Turkmenistan is the last frontier, until recently the very outpost of the old Soviet Empire. The country is mostly covered by the large, empty and very hot Kara Kum or Black Sands desert, which for centuries has been Turkmenistan’s best defensive weapon, successfully repelling outsiders, adventurers and armies.

The country is home to about 4 and a half million Turkomen, who trace their descent from nomadic tribes living in the Altai Mountains above Mongolia in the 5th century AD. By the 15th century the Turkomen had settled in the area that is now Turkmenistan. A warm and friendly people, some of the most appealing in Central Asia, the Turkomen dress in their traditional clothes with huge sheepskin hats, long coats and boots and true to their nomadic traditions are excellent horsemen. Turkmenistan is known for its wonderful Akhal Teke horses, the ancestor of the Arabian racehorse.

The country is also famous for its carpets, known as Bukhara carpets, because for centuries they were traded in Bukhara in Uzbekistan.

A visit to Turkmenistan will be a journey into a rich and colourful past, still totally untouched by tourism where no one is considered a stranger but a friend that has not yet been met.

Weather
Dry and hot summers and frosty winters characterise the sharply continental climate of Turkmenistan. The latitudinal position of the territory of Turkmenistan is in the zone of non-tropical deserts, making the country rather vulnerable to climate changes. The best times to visit are April, May and early June and again September and October. The hottest days are July and 20 August and during this time temperatures can reach 32 degrees centigrade in Ashgabat, but the evenings cool down considerably.

Local Customs
When visiting any foreign country it is always polite to respect the local customs and if you can manage a few words of the local language or Russian, this will be very much appreciated. Ladies should carry a headscarf for use when visiting mosques and shoes should be removed before entering. Shoes should also be removed when entering a private house. If you are invited to someone’s house you will be overwhelmed by hospitality. Always take a present with you.

Visa
British passport holders must obtain a Turkmenistan visa before arrival. The consular fee for a single entry tourist visa is currently £65.00. Most other nationalities also require a visa, visas costs change frequently, please check with your consular office.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend that your protection against Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio is up to date. It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations:

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
Flight time to Tashkent from London is 7hrs 35mins with Turkish Airlines with a stop over in Istanbul.

Accommodation and Transport
Turkmenistan now has a good selection of international hotels and traditional accommodation. We only use quality 4 star hotels of a high standard and centrally located. In more remote areas where the choice of accommodation is limited, we will use the best available hotels, local pensions or even Yurts.

A variety of transportation will be used on tour: cars, 4 wheel drive vehicles, minibuses or coaches, depending on the size of the party.