov, Husein Huseinov and Izzat Klychev.
• After a busy day, we’ll check back into the hotel to freshen up and relax.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Sunday 7th March – Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi

• Breakfast at the hotel before we head out to explore Ashgabat.
• We’ll visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan, a fascinating place that showcases the country’s rich history, culture, and identity. Here, you will encounter artefacts from ancient civilisations such as Nisa, Merv and Margiana, providing a tangible connection to the region’s millennia-old heritage.
• Next, we stroll through Independence Park, an impressive open space lined with monuments that celebrate Turkmenistan’s modern national identity. Dominating the skyline is the Neutrality Arch, a 75-metre-high rocket-shaped tower topped with a gleaming golden statue of former leader Saparmurat Niyazov.
• Nearby, we visit the grand monument dedicated to the Ruhnama, the spiritual guidebook authored by Niyazov himself, a strikingly unique artefact of Turkmen political culture.
• Our journey continues to the Monument of the Constitution, an imposing 185-metre-tall structure and the second-tallest building in Turkmenistan, exemplifying the nation’s penchant for monumental architecture.
• For a lighter moment, we visit the Alem Centre and ride the Wheel of Enlightenment, the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of Ashgabat’s marble cityscape for the modest price of just $1.
• We’ll have lunch in the city, for time, we can pre-arrange your orders.
• Nisa Fortress, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located just outside the city. Once the capital of the Parthian Empire, Nisa was a major power from the mid-3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, stretching from modern-day Turkey to Afghanistan. Archaeological excavations reveal richly decorated architecture and unique religious functions, offering a vivid glimpse into an ancient empire that shaped Central Asia.
• We’ll head north to visit the Turkmenbashy Mosque and Mausoleum, the resting place for Saparmyrat Nyýazow, the leader of Turkmenistan from 1985 to 2006. This Mausoleum was built and completed two years before his death.
• Make our way to the train station and board our sleeper train to Turkmanbasi.
• Dinner and overnight stay on the sleeper train.

Monday 8th March – Turkmenbashi

• Arrive in Turkmenbashi and transfer to our hotel for breakfast.
• Once refreshed, we’ll explore Turkemenbashi, a city that immediately feels different from the white capital. Here, forgotten Soviet monuments and mosaics offer a glimpse into the complex historical relationship between Turkmenistan and Russia.
• You’ll have the chance to wander through a local market, where you can pick up unique handmade gifts, such as woollen socks, and sample local dishes and snacks like freshly baked samsa, the Central Asian version of an Indian samosa.
• Next, we’ll visit Awaza, an extravagant, futuristic resort developed under former president Saparmurat Niyazov. Often described as one of the world’s most peculiar beach destinations, Awaza impresses with its grandiose architecture, though its vast facilities give it an almost ghost-town atmosphere.
• We’ll explore the amusement parks and enjoy a leisurely walk along the beachfront of the Caspian Sea, taking in the expansive views and unusual modern structures.
• Return to the hotel to relax and freshen up. The hotel bar serves refreshing Zip and Berk beers.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Turkmenbashi.

Tuesday 9th March – Turkmenbashi – Gozli Ata – Yangikala – Balkanabad

• Breakfast at the hotel before we head towards Balkanabad.
• We journey to the breath-taking Yangykala Canyon, a place so remote that until recently, even many Turkmens were unaware of its existence. Vast and dramatic, the canyon was once an ancient seabed, and today its layered cliffs and scattered fossils tell the story of millions of years of geological transformation.
• At the highest point, we’ll pause for photos at the iconic “Crocodile’s Mouth,” one of the canyon’s most striking natural formations, offering sweeping panoramic views across this extraordinary terrain.
• Picnic lunch along the journey, stopping at a service station which serves traditional Central Asian snacks. 
• Next, we’ll travel to the sacred pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata, one of the most important religious destinations in Turkmenistan. For generations, pilgrims have journeyed here to pray, seek blessings, and honour a revered spiritual figure. The site remains an active place of devotion, where local customs and Islamic traditions continue to intertwine.
• We’ll continue to Balkanabad, where we explore a collection of forgotten Soviet-era mosaics, including Misha the Olympic Bear and large-scale works at the Oil and Gas Research Institute, now slowly falling into disrepair. We’ll also visit the enormous Monument to the Desert Explorers.
• After a busy day, we’ll transfer to our hotel, time to relax and freshen up.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Balkanabad.

Wednesday 10th March – Balkanabad – Nokhur – Kow Ata – Ashgabat

• Breakfast at the hotel before we check out and start heading towards the capital.
• We’ll continue our drive East to the village of Nokhur, nestled in the Kopet Dag Mountains. Unlike much of Turkmenistan, Nokhur remained largely untouched during both the Soviet-era and the rule of Saparmurat Niyazov, allowing it to preserve a distinctly traditional way of life that sets it apart from the rest of the country.
• You’ll have the opportunity to visit the unique Nokhur Cemetery, where each grave is adorned with the horns of a mountain goat, a striking local tradition believed to symbolise strength and protection.
• You’ll then have the opportunity to experience Nokhur’s culture and renowned hospitality first-hand, as you wander through the small local bazaar and interact with residents, gaining a deeper insight into daily life in this remarkable village.
• We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in Nokhur, where we recommend trying Ichlekli, a traditional meat-filled pastry widely considered one of Turkmenistan’s national dishes.
• Continue to Kow Ata, an underground thermal cave lake known for its warm, mineral-rich waters, believed to have therapeutic properties. Popular with locals as a natural swimming spot, it offers a unique and relaxing experience, with temperatures ranging from 33 to 37°C year-round.
• We’ll continue to Ashgabat, stopping along Soviet monuments along the way. On arrival to the capital, we’ll check into our hotel relax and freshen up before heading to the local pub for dinner and drinks.
• Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Thursday 11th March – Ashgabat – Anau – Mary

• After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for a day of cultural and historical discovery.
• Our journey begins with a drive to Anau, passing the famous Akhal-Teke horse stables. The Akhal-Teke, often called the “golden horse” for its distinctive shimmering coat, is a national treasure of Turkmenistan and a living symbol of the country’s heritage, appearing even on official emblems.
• Along the way, we’ll stop to admire a striking relief by Klychmurad Yarmamedov, depicting two children joyfully playing at desert streams, a reminder that in this arid land, “a raindrop is a grain of gold.” Nearby, a series of colourful Soviet-era triptych mosaics offers a glimpse into the region’s artistic and political history, blending Socialist themes with local landscapes and cultural motifs.
• We then visit the Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque, a sacred site dedicated to a respected Islamic scholar and spiritual leader associated with Sufi traditions. Pilgrims and locals alike come to this shrine to pray, seek blessings, and reflect, making it a living example of Turkmenistan’s enduring religious and cultural heritage.
• Continuing our journey, we drive onwards to the city of Mary, an important historical and cultural hub in south-eastern Turkmenistan.
• Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, relax and enjoy dinner and drinks.
• Overnight stay in Mary.

Friday 12th March – Mary – Ashgabat

• Breakfast at the hotel, before we set out for Merv, one of Central Asia’s most historically significant cities. Human settlements here date back to the 3rd millennium BC, and over the centuries Merv changed hands numerous times. Under the Achaemenid Empire, it served as the centre of the satrapy of Margiana. Later, it was ruled by Hellenistic kings, Parthians, Sasanians, Arabs, Ghaznavids, Seljuqs, Khwarazmians, and Timurids, each leaving their mark on this crossroads of civilizations.
• Explore the archaeological site and enjoy a picnic lunch amid the ruins, taking in the scale and significance of this ancient Silk Road metropolis.
• On the return drive to Mary, we’ll enjoy a city tour, visiting Pokrovskaya Church (Храм Покрова Пресвятой Богородицы), just opposite, a mounted MiG-19 fighter jet serves as a vivid reminder of the region’s Soviet-era military history.
• We will also explore some of the most iconic and largest Soviet mosaics in Turkmenistan. If we’re lucky, we can enter the building and see the mosaics inside.
• Continue the journey back to Ashgabat via Tejen, stopping along the way to admire additional Soviet mosaics, which are the missing mosaics that few outsiders have seen.
• Upon arrival in Ashgabat, we check into our hotel and take some time to relax.
• For our final evening, we gather at a local pub to enjoy dinner and drinks, sharing stories and reflections from our highlights across Turkmenistan.
• Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Saturday 13th March – Ashgabat

• After breakfast at the hotel, the tour officially concludes, and you will be transferred to Ashgabat International Airport for your onward flight.
• Additional nights in Ashgabat and airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee. We are also happy to assist with advice on onward flights and travel plans.

Turkmenistan is a nation with a rich and layered history, shaped by its position along the ancient Silk Road and at the crossroads of Persian, Turkic, Russian, and Islamic civilizations. The country is known for its vast desert landscapes, significant natural gas reserves, and strong traditions rooted in nomadic Turkic culture.

In the 19th century, it was incorporated into the Russian Empire and later became part of the Soviet Union. During Soviet rule, the country experienced rapid industrialisation, collectivisation of agriculture, and major changes to education, language, and daily life.

After gaining independence in 1991, Turkmenistan declared a policy of permanent neutrality, recognised by the United Nations in 1995. Since then, it has remained relatively isolated compared to many of its neighbours.

Today, Turkmenistan is known for its large natural gas reserves, desert landscapes dominated by the Karakum Desert, and capital city Ashgabat, noted for its modern white-marble architecture. Traditional Turkmen culture, including tribal heritage, carpets, and horsemanship, remains an important part of national identity.

Understanding Turkmenistan’s historical evolution and modern political landscape is essential for appreciating its national identity, cultural resilience, and geopolitical significance in Central Asia.

Recommended Movies

• Daughter-In-Law (1972, Dir. Khodzha Kuli Narliyev)
• Mankurt (1990, Dir. Khodzhakuli Narliev)
• Yandym (1995, Dir. Bairam Abdullayev)
• The Lost Empires of Turkmenistan (2020, Dir. Michael Gregor

Recommended Books

• Tribal Nation: The Making of Soviet Turkmenistan – Adrienne Lynn Edgar
• Sovietistan – Erika Fatland
• The Silk Road: A New History of the World – Valerie Hansen

There are a number of documentaries and podcasts exploring Turkmenistan’s internal politics and foreign relations since gaining independence from the Soviet Union.

You’ll have two guides for this journey. First is Ruben Dhaenens, a Belgian photographer, writer and creator of The Atlas Sovieticus. With a strong passion for Soviet mosaics and public art of the Soviet Union. His project has uncovered Turkmenistan often overlooked Soviet-era art, with a continued effort to uncover and record pieces that remain undocumented.

Joining him is Ravi Mistry, who visited Turkmenistan in 2025. During his travels, Ravi noticed that much of the country’s interesting Soviet heritage was being overlooked by mainstream tour companies. He spent time exploring and documenting these sites, developing a deeper, more detailed understanding of Turkmenistan’s history, culture and everyday life.

Is the Turkmenistan Tour Right for You?

This tour is designed for curious and culturally engaged travellers with a strong interest in Soviet-era history, remote landscapes, and the layered heritage of Central Asia. Over the course of the journey, you will travel across Turkmenistan, from the white marble cityscape of Ashgabat to the desert regions of Balkanabat, Turkmenbashi and Mary, exploring a country shaped by nomadic traditions, Soviet transformation and modern isolation.

Along the way, you will encounter vast desert scenery, forgotten industrial zones, Soviet-era architecture, mosaics, monuments and cultural sites that reflect a rarely seen side of the country. The focus is on storytelling and context, helping you understand how history, identity, and geography intersect in one of the world’s most unique nations.

This is an active exploration-focused tour. Travellers should be comfortable with full travel days, walking tours, uneven terrain, and long journeys by road and rail. The experience is immersive rather than luxury-oriented, designed for those who want depth over comfort.

What Are the Tour Logistics & Physical Requirements?

Throughout the tour, walking is an essential part of the experience. Most days include walking through cities, monuments, and historical sites, often lasting between two to three hours. Some locations require short walks or light hikes, particularly in desert areas, industrial zones, and rural sites.

The itinerary also includes long driving days, as Turkmenistan is a large and sparsely populated country. Road conditions vary, and some journeys may be bumpy or slow, especially outside major cities.

The tour also includes a sleeper train journey and overnight stays in yurts. These are authentic experiences rather than luxury accommodations, and travellers should be prepared for basic facilities and variable comfort levels.

Due to the nature of the destinations visited, this tour is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility or those requiring step-free access.

What Are the Entry Requirements for Turkmenistan?

All travellers must hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and at least two blank pages.

Entry to Turkmenistan is strictly controlled and requires a visa supported by a Letter of Invitation (LOI). This will be arranged by Privet Tours prior to travel.

On arrival in Ashgabat, travellers must present their LOI to obtain a visa on arrival. Immigration procedures include payment of visa fees, an immigration tax, and a health-related entry fee.

It is important not to book flights until your LOI has been approved.

Do I Need a Visa for Turkmenistan?

Yes. All travellers require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. Privet Tours will organise your Letter of Invitation, which is required to obtain your visa on arrival at Ashgabat International Airport.

Visa approval is not guaranteed and processing times can vary. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested.

Where Do I Arrive & Where Is the Meeting Point?

Most travellers arrive at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), with common routes via Istanbul or Dubai.

Upon arrival, you will proceed through the visa and immigration process, where your LOI will be checked and entry fees paid. After collecting luggage and clearing customs, you will be met by a Privet Tours representative holding a tour sign.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in Ashgabat, where a welcome briefing will take place.

Can I Get a SIM Card or Use an eSIM in Turkmenistan?

Connectivity in Turkmenistan is limited and heavily restricted. Physical SIM cards are available locally, though registration and access can be limited for travellers.

Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, but it can be slow and unreliable. Many international platforms are blocked, and VPN access is strongly recommended but not guaranteed to work consistently.

Many group members choose to rely on scheduled group updates rather than continuous connectivity, treating the experience as a partial digital detox.

What Currency Is Used in Turkmenistan & How Do Payments Work?

The local currency is the Turkmen manat (TMT, m). Cash in US Dollars is essential, preferably clean banknotes issued after 2009. Euros and credit cards are not accepted for daily use.

Money exchange is handled locally with guidance from your tour leaders and local guide, as exchange conditions can vary significantly.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring?

Turkmenistan is relatively low-cost once inside the country.

A daily budget of around $25 – $30 USD is usually sufficient for meals, drinks, and small personal expenses. Meals typically cost between $10 and $15, while drinks are generally inexpensive.

Tipping is not expected in Turkmenistan but is appreciated for local guides and drivers who provide excellent service.

Carrying sufficient cash is essential for the entire trip.

What is the Weather Like in Turkmenistan?

In early March, temperatures in the region can reach highs of 15°C in the day and lows of 2°C in the evenings. It’s better to prepare and pack accordingly to your comfort. The best approach is to wear light, comfortable layers that can be removed if it feels warmer, or a jacket if it is windy.

As occasional rain is possible, bringing a compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat is also advisable. Due to the nature of visiting certain sites on the itinerary, terrain may be uneven, so comfortable, sturdy footwear is strongly advised.

For female guests, a scarf is recommended for mosque and church visits.

What Is the Accommodation Like on This Tour?

Accommodation includes a mix of modern hotels in Ashgabat, more basic Soviet-style hotels in regional cities, overnight sleeper train travel, and traditional yurt stays in rural areas.

Hotels in Ashgabat are comfortable, while accommodation outside the capital is simpler and more authentic in style.

Staying overnight in a yurt and sleeper train are part of the cultural experience and offer a more basic but memorable form of travel.

Rooms are typically shared on a twin basis, with single supplements available on request.

Turkmen Cuisine & Dietary Requirements

Turkmen cuisine is simple, hearty, and influenced by Central Asian, Persian, and Russian traditions. Meals are typically based on meat, bread, and rice.

Common dishes include plov (rice with meat and vegetables), manti (dumplings), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), lagman (noodles in broth), and samsa (baked pastries).

Vegetarian options are limited outside Ashgabat, but salads, bread, and basic vegetable dishes are usually available.

Food service is informal, and dishes may arrive at different times. This is normal locally and part of the experience.

If you have any dietary requirements, food allergies, or preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or religious dietary needs, please inform us in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your requirements, but advance notice is essential, particularly in rural areas where options may be limited.

What Is the Group Tour Experience Like?

Approximately two weeks before departure, your tour leader will create a WhatsApp group for all participants. This allows travellers to introduce themselves, receive practical updates, and coordinate arrival logistics. Group members typically come from a wide range of countries and age groups, creating a diverse and engaging travel atmosphere.

What Language do they Speak in Turkmenistan?

The official and primary language spoken in Turkmenistan is Turkmen. Russian is also widely understood, especially among older generations, while English is limited but available in some hotels and tourist-facing services in Ashgabat.

Is Turkmenistan a Safe Country to Visit?

Turkmenistan is generally considered safe for travellers, with low levels of street crime. Visitors must follow local rules and guide instructions at all times.

Photography restrictions apply, particularly around government buildings, military areas, and checkpoints. Respectful behaviour is essential, and travellers should always follow the guidance of their tour leader.

We recommend reviewing your government travel advice before booking this tour.

What Are the Local Laws & Cultural Etiquette in Turmenistan?

Please refer to the pre-tour information document.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Turkmenistan Tour?

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for participation in this tour. Your policy must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip interruption for the full duration of your stay. Proof of insurance will be requested by your guide at the start of the tour.

Detailed pre-tour information documents will be sent to you upon confirmation of your booking.