You don’t want to go on a group tour?
The existing group tour dates don’t work for you?
Why don’t you organise your own independent tour to Turkmenistan?
What does it mean to go on an independent tour?
An independent tour means that you have booked a tour yourself, choosing your own dates, either by yourself or as part of a group that you have put together, whether it is your family or friends. It is essentially any tour we organise for you that isn’t one of our fixed date group tours
Do I need to be escorted by a guide if I’m on an independent tour?
Yes, anyone on a tourist visa in Turkmenistan must have a guide who is responsible for them. In Ashgabat the guide doesn’t need to be physically with you, however outside of Ashgabat your guide must accompany you.
Can I choose any dates?
Essentially yes. There are a few times of the year that are more sensitive and therefore it is harder to get approved, but basically you can travel at any point during the year. In Turkmenistan, summer can be very hot and winter very cold, so spring and autumn are the best times to travel.
Are there restrictions on where I can travel?
Not really. Like in most countries, you can’t make a trip to see military bases or other government facilities, and likewise there are restrictions right on the border, but otherwise all of Turkmenistan is ready and waiting. There is a lot more to Turkmenistan than just Ashgabat and the Gates of Hell – although they are themselves pretty amazing!
Is there a minimum or maximum number of days?
No, you can come to Turkmenistan for a day trip (a very long and expensive day trip) or travel across the whole country for a month.
What about budget?
Booking an independent tour is more expensive per day that going on a group tour, as you’d expect, as the costs are usually shared amongst less people. However we will organise everything to best fit your means. Catching public transport instead of private, staying in different standards of accommodation, and only including activities that you’re interested in are way that we can tailor the budget. Another benefit of an independent tour is that you might want to stay somewhere fancier and more expensive than the group tour would normally stay.
I don’t have any idea where I want to go in Turkmenistan?
That’s fine! We love speaking about Turkmenistan and making plans, so email us and we can start working out what is best for you. If you'd like to whet your appetite, here are a few of the places you could visit .
Is the visa process different for an independent tour compared to a group tour?
The process is the same, we still require the same information from you, such as a scan of your passport and an application form to be completed. Sometimes getting approved for an independent tour can be more difficult, but we’ll discuss that with you when you contact us . You can read more about the visa process here .
Is there a maximum number of people?
No, if you’ve got hundreds of friends who want to come, we can organise a trip for you. The main reason people book independent tours is usually because the fixed date group tours don’t work for them.
Will an independent tour be any different to a group tour?
Not really. Obvious differences are the fact you chose the dates and what you wanted to do and see. However, our group tours are always fun and see what we feel are the most important sites to see.
I’m travelling solo, will you match be up with other travellers?
We certainly can! This is a very normal request and if we happen to have multiple travellers requesting it at the same time, we can put them together to make it cheaper/more enjoyable for them.
If you want to book and independent tour, or join a group tour , please contact us .
