Turkmenistan | Small Group Tours for Seniors

Q: Is tipping customary in Turkmenistan?

<p>If you&#8217;re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don&#8217;t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it&#8217;s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Tipping is not expected in Turkmenistan, though a small tip is generally appreciated.</p>

Q: Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Turkmenistan?

<p>Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you&#8217;re able to make calls and use data while in Turkmenistan. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you&#8217;re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.</p>

Turkmenistan tours for seniors

Turkmenistan is one of the world’s most mysterious and unexplored countries. To most of the world, the country is primarily famous for the bizarre dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov, who turned the capital, Ashgabat, into a marble city of grandiose monuments and golden statues. But there’s so much more to Turkmenistan than Niyazov’s surreal architectural choices. Turkmenistan is a land of natural beauty, ancient history, and fierce cultural tradition. It’s easy to imagine the times when Turkmenistan was at the heart of the ancient Silk Road at the archaeological site of Merv and the mostly underground city of Konye-Urgench, with its towering minaret that still looms across the surrounding desert. For natural wonders see the striking desert landscapes of the Yangykala Canyon and the intriguing Köw Ata Underground Lake. But most of all, those who travel to Turkmenistan remember the welcoming hospitality of the local people. Join Odyssey Traveller and uncover this fascinating country for yourself.

Turkmenistan Tours

Tours for Mature Aged and Senior World Travellers

27 days

May, Aug

The Stans Small Group Tour: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan

Visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

This Odyssey is designed for the adventurous traveller, a couple or solo traveller on a small group tour who is prepared for a range of accommodation styles, for walking excursions and some long travel days in 3 Central Asian countries. The program combines experiences with great scenery, ancient and modern histories, family visits and lifestyles that differ dramatically.

From A$16,750 AUD

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Pre-guaranteed

Silk Road specialist small group history tours for mature travellers

31 days

May, Aug

Travel on the Silk Road of Central Asia | Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

The Silk Road is an ancient trade route linking China and Imperial Rome through Central Asia. Few areas in the world remain as unexplored or offer such richness in terms of ancient and modern history, culture, and scenic diversity as Central Asia. Our Small group Silk road tours itinerary explores the Road through remote deserts and mountainous environments as we visit key sites between Almaty and through to Samarkand over 31 days.

From A$20,995 AUD

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Articles about Turkmenistan

Xi'an, the Beginning of the Silk Road: Definitive Guide for Travellers

Xi’an, the Beginning of the Silk Road The bustling city of Xi’an (“Western Peace”) in China‘s Shaanxi Province is one of China’s oldest cities and perhaps also its most culturally significant: as the ancient city…

29 Mar 19 · 8 mins read

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Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Elements of Mosque Architecture

The word "mosque" often brings to mind not this simple prayer space, but the ornately decorated monuments built by powerful Islamic rulers.

28 Nov 19 · 8 mins read

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President palace, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan; journey for the curious

Turkmenistan: a journey for the curious Brimming with a vibrant population of around 5 million people, Turkmenistan is hospitable and welcoming to tourists, despite its history of political problems. Its vast landscape is mostly desert,…

9 May 18 · 9 mins read

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Touring Turkmenistan

The need to know

Getting around

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Buses and minibuses, which are commonplace and inexpensive, are generally the best option for getting around Turkmenistan. Bear in mind though that minibuses can get crowded. Train services are also available, though are generally quite slow.

Accommodation

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses.

Tour guides

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Geography, Environment, & Weather

Turkmenistan covers a total area of 488,100 square kilometres. Much of Turkmenistan is dominated by the flat Garagum Desert, which composes about 70 percent of Turkmenistan’s surface area. The Köýtendag mountain range rise up in the south-central border with Iran, where earthquakes are quite common.

Turkmenistan has an arid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Depending on when you intend to travel, check the weather reports and dress accordingly.

World heritage sites

There are 3 properties in Turkmenistan listed on the World Heritage List, with a further 8 sites listed on the Tentative List. You can view the listed properties here: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/tm). Turkmenistan’ listed properties include:

Kunya-Urgench, which contains numerous medieval monuments and buildings
Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, the physical legacy of the once mighty Parthian empire
Ancient Merv, one of oldest and best-preserved oasis cities of the old Silk Road in Central Asia.

Festivals & Events

The regional flavours of Central Asia manifest themselves in popular dishes such as pilaf (rice cooked with shredded meat, carrots and onions), and manty (meat dumplings). The former Russian presence in Turkmenistan also left its mark on Turkmenistan’s cuisine, with borscht (sour vegetable soup) another popular dish in Turkmenistan. Meat, particularly mutton, is highly prized in Turkmenistan, with dishes such as shaslik (skewered meat grilled over charcoal) integral to the Turkmenistani dining experience.

Like many other Central Asian countries, tea is widely popular in Turkmenistan, and form a central part of socialising in the country. Kefir, a thick yoghurt drink made from milk and fermented kefir grains, is often served with breakfast, while vodka is the country’s most popular alcoholic drink.

Reading list

Turkmenistan: Adventures on the Silk Road, by Simon Proudman
Unknown Sands: Journeys Around the World’s Most Isolated Country, by John W. Kropf
Tribal Nation: The Making of Soviet Turkmenistan, by Adrienne Lynn Edgar
Love me Turkménistan, by Nicolas Righetti

Eating & Drinking

The regional flavours of Central Asia manifest themselves in popular dishes such as pilaf (rice cooked with shredded meat, carrots and onions), and manty (meat dumplings). The former Russian presence in Turkmenistan also left its mark on Turkmenistan’s cuisine, with borscht (sour vegetable soup) another popular dish in Turkmenistan. Meat, particularly mutton, is highly prized in Turkmenistan, with dishes such as shaslik (skewered meat grilled over charcoal) integral to the Turkmenistani dining experience.

Like many other Central Asian countries, tea is widely popular in Turkmenistan, and form a central part of socialising in the country. Kefir, a thick yoghurt drink made from milk and fermented kefir grains, is often served with breakfast, while vodka is the country’s most popular alcoholic drink.

Health & Safety

Generally speaking, Turkmenistan is safe to travel in, though always exercise common sense while travelling. However, it is advised that you avoid travelling to the Turkmenistan/Afghanistan borderline due to ongoing instability in that area. Also bear in mind that all foreign citizens are required to pay a tourist charge for each day of their stay in Turkmenistan.

Electrical Supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The electricity supply in Turkmenistan runs at 220V and 50Hz. Turkmenistan uses the Type C and Type F electric plug types, so make sure you have the right travel adaptor with you.

Highlights

The best of Turkmenistan

Darvaza gas crater

Darvaza gas crater, the otherwordly natural gas crater in the Garagum desert.

Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque

Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, the imposing mosque in Gypjak.

Oguzkhan Palace

Oguzkhan Palace is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of Turkmenistan, located on Independence Square in the capital city of Ashgabat.

Tour Reviews

The trip to the Tang valley and the Ogyencholing museum were a highlight. Beautiful scenery, wonderful people and one of the best museums I've seen. That night and all next day it snowed - what a buzz. Made everything look magical and improved the scenery for the next few days

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

The local guide, Drukpa, was exceptional value. When I was ill for a couple of days his care for me, assisted by Len, was way beyond my expectation.

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

We did this tour in 2011. Wonderful, extraordinary experience. Loved every minute.

Rex and Maree

Journey through Mongolia and Russia small group tour

I wish to sincerely thank Len for his amazing care, good cheer and flexibility ! Len has that great combination of simultaneous organisation and flexibility, which is so very necessary on a small trip such as this. In his stride, he was able to re-design the program at short notice due to weather conditions (working closely with Drakpa) and the end result was better than the original plan in my opinion!!! It was clear from day one, that Len cared and payed attention to each and every one of us at every step of the way – going out of his way to assist those who needed it. The trust and camaraderie we developed with Len made the trip that much more special! I miss our laughs.

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

The tour was fantastic and well organised and well managed. · I have travelled expensively but have not with a travel organisation that comes anywhere near Odyssey's attention to detail and the comfort of its travellers. · The tour was fantastic and well organised and well managed. The transport provided was always very good and where the seats were a little narrow, the bus was big enough for us to 'spread out' for more comfort. · Our accommodation was excellent as was our local guide.I would highly recommend a trip to this beautiful country with many treasures to explore and learn about. Discover Myanmar Nov ‘15

info@odysseytravel.com.au

Discovering Myanmar | Small Group Tour for Seniors

Your chat-operator was informative and helpful. We have covered quite a few countries and seasons to travel. Full marks for that!

Philip Lee

Discovering Myanmar | Small Group Tour for Seniors

Loved: National Institute of traditional medicine hike to Wanyditse Goemba Punakha festival – definitely a highlight Hanging the prayer flags at the pass! The outdoor picnics! Archery competition! Dumtse Lhakhang – went to heaven!!! Dzong Drak Kha (mini tigers nest) amazing views and climb Sanga Choekor Shedra (Bhuddist College) Drakpa and his team (Nima and Karma) were just amazing. Drakpa was very knowledgeable, friendly, caring and cheerful. He went out of his way to provide us with information and experiences to help our understanding of the culture and religion, he was funny and entertaining and very professional under pressure.Nima was a very competent driver, and I have never felt in safer hands in the difficult driving conditions we were in.

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

FAQs

What is the time zone?

Turkmenistan has a single time zone, Turkmenistan Standard Time (UTC+5). Daylight savings are not observed in Turkmenistan.

Is tipping customary in Turkmenistan?

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Tipping is not expected in Turkmenistan, though a small tip is generally appreciated.

What is the internet access like in Turkmenistan?

Wifi should be freely accessible in most hotels, cafes and restaurants in the major cities and large towns of Turkmenistan. Be aware however that the Turkmenistani government censors certain internet content, and Facebook and Twitter, as well as some news websites, are blocked within the country.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Turkmenistan?

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Turkmenistan. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.

Articles about Turkmenistan published by Odyssey Traveller:

Turkmenistan: A Journey for the Curious.

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Turkmenistan:

The City of White Marble: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Lost cities #5: how the magnificent city of Merv was razed – and never recovered.

The Bards of Turkmenistan.

Responsible travel tips for Turkmenistan

Learn at least the local greetings to break the ice. Although some locals speak English, the more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be.
Carry a business card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
Before departing, make sure you have a number of lekë in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.
When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
Before departing, make sure you have a number of manat in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.