5 Stans next May

Cossie · 2026-07-20T14:00:58+1000

May seem a bit strange, but has anyone that has done one of these tours joined it after Turkmenistan? Khiva area, seems easy enough to get there.

Reasons, all the palaver with visas and covid tests, photography not encouraged, and the Darvaza fire is starting to die down. Needing a letter of introduction and so on.

I haven't checked with the travel agency, but would we be missing out on much? We have climbed volcanoes and peered into craters else where and by all accounts the roads are not the best for a long drive, certainly seen enough deserts over the years.
Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

oz_mark · 2026-07-20T14:16:35+1000

My initial motivation to go to Turkmenistan was Darvaza, however, while it was interesting, I found the other areas of the country more interesting. Ashgabat, Mary, Nisa, Kunya Urgench. I could have skipped Darvaza, but would have regretted not doing the others when I had a chance.

Of course, it depends on your interests.

I booked a tour to go to the country and the agent pretty much handled everything. Just some administrative stuff that goes with travel.....

RooFlyer · 2026-07-20T14:53:14+1000

@Cossie don’t miss Turkmenistan! Fascinating, if slightly barmy, government-wise.

Your letter of invitation and visa paperwork will be taken care of by the necessary Tour organisation. Photography is not really discouraged - just of taking certain government buildings like the presidential palace.

Ashgabat - I guarantee you haven’t, and won’t in future, seen anything like it

All the things mentioned by @oz_mark are absolutely fascinating. I loved Davaza crater and it’s a shame they want to put it out. The road to Davaza sustained our convoy of 4WDs at 120 km/hr at night

You’ll find a trip report of my visit to the five Stans in my signature.

nancypants · 2026-07-20T14:58:34+1000

Don’t miss Turkmenistan!

However. I know saiga tours will allow you to skip segments of their tours

RooFlyer · 2026-07-21T17:15:10+1000

Just a taste of Ashgabat.

Airport

Pouring draft beer into container in a supermarket; more beers at a restaurant (it was hot! And it was a group ..)

World's largest indoor Ferris wheel (and why not!); education dept building in the shape of a book (*other ministry buildings also themed). ALL buildings in the city area faced with best Carrara marble.

Dental hospital in the shape of a molar. The President trained as a dentist ... Apartment buildings (marble) and hardly a car on the roads. All cars by law must be white, and clean.