Essential Turkmenistan

• Accommodations as noted in the itinerary. Note: The accommodations in Gozli Ata are very basic, and private rooms will not be available. Accommodations are rustic, and WC facilities are outhouse-style. In addition, one night near the Darvaza Gas Crater is spent in tented camps with outhouse-style facilities and no showers.
• Meals, as noted in the itinerary: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.
• Restaurant tips for included meals.
• One arrival and one departure airport transfer. (Additional arrival and departure transfers available at additional cost.) MIR will arrange for travelers to be met upon arrival and seen off on departure, whether we make your air arrangements or not.
• Ground transportation throughout itinerary by private vehicle (size of vehicle depends on number of travelers in your group).
• Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary.
• Services of experienced, English-speaking local guides, drivers, and other staff, including National Guide.
• Complete pre-departure electronic document that includes detailed packing suggestions, reading list links, country-specific information, maps, travel tips and more.
• Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements (on request; please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost).
• Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.

• International airfare or taxes/fuel surcharges.
• Internal airfare (internal airfare is quoted separately and is subject to change by airlines).
• Meals not specified as included in the itinerary.
• Single supplement charge, if requested or required.
• Baggage handling.
• Items of a personal nature (phone calls, email, laundry, alcohol, excess baggage, etc).
• Gratuities to local guides, drivers, National Guide.
• Visa/passport fees, airport departure fees.
• Travel entry pass to Turkmenistan payable on arrival, currently $12-$15, subject to change.
• Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification, or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR’s control.
• Travel and trip cancellation insurance.

Level 3: Medium, but Customizable

This ‘Essential’ itinerary designed for private travel features long days walking and standing, some rustic accommodations, some long days of overland travel, some stair climbing, unpaved sidewalks and streets, uneven surfaces and steps, absent handrails, and lack of elevators. While some of these challenges are inherent in the destinations and sites, as one of our Essential Series programs this trip can be modified as needed for those travelers who are looking for a less challenging (or more challenging) program.

There is a significant amount of touring on foot, and those travelers planning to take the program as written should be able to walk one to two miles a day comfortably. Footing can be an issue and travelers should be able to negotiate streets of packed dirt, cobblestones, uneven surfaces (possibly steep and/or wet), and deal with situations without handrails or ramps. One night is spent in a remote pilgrim guesthouse where sleeping accommodations will be shared with other group members and WCs will be rustic outhouses. One night is spent in a tent camp without access to running water. Nights can be cold. Some attractions are only accessible via steep staircases. Museums and hotels rarely have elevators.

Past travelers have encountered challenges with bureaucratic service, road conditions, plumbing, unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, variety of locally available foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms.

Accommodations in the basic program will vary from tourist class hotels to more basic homestays and/or guesthouses. Upgrades may be available in some cities, please call for details. Air-conditioning is a luxury and may not be available.