TURKMENISTAN

overview

Turkmenistan is the least visited and least well known of all the Central Asian republics. The country’s official position of neutrality has often in practice resulted in isolationism, and since independence the government has pursued its own path for development, with little concern for international norms. Those foreigners who do come here are often taken aback by the apparent wealth of Ashgabat — manifest in its white marble buildings, gold statues, and statement architecture — the absolute power of the President, and the eclectic rules by which the Turkmenistani people must abide.
Visits to Turkmenistan are typically limited to five days as you can then visit on a transit visa, which is relatively easy to get. This is ample time to explore Turkmenistan’s three main attractions: Ashgabat, Darvaza, and Merv.
Ashgabat is Turkmenistan’s capital city, and the centre of political, economic, and cultural activity in the country. The population has been incentivised to move here from the regions, and huge amounts of money have been spent on infrastructure. The idea is that Ashgabat should showcase to citizens and foreigners alike how rich, modern, and beautiful Turkmenistan can be. Like a Potemkin village, however, you might question what lies behind the gleaming facades, and a day or so will generally be more than enough to see everything Ashgabat has to offer.
It is outside of Ashgabat that Paramount Journey’s guides are in their element. The Darvaza Gas Crater — nicknamed “The Gates of Hell” — is rightly one of the top sites on any Central Asia bucket list. There is a vast amount of natural gas beneath the desert, and in the 1970s, drilling went wrong. The explosion blew a hole in the sand, the gas ignited, and it has been burning ever since. The crater is at its most dramatic at night, so we will arrange for you to camp out in the desert, feeling the heat of the flickering flames. ...
The third in Turkmenistan’s triptych of attractions is Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mud brick ruins are slowly melting back into the sands from which they were first formed, but it is a place of incredible historic importance: until it was sacked by Genghis Khan and its population brutally murdered by the Mongols, Merv was the probably the largest city in the world.
We wouldn’t generally recommend visiting Turkmenistan as a stand alone destination, but it combines well with Uzbekistan, and the transport connections across the border are improving.

CAPITAL ASHGABAT
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE TURKMEN
POPULATION 6 340 000
CURRENCY MANAT (TMT)

GALLERY

featured Tours

Things to know

Experience the best of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on this exciting 14-day tour. Discover the fascinating history and culture of Tajikistan with visits to Dushanbe, Iskanderkul, Penjikent, and Khujand. Marvel at the beautiful Iskander Waterfall, Old Penjikent ruins, and the ancient city of Istaravshan.

Next, explore the treasures of Uzbekistan, starting in Tashkent and continuing to the old town of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic city of Bukhara. Learn the art of local cuisine with cooking classes and explore the bustling bazaars. The trip ends with a folklore performance and a taste of Bukhara’s delectable cuisine. With luxurious accommodations and traditional music and dance performances, this tour is not to be missed.

 

Included:Note:
  • English speaking guide
  • Porter with donkey
  • Cook 
  • Transports (4WD jeeps or vans) 
  • Accommodation on twin room sharing basis  
  • Full board meal
  • Eco tax
  • Train Samarqand – Tashkent
  •  
  • International Flights
  • Visa fee
  • Personal kit and equipment
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Travel Insurance
  • Satellite Phone calls
  • Gratuities to the staff
  • Early check-ins / late check-outs
  • Photo and video fees in Uzbekistan
  • Visit to National Museum of Antiquities with Sleeping Buddha
  • Tour of Navruz Palace decorated by artisans
  • Meeting master craftsmen at handicrafts centre
  • Visit to Iskanderkul and short hike to waterfall and Snake Lake
  • Cooking master class with local folklore show in Gazza village
  • Visit to Old Penjikent ruins and stay at Panjikent Plaza
  • Day trip to Seven Lakes with hike to Hazorchashma
  • Visit to Khujand and Istaravshan with rich history
  • Visit to Khast Imom Complex and Tashkent Metro
  • Meeting faculty members to discuss education for women
  • Visit to Chorsu Bazaar and Ichan-Kala in Khiva
  • Interaction with local women in preparation of dill-based noodles
  • Visit to Bukhara with historical monuments
  • Visit to master of miniature painting and Jewish quarter
  • Visit to Ark Citadel, Poikalon Complex, and house of embroidery master.
  • 17 July 2023

     

  • 12 August 2023 

     

  • 9 September 2023

  • Backpack (+50L) 

  • Sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0C to +5C, possible to rent from us) 

  • Trekking poles (possible to rent from us)
  • Trekking shoes
  • Warm and windproof clothes
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Stock of clothes
  • Hat/cap 

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Flashlight
  • Personal care products
  • Other personal items
  • Backpack (+50L) 

  • Sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0C to +5C, possible to rent from us) 

  • Trekking poles (possible to rent from us)
  • Trekking shoes
  • Warm and windproof clothes
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Stock of clothes
  • Hat/cap 

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Flashlight
  • Personal care products
  • Other personal items
  • Backpack (+50L) 

  • Sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0C to +5C, possible to rent from us) 

  • Trekking poles (possible to rent from us)
  • Trekking shoes
  • Warm and windproof clothes
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Stock of clothes
  • Hat/cap 

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Flashlight
  • Personal care products
  • Other personal items

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Why Us

Paramount Journeys has learned from leading international companies how to create and run extraordinary adventures reaching out into incredible locations that would otherwise be inaccessible and unexplored. If your aim is to get beyond the standard Tajikistan tourist trail and to discover for yourself the most remarkable aspects of our high-altude heaven, let Paramount Journey guide you on your way. We not only exhibit the pristine nature of Tajikistan in its numerous unique environments, but also introduce you to the culture and ways of life of the extraordinary and hospitable communities who have battled against, yet also worked in harmony with, that same nature to survive and thrive in Tajikistan for millennia. Every adventure we plan is pioneering and bold, accessible to those with determination and a passion for discovery.

Reviews

  • star ratingI visited the Fann Mountains with Paramount Journey in early October for a four-day trek (starting and finishing in Dushanbe). It was my first visit to Tajikistan. Paramount Journey were... read more

    Go546085
    16.11.2022

    star ratingIskanderkul Weekend - My wife and I and two friends of ours enjoyed an excellent autumn weekend Iskanderkul, one of the top tourist spots in Tajikistan. It was a very smooth and... read more

    cplattv
    14.10.2022

    star ratingTravel to Tajikistan - We took a 7 day tour to Tajikistan taking in Dushanbe and trekking in the Fann Mountains. The mountain scenery was breathtaking and the tour was very professionally arranged.... read more

    grahamhV636OW
    09.09.2022
  • star ratingFanntastic trip to the FANN mountains - We had a fantastic time on our trip to Tajikistan with Paramount. From the beginning, we worked closely with Alovaddin to plan a custom trip. He offered lots of great... read more

    dedtomato
    09.09.2022

    star ratingCouple Travels through Tajikistan & Uzbekistan - If you would like to travel through Tajikistan & Uzbekistan we can highly recommend Paramount Journey. The proposed itinerary was excellent, we were able to incorporate all our wishes and... read more

    nicolasmV530OS
    15.08.2022

    star ratingIncredible 7 Day Tour from Dushanbe through the Fann Mountains to Khujand - We partook in a 7 - day tour of Tajikistan from Dushanbe to Khujand and back, stopping in several villages in the Fann Mountains. From the very beginning, it was... read more

    ethan1795
    08.12.2021
  • star ratingWe made a 3 weeks 2 persons Jeep Tour individually designed for our requiremenst through the Pamirs and the Zerafshan including exploring cities on the old Silk-Road. ... read more

    242andreasu
    06.10.2021

    star ratingFantastic 7 day Jeep tour in the Zerafshan and Yagnob Valleys and Fan mountains. - Date of tour: September 2019.

    Booking process: Booking the tour was very easy. Alovaddin answered all my questions quickly, suggested an itinerary and adjusted it to... read more

    SteveP832
    23.02.2020

    star ratingAn amazing experience - I did the Fann Montaign trekk with a friend and we enjoyed every step of it: be it the breathtaking landscapes of montaigns, glacier, incredible blues lakes and camps (add... read more

    Sabine P
    24.09.2019
  • star ratingFann Mountains Trek - We had a fantastic, well organised 3 night trek through the Fann Mountains.
    Yun and the team were fantastic! I cannot fault them. They really cared about us, and... read more

    hepatomegaly
    13.09.2019

    star ratingPamir & beyond - I had a wonderful experience visiting Tajikistan with Paramount Journey. Alovaddin and his staff organized a trip tailor-made to my wishes and needs. Truly a journey to remember. Highly recommended.... read more

    g_f3d3
    10.09.2019

    star ratingPristine Trek - Incredible Untouched Beauty - This must be one of the few pristine trek left in the world. It is very rough but the sights were amazing. The water in the lakes are crystal clear,... read more

    Blowfishpore
    05.09.2019
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