Turkmenistan Tours in 2024 & 2025

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Turkmenistan embassy website in your country of departure.

Recommended vaccinations for Turkmenistan include hepatitis a, hepatitis b, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, meningitis, and rabies if you’re heading into rural areas. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

Turkmenistan experiences a continental climate, which means that there are significant temperature variations throughout the year. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F) — especially in the desert regions. By contrast, winters (December to February) are often very cold, with temperatures ranging from -10° to 5°C (14 to 41°F).

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) fall somewhere in between, with temperatures reaching anywhere from 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). In terms of rainfall, there’s little of that here — particularly within the desert regions.

The best times to visit Turkmenistan tend to be during spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Temperatures at these times are pleasant, and you’ll get to avoid the extreme heat of summer and the extreme cold of winter at these times.

In Central Asia, it’s not customary to tip service providers such as waiters, but it is very appreciated. Depending on the service, we recommend 3-5%. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $2-$3 per person, per day depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also, at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline USD $20-25 per person, per week can be used.

Internet access is limited in Turkmenistan, and internet speeds here can be very slow — particularly outside of Ashgabat. Expect it to be non-existent in certain areas of the country. You should also be aware that the government imposes significant restrictions on internet use. Certain websites, particularly those related to news and social media, may be blocked.

There are ATMs in Turkmenistan, though you should be aware that they’re not as common here as they are in other countries around the world. They’re primarily found in major cities like Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi, and some of them will accept international cards like Visa and Mastercard. However, check with your bank before you travel — you may also be charged withdrawal fees. It’s a good idea to have cash on hand, as some places may not accept cards, and card transactions can sometimes be problematic.

No — Turkmenistan isn’t considered LGBTQ+-friendly. The society is largely conservative, and LGBTQ+ individuals often face stigma and discrimination. LGBTQ+ individuals may face harassment or persecution, so it pays to be discreet here.

As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen, which is a Turkic language and is spoken by the majority of the population. Russian is also widely spoken here, and Uzbek, Kazakh, English and Kurdish are also spoken here by some of the population too.

In a word, no — the tap water in Turkmenistan isn’t generally safe to drink. You’re best sticking to bottled water which is cheap and readily available.

Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

Turkmenistan is generally considered safe for travellers, and the crime rate here is very low. However, you should be aware that the government here keeps strict tabs on many aspects of public life here, so you should be aware of local laws and customs. You’re advised not to discuss politics here.

G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.