TmTourism

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most popular questions about our tours and services

The tour can be rescheduled for other dates or seasons. The company always strives to keep the booking valid.

The list of must-visit sites includes: the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar (12th century) with its majestic double dome, the unique Great and Little Kyz-Kala fortresses with their unusual corrugated walls, and the oldest part of the complex—the Erk-Kala fortress, which offers a panoramic view from its ramparts. Also noteworthy are the ruins of Gyaur-Kala, the Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zeid, and the Askhab pilgrimage complex.

Turkmenistan is considered one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. The level of street crime here is practically zero, so tourists can safely walk through cities, including Ashgabat, even at night. Strict laws and the widespread presence of law enforcement agencies ensure a high level of personal safety.

Given the wide avenues and significant distances between attractions, the most convenient and fastest way to get around is by taxi or a car with a guide. It is also important to note that bank cards are rarely accepted, so you need to have cash manats for paying for rides and purchases, which can be exchanged at banks or hotels.

Choose the tour you are interested in, click 'Book Now', fill out the form with travelers' details, and select a convenient payment method. Confirmation will be sent to your email within 15 minutes.

The tour begins at the Farap border crossing (the border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan), which is located near Bukhara. After passing through passport and customs control on the Turkmen side, you will be met by a representative of our team to begin the tour program.

WeChat Pay integration provides travelers with several key benefits: instant transaction confirmation, which significantly speeds up the booking process; high payment security thanks to modern encryption technologies; and the elimination of the need for complex international bank transfers and unnecessary currency conversions, making payment more cost-effective and familiar.

The tour begins at the Farap border crossing (on the Uzbekistan side — the Alat checkpoint). You need to travel independently from Bukhara to the border (the distance is approximately 100 km). After passing through passport and customs control on the Turkmen side, you will be met by a professional guide who will accompany you throughout the entire two-day route.

Six: Ashgabat (flights), Farap (Bukhara), Shavat (Khiva), Hovdan/Bajgiran (Iran), Khojeyli (Nukus/Konye-Urgench) and Serhetabat (Afghanistan).

Usually between 09:00 and 10:00 AM, to allow enough time for border formalities.

Some roads are very good (new toll highways), while others are poor and take longer. For example: Ashgabat–Darvaza ~4.5 hours; Darvaza–Dashoguz ~7 hours.

Usually about 2 weeks. In urgent cases, sometimes within 2-3 business days.

Yes. If other travelers join on the same dates, the price per person decreases. The more people, the cheaper it gets.

Not included:

Visa and other border fees. (Usually costs no more than $110 per person)

Meals ($3-8 per meal per person)

Entrance tickets to museums and other attractions according to the tour. approximately no more than $10 per day, if applicable.

LOI support and registration, accommodation (hotels/yurts), professional guide/driver, transport and fuel, Ashgabat city tour, breakfasts, meals and overnight stay in Darvaza, entrance tickets and all taxes.

The cost of a visa varies from 55 to 110 US dollars per person, depending on citizenship. Additionally, a fixed migration fee (approximately 14 US dollars) is payable upon arrival.

Passport
Application form
Photos 3x4 cm
Copy of round-trip flight tickets
For a transit visa – visa for the next country (if required)

Yes, for most countries. We arrange tourist visas with an invitation (processing time 10–20 days) or transit visas (72 hours). Passports must be valid for 6+ months.

Yes, we develop MICE programs (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions). Submit a request and we will prepare a proposal within 24 hours.

Yes, medical insurance is included in all international tours. The coverage amount is specified in the description of each tour.

The program covers the country's key sites: the ruins of Ancient Merv (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the white-marble architecture of Ashgabat, and the famous Darvaza gas crater ('Gates of Hell') in the Karakum Desert, where an overnight stay is planned.

The process is as simple as possible: first, you need to contact the official TMTourism account on WeChat to discuss the details of your trip. After agreeing on the program (itinerary, hotel, or excursions), the manager will send you the order details or a QR code for payment directly in the chat. You then simply confirm the payment in the WeChat Pay app, after which you will immediately receive an official voucher.

Ashgabat is a modern city, but when visiting mosques (for example, Ertugrul Gazi or Turkmenbashi Ruhy), you must follow a dress code: clothing should cover shoulders and knees, and women should prepare a headscarf. At other times, adhering to a comfortable casual style is sufficient.

The optimal route begins with a flight from Ashgabat to the city of Mary (a 40-minute flight), from which the park is 40 km away. Due to the vast territory (over 1000 hectares) and the historical complexity of the site, it is highly recommended to hire a professional guide and book a transfer. Remember that for foreign tourists, a guide is a mandatory requirement for traveling around Turkmenistan.

In Turkmenistan, it is forbidden to photograph government buildings, military facilities, and police officers. If you plan to take a photo and are unsure whether it is permitted, it is recommended to politely ask for permission. This will help avoid unnecessary questions from the authorities.

The key highlight of the program is Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis cities on the Great Silk Road. You will see the majestic Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the Erk-Kala and Gyaur-Kala citadels, and learn about the centuries-old history of what was once the world's largest metropolis.

The main danger is the extreme summer heat, which can reach +45°C and higher, posing a risk of heatstroke. It is recommended to wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids. As for hygiene, a high level of cleanliness is maintained in the country; however, drinking tap water is not recommended — it is always better to use bottled water.

The best time to walk around Merv is early morning or the hours before sunset, when the heat subsides and the lighting is perfect for photos. You must bring a large supply of drinking water (there are no shops on the territory), sunscreen, and a hat. For footwear, it is better to choose closed and comfortable models suitable for walking on sand, thorns, and rough terrain.

The tour concludes on the fourth day. You have two options to choose from: a transfer to the Howdan (Gaudan) border crossing to continue your journey to Iran, or a transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your flight out of the country.

The city itself is recognized as the world leader in the concentration of white marble buildings. In addition, the itinerary includes the “Alem” Cultural and Entertainment Center, which houses the world's largest enclosed Ferris wheel, and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque — the largest single-dome mosque in the world.

In addition to historical excursions, the tour includes a deep immersion into Turkmen traditions. The program includes a visit to the colorful Green Bazaar in Turkmenabat, as well as an exclusive ethnographic folklore show. A special feature of the trip is a master class by local artisans, where you can personally see the process of creating traditional products.

Yes, the new payment system covers all types of services offered on TMTourism.com. Using WeChat Pay, you can pay not only for full tour packages but also for individual components of your trip: hotel bookings, professional guide services, private excursions, and transfers across Turkmenistan.

Local residents are known for their exceptional hospitality and warmth. Turkmens are always ready to help tourists: give directions, or offer tea or fruit. Unlike many other countries, you will practically never encounter pushy vendors or scammers trying to profit from foreigners.

Yes, the first day of the program includes a transfer from Mary to Ashgabat by night train. Additionally, one of the nights will be spent in authentic conditions — at a campsite near the Darvaza gas crater, which allows you to see the crater at night.

In addition to the archaeological park itself, it is recommended to visit the modern city of Mary. There you will find the Historical Museum with a rich collection of finds from Merv, a local bazaar to experience the local flavor, and one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the country. This will help create a more complete picture of the history and culture of the region.

Yes, this 2-day tour is perfectly designed as a round-trip route for travelers from Uzbekistan. The program begins and ends at the Farap border, allowing you to return seamlessly to Bukhara or continue to other cities in Uzbekistan after completing the excursion in Turkmenistan.

To get acquainted with Turkmen cuisine, it is recommended to try chorba or shurpa (rich meat soups), fitchi (juicy meat pies made of puff pastry), and ishlekli (a traditional meat pie that is traditionally baked in the sand, or in a tandoor in restaurants).

Security is our priority. WeChat Pay uses advanced data protection protocols and multi-level encryption, which guarantees the complete safety of your funds. Making a payment through the official TMTourism account within the WeChat ecosystem ensures transaction transparency and the immediate receipt of confirmation documents.

Still have questions?

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