Explore Turkmenistan on a budget! Learn about travel costs, transport options, and money-saving tips in this complete guide.
Turkmenistan is one of the least studied countries of the Central Asia that can be described as a unique combination of ancient traditions of the Silk Road, deserts, and high-tech architecture. This is less popular than its neighbours such as Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, but Turkmenistan possesses a charisma of the heart of the adventurous tourist. Starting with the burning Darvaza Gas Crater which is the so-called Door to Hell but then on to the white marble city of Ashgabat, there is no place in the country which is a combination of nature, history, and weird modernity.
It is not that planning a visit to this country is not initially overwhelming- particularly because of the visa restrictions and the less-developed touristic infrastructure- but a sufficiently prepared Travel Guide to Turkmenistan can guide you through the country without any complications or without being costly. You can be a budget traveller or a culture lover, but in any case, Turkmenistan has both secrets and sightseeing spots you cannot forget.
Turkmenistan is a country between the Caspian sea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. It is geographically diverse with some extremes of vast deserts and rocky mountains and some fertile oases which used to be the major points of the Silk Road. The capital, Ashgabat, is frequently called one of the most unusual capitals of the world- with its white marble architecture, grandiose monuments and near cleanliness approaching surrealism.
Tourism in Turkmenistan is new and this is why it is the best place to visit by any tourists who would love to travel on the off-the-beaten-path destinations. It has smaller crowds and is slower paced giving it a real cultural experience with ancient traditions and modern architecture blending harmoniously.
A Turkmenistan travel visa is the first thing that you must acquire before you pack your bags. In Central Asia, Turkmenistan has one of the most restrictive visa policies so it is essential that one plans ahead.
In case you are located in Oman, it can be simplified by using a reliable traveling service agency such as Go Kite Oman. They will help to obtain Omani visa to Turkmenistan by providing documents, communication with the Turkmen government and guaranteeing the correct authorization of your LOI. This will save time, effort, and chances of refusal of visa.
The visa on arrival can be provided in case of presence of an approved LOI at Ashgabat International Airport. Nevertheless, it is always safer to apply in advance in case of some delays or complications.
The primary international airport of the country is Ashgabat International Airport, which is served by direct or transitional flights of Istanbul, Dubai, and Tashkent. When leaving Oman, the best and most affordable options are connecting flights through Dubai or Istanbul.
Budget travelers usually cross Turkmenistan over the border with Uzbekistan or Iran through a border crossing point such as Farap (Uzbekistan) or Bajgiran (Iran). Overland entry is not as popular among the tourists but it is a cheaper means of entry when you want to visit various countries in Central Asia.
Flight booking a long time before and travelling in low season months (April-May or September-October) can drastically reduce expenses.
The transport system in Turkmenistan is operational, albeit with only limited transport in the rural areas. The most widespread options are the following:
It is these collective minibuses that are the staple of local transportation. They are affordable (usually cheaper than one dollar per ride) and they are linked to the majority of large towns.
The number of privately owned taxis is high, and it is always necessary to discuss the price with them. Ashort distance will cost you approximately $3 to $5 in Ashgabat.
The railway system in Turkmenistan serves major cities of Ashgabat, Mary, Turkmenabat and Dashoguz. The trains are comfortable and affordable and are therefore a good choice to use when travelling over long distances.
Turkmenistan airlines is a low cost airline that routes between major airlines, so it will be time saving in case you are travelling long distances.
The capital city is saturated with white marble monuments, large boulevards, and beautiful buildings. Don’t miss:
The Door to Hell is a famous fiery crater in the Karakum Desert which is one of the most popular sites in Turkmenistan. Adventurous travelers can stay overnight in this area, all they need is to bring their own equipment.
Merv is a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the oldest and most well-preserved cities on the Silk Road. Visit its ancient fortresses and temples, to learn the rich history of Turkmenistan.
This is another UNESCO site, an ancient city in the north which contains high minarets, mausoleums and the remains of the medieval Islamic structures.
The scenery is a breathtaking canyon with bright red and pink rocky cliffs which are commonly compared to the Grand Canyon and is located in western Turkmenistan.
The selection of accommodation in Turkmenistan is limited, yet this country can provide budget travelers with inexpensive accommodation:
The costs of the basic accommodation are between 20-50 per night.
The Turkmen cuisine is also healthy with a bias towards central Asian, Persian and Russian tastes. Common dishes include:
Plan Transport Ahead: Domestic flights or train tickets should be booked in advance because of the short schedules.
Hospitality and warmth are some of the characteristics of Turkmen people. Tea and bread are another sign of welcome to the guests. In going to mosques or traditional houses, take off your shoes and dress decently. It is not advisable to capture government buildings or even military men since this can create problems.
The best season would be spring (April-May) or the fall (September-October) when the weather is mild. In the desert areas, especially, summers may go beyond 45o C which makes travelling highly uncomfortable.
Turkmenistan is an enigma that has never been fully explored and a world travel destination. The combination of old cities of the Silk Road, surrealistic modern buildings, and stunning deserts make it an extremely unique place to visit. It is possible to explore one of the jewels of Central Asia on a low-cost adventure, with proper planning and the appropriate information. The glittering Ashgabat streets or the mighty Darvaza Crater are only some of the locations in Turkmenistan that will offer a different adventure every turn.
When you are setting out on your trip to Turkmenistan, make sure to also take care of your travel visa and travel documents. Go Kite Oman is the best visa service and travel package company offering convenient travel services to Oman based travelers who are intending to visit this country. You can experience the unforgettable journey with low costs and have a great time in Turkmenistan in the hands of reputable professionals and a well-considered budget to experience the perfect image of the mysterious country.
