Turkmenistan
“Celebrate the Carpet Festival: A Legacy of Turkmen Carpets & Weaving”
May 21 - May 31, 2026
The Tour is led by Deniz Coşkun, Tour Lecturer
& Local Licensed Guides
Tour Introduction & Journey Map
Embark on a captivating Turkmenistan cultural textile tour, where the rich heritage of Turkmen carpet weaving, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, intertwines with daily life, offering an immersive experience and insider access to one of the world’s most cherished traditions. Discover the intricate artistry and centuries-old techniques of handwoven Turkmen rugs, symbols of cultural pride and mastery, as you visit master artisans in their private workshops for live Turkmen carpet weaving demonstrations. Gain a deeper understanding of the profound cultural, social, and historical significance behind every design, knot, and motif, reflecting tribal identities and ancient stories. Explore the delicate art of Keteni silk weaving, known for its ceremonial elegance, and the intricate process of Turkmen embroidery, showcasing the diverse craftsmanship that defines Turkmen textile traditions. This journey through Turkmenistan’s vibrant textile heritage, from traditional Turkmen rug making to other weaving arts, promises an unforgettable cultural adventure.
Tour Itinerary
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Begin your Turkmenistan cultural tour at Ashgabat International Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for early check-in. Rest and refresh before exploring Ashgabat’s white marble architecture, a stunning blend of modern grandeur and Soviet-era heritage. Known as the “City of Love,” Ashgabat dazzles with its iconic landmarks. Visit the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, honoring WWII heroes, the Battle of Geokdepe, and the 1948 earthquake victims. Marvel at the Bagt Koshgi (Palace of Happiness) for breathtaking city views, followed by a scenic drive past the Monument of the Constitution, Alem Ferris Wheel, Magtymguly Monument, and the golden-crowned Monument of Neutrality. Stroll through the Park of Independence, admiring the Ruhnama Monument, Ruhyyet Palace, Parliament, and Olympic City. Conclude with a welcome dinner in Ashgabat, offering panoramic views of the illuminated capital. Overnight at Yyldyz 5-star Hotel or similar.
Note: Early check-in available on May 21. -
Dive into Turkmenistan’s textile heritage at the National Carpet Museum, home to 8,000 exhibits, including the world’s largest handwoven carpet (301 sq. m, Guinness World Record). Explore ancient weaving techniques, symbolic patterns, and the restored Pazyryk carpet replica, a 2,500-year-old masterpiece. Visit restoration workshops and shop for authentic carpets with export documentation. After a local lunch, participate in a Turkmen embroidery master class at the Mahirli Zenan Showroom, learning from artisans about intricate stitches and cultural significance. This immersive experience highlights Turkmen craftsmanship traditions. Overnight at Yyldyz 5-star Hotel or similar.
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Take an early flight to Mary for a Silk Road adventure at Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Persian and Seljuk capital. Explore the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Yusuf Hamadani Mosque, Erk Gala, Ashabs Mausoleums, Great and Small Gyz Kala, and Mohammad ibn Zayd Mausoleum. At Gadymy Turkmen Ojak, enjoy freshly baked Turkmen bread, traditional cuisine, embroidery, wool spinning, carpet making, and a Turkmen folk-dance performance. Visit the Mary State History Museum for artifacts from Merv and Gonur Depe before flying back to Ashgabat. Overnight at Yyldyz 5-star Hotel or similar.
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Start your day at the Altyn Asyr Bazaar (formerly Tolkuchka Bazaar), Turkmenistan’s largest open-air market, where vibrant stalls brim with handwoven carpets, intricate silver jewelry, traditional Turkmen clothing, fresh produce, aromatic spices, and even livestock. This bustling Sunday market, a cornerstone of Turkmen market culture, offers a unique opportunity to engage with local traders and practice bargaining skills. Learn about the cultural significance of Turkmen textiles, where patterns often symbolize tribal identity and heritage. Next, visit the State Museum of History and Ethnography, housing over 500,000 artifacts, including Silk Road relics, ancient manuscripts, and traditional costumes showcasing Turkmenistan’s diverse ethnic groups. The museum’s exhibits trace the nation’s history from the Bronze Age to the present, offering a deep dive into its cultural evolution. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or attend an insightful lecture by your group leader on Turkmenistan’s historical trade routes. Savor dinner at a local Ashgabat restaurant, featuring dishes like plov and shashlik. Overnight at Yyldyz 5-star Hotel or similar.
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Embark on a scenic drive to Gyzylarbat, a town renowned for its Turkmen carpet weaving traditions. Visit a local family’s private workshop to witness the meticulous process of dyeing natural fibers with plant-based dyes and weaving intricate patterns that reflect Turkmen tribal motifs. Learn how these carpets, often passed down through generations, are integral to Turkmen identity. Enjoy a homemade Turkmen lunch featuring hearty dishes like chorba (soup) and manti (dumplings). Continue to Nokhur, a remote village nestled in the Kopet Dag Mountains, known for its rugged beauty and unique cultural heritage. The Nokhuris, believed to descend from Alexander the Great’s soldiers, maintain distinct traditions, including vibrant storytelling and ancient rituals. Explore the village’s mud-brick homes and meet artisans crafting traditional felt rugs. As the sun sets, experience Nokhuri hospitality with a traditional dinner in a local home, featuring freshly baked tandyr bread and regional specialties. Overnight at a local guesthouse, immersing you in the heart of Nokhur’s timeless charm.
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Begin with a traditional breakfast in a Nokhuri home, followed by a hands-on lesson in keteni silk weaving, a craft used for ceremonial clothing with intricate patterns symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Visit one of Turkmenistan’s last remaining silk-weaving workshops and see artisans at work. Stop at the 800-year-old Great Chinar Tree, a sacred site where locals tie ribbons for blessings, reflecting Nokhur’s spiritual traditions. Journey to Geokdepe to visit the Geokdepe Stud Farm, home to the world-famous Akhal-Teke horses, known for their metallic sheen and revered as a national symbol. Learn about their 3,000-year-old lineage and their role in Turkmen history, including their use in ancient warfare. Explore the historical significance of the Siege of Geokdepe (1881), a pivotal moment in Turkmen resistance against Russian forces. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Turkmen dinner with a soulful dutar music performance, showcasing the haunting melodies of this traditional two-stringed instrument. Return to Ashgabat for an overnight at Yyldyz 5-star Hotel or similar.
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After breakfast, fly to Dashoguz and drive 2 hours to Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Khorezmshah Empire. Once a thriving Silk Road hub for science and trade, it was devastated by the Mongols in 1221 yet retains stunning architectural treasures. Explore the Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, a Timurid-era gem with intricate tilework, the 60-meter Kutlug Timur Minaret, Central Asia’s tallest, and the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum with its distinctive conical dome. Visit Kyrk-Mollah Hill, believed to be the site of al-Mamun’s Academy of Sciences, and the sacred Najmeddin Kubra and Piryar Wali Shrines, where pilgrims gather for spiritual reflection. Learn about the site’s role as a center of Islamic scholarship in the Middle Ages. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional dishes like lagman noodles. Return to Dashoguz for a relaxing evening, reflecting on Kunya Urgench’s rich history. Overnight at a Dashoguz hotel.
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Discover Turkmen ceramic traditions at the workshop of master ceramist Bakhtiyar Khodjaniyazov in Shavat, Dashoguz. His house-museum, a stunning example of Khorezmian architecture, showcases handcrafted ceramics and his restoration work on the Najmeddin Kubra Mausoleum’s majolica tiles. Learn about the ancient techniques of Khorezmian pottery, known for its vibrant glazes and intricate designs. After lunch at a local restaurant, journey into the Karakum Desert in 4WD vehicles to witness the Darvaza Gas Crater, the “Gateway to Hell,” burning since 1971. Explore the crater’s geological origins, formed by a Soviet gas drilling mishap, and its cultural significance as a modern Turkmen landmark. Enjoy a nomad-style dinner with kebabs, flatbreads, and tea brewed in a traditional tunche pot, set against the crater’s fiery glow. Spend the night in authentic Turkmen yurts (Gara Oy, or “Black House”), surrounded by the starlit desert, for a truly unforgettable experience.
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Wake up to breakfast at the yurt camp, savoring the surreal beauty of the Darvaza Gas Crater against the vast Karakum Desert dunes. Stop at Bokurdak village, where traditional Turkmen life thrives in homes made of unfired clay bricks. Visit authentic yurts, learn about nomadic craftsmanship, and explore the symbolism in textiles and wall hangings, which often depict tribal histories and nature motifs. A local family welcomes you with Turkmen tea and homemade snacks, sharing stories of their nomadic heritage. Arrive in Ashgabat and check into the Yyldyz 5-star Hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure with optional activities: explore the Russian Bazaar for spices and souvenirs, visit the Fine Arts Museum for Turkmen paintings and sculptures, or stroll Ashgabat’s grand boulevards to admire its illuminated fountains and ornate architecture. Reflect on your desert adventure during a peaceful evening in the capital. Overnight at Yyldyz 5-star Hotel or similar.
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Travel to Bagir village to explore the Old Nisa Fortress, a UNESCO-listed Parthian Empire capital from the 3rd century BC. Wander its ancient ruins, including royal palaces and temples, set against the dramatic Kopet-Dag Mountains, and learn about its role as a political and cultural hub. Return to Ashgabat for the Turkmen Carpet Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event celebrating Turkmenistan’s iconic handwoven carpets. Marvel at live weaving demonstrations, intricate patterns symbolizing tribal lore, and vibrant displays of antique and modern rugs. Visit local carpet shops to browse authentic pieces, perfect for souvenirs with export certification. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine, such as dograma (meat and bread stew), paired with a lively folk show of music and dance, celebrating Turkmenistan’s rich heritage. Overnight at Yyldyz 5-star Hotel or similar.
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After a final breakfast at the hotel, reflect on your Turkmenistan cultural adventure, from the Silk Road wonders of Merv and Kunya Urgench to the fiery spectacle of Darvaza. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Turkmenistan’s vibrant traditions and warm hospitality. End of service.
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Land Tour Price (Excludes international airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges)
Group Size: Minimum 8, Maximum 14 Participants
Tour Price: $4,990 Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Single Room Supplement: $650 Per Person (Solo travelers may request a shared room. If no roommate is available, the single supplement fee will apply)
Booking Details: This tour is priced and operated based on a group arrangement, requiring a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum capacity of 14 travelers. To confirm your booking, submit a signed Tour Booking Form along with a $1,000 per person deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure. The Initial Deposit Guarantee allows cancellations up to 91 days before departure. Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions for details on refunds and cancellation policies. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help!
Why is Travel Insurance Important: In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact on your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans contact Travelex Insurance at 1-800-228-9792 and reference our location number 22-0359.
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing before the trip.
Final documents tour packet will be mailed.
Letter of Invitation for Turkmenistan Visa on arrival.
Group arrival/departure transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants.
Ten (10) nights of accommodation (7 nights at 5* Boutique hotels, 1 night at guest house and 1 night at traditional yurt and 1 night at 3* hotel as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned coach transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
4x4 Jeeps for May 25, May 26, May 28, May 29
Services of Tour Lecturer from the U.S. and local English-speaking guides throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites and activities in the itinerary.
All meals mentioned in the itinerary (10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners).
2 Domestic flights: ASG – MRY – ASG, ASG - DAS
Porterage at the hotels.
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, and waiters.
Tour Does Not Include:
International Round Airfare (Turkish Airlines offers direct and convenient flights).
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, items from hotels mini bars, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (Recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodation, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Baggage handling at airports in the US and overseas.
Any item not mentioned as included.
Turkmenistan Visa Fee on arrival (Approx: $55-$77).
Video Camera fees at the historical, archeological sites and local museums.
Tour Fitness Level:
Moderate: Suitable for travelers of all ages in good health, with a moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The tour will include some long walking days and periods of standing while exploring various sites. Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep staircases. Expect a few elevation changes, a well-paced but busy schedule, and several long overland drives. If you have any questions or would like more details about the trip, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
Lodging Level:
Luxurious (4/5-stars): Stay in stylish, international-style hotels that offer a warm, personalized experience. Enjoy prime locations, spacious rooms, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms. You’ll have access to great amenities, including room service, on-site dining, fitness centers, and more—all designed to make your stay comfortable and relaxing.
Guest Houses/Yurts: For a truly authentic experience, you’ll stay in simple, clean guesthouses or yurt camps that offer a unique opportunity to connect with local cultures and stunning landscapes.
Visa & Passport:
U.S. passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkmenistan. A letter of invitation (LOI) approved by the Turkmenistan State Migration Service is required before applying for a visa. With an approved LOI, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival. Further details regarding the visa application process will be provided 60 days before the trip. Ensuring that the correct and valid visa is obtained remains the sole responsibility of the traveler. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the last day of the trip and must contain sufficient blank pages for visa stamps.
Mr. Deniz Coşkun, Tour Lecturer:
Deniz Coşkun’s journey into the world of oriental carpets began in 1992 while still a high school student in Istanbul. During his university studies in chemical engineering, he deepened his knowledge of hand weaving and natural dyeing, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion. After earning an MBA, he pursued his dream of specializing in nomadic, semi-nomadic, and rural textile weaving traditions, studying with scholars and expert collectors before immersing himself in the ethnic Turkmen tribal weaving heritage of Central Anatolia and Central Asia. A frequent speaker at international textile events and private collector events, and a mentor in weaving and natural dyeing, Deniz has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting traditional textile arts. Today, he shares his expertise by organizing cultural and textile-focused programs in Turkey and leading special interest and themed tours in Central Asia dedicated to carpet and weaving heritage, offering participants a deeper connection to the region’s rich textile traditions and his expertise in Turkmen rugs, known for their distinct styles, motifs, and weaving techniques.
What to Expect on This Journey:
This journey through Turkmenistan includes some long drives, but the roads are mostly paved and in good condition. Air-conditioned transportation will be provided, with regular rest stops for comfort, scenic views, and refreshments. Expect to walk 1-2 miles daily on sightseeing days, often on uneven or unpaved paths in archaeological sites, remote villages, and traditional weaving centers. You’ll explore a mix of urban and rural landscapes, from Ashgabat’s grand marble architecture to the ancient ruins of Merv and Kunya Urgench, the remote mountain village of Nokhur, and the vast Karakum Desert. Some locations, like the Darvaza Gas Crater, require off-road travel in 4WD vehicles. Many sites lack elevators and involve hilly or rocky terrain, so comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Accommodation includes seven nights in a luxurious 5-star hotel in Ashgabat, offering world-class amenities, as well as unique stays that provide authentic cultural experiences. In Nokhur, you’ll spend a night in a simple yet comfortable guesthouse, where you’ll connect with the Nokhuri people and enjoy home-cooked meals. Later, you’ll spend a night in a traditional Turkmen yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, a memorable adventure with shared sleeping spaces and bathrooms, under a vast desert sky.
This tour is ideal for those with a passion for history, culture, and traditional craftsmanship. While the itinerary is well-paced, a spirit of adventure, patience, and flexibility will enhance your experience. To ensure the comfort and safety of all travelers, Undiscovered Frontiers reserves the right to adjust the order of sightseeing activities if necessary.