Get ready for an epic adventure as we dive into a Turkmenistan journey that’s packed with unexpected twists and turns! Our crew teamed up with Saada Travel, and let’s just say their communication game was strong from the get-go, getting our visa paperwork sorted super fast. Landing in Ashgabat at 3 AM felt like stepping into a different world. The visa process was definitely a test of patience, complete with a surprise COVID-19 test that felt more like a formality than anything else. After a bit of a wait, a good amount of stamping, and a very important lesson about currency exchange (stick to your travel agency for that!), we were finally met by our awesome guide and driver, ready to kick off our exploration. We checked into the Sport Hotel, which turned out to be a cool spot with a fantastic pool and, surprisingly, Wi-Fi that let us connect with the world – a real bonus!
Our first day was all about soaking in Ashgabat’s unique vibe. Even though public transport is a no-go, we had a blast exploring on foot. The city is a wonderland of white marble, with buildings that are truly something else. We wandered through Independence Park, marveled at the Olympic City, and even managed to snag some amazing shots of the stadium at night. It’s a city that feels both grand and surprisingly alive with people going about their day. Day two was our guided city tour, hitting all the major landmarks like the Wedding Palace and the impressive Turkmenbashi mosque. We also made a stop at Gulistan bazaar, where we sampled some local treats and exchanged more currency. The sheer scale of Ashgabat’s architecture is mind-blowing, with ministries shaped like globes and cobras – seriously cool!
The adventure continued with a drive to Yangykala Canyon. While the canyon itself is beautiful and offered some breathtaking photo ops, the 8-hour journey felt like a bit of a trek for a shorter visit. Still, having the spot all to ourselves was a definite win! The following days brought us to the unique Nokhur village, with its striking cemetery traditions, and the National Museum of History, which is a must-see for anyone curious about the country’s past and its more recent history. Our journey then took us to Mary and the ancient Merv Heritage Site, a place steeped in Silk Road history. We wrapped up our Turkmenistan adventure with a drive to Darvaza and the famous gas crater. While the crater itself was a bit less fiery than we’d imagined, the surrounding desert and the experience of sleeping in a yurt under the stars was still pretty epic. Crossing the border into Uzbekistan felt like the perfect end to this incredible, unforgettable trip!