Destinations

North & Central Asia
- Turkmenistan
  - Journey Ideas

Turkmenistan Holidays

Trek through the spectacularly coloured landscape at Yangikala
Camp by a flaming natural gas crater
Travel into the desert and stay in a remote tribal village
Visit the impressive golden statues and marble monuments in Ashgabat, the City of Love

Paul Craven has been with Steppes Travel for 16 years and true 'Travel Beyond the Ordinary' is what he loves most - he is in his element when trekking through remote landscapes, exploring hidden backstreets and generally getting off the beaten track and setting foot where few have done before.

His knowledge of border crossings and their complications would be hard to beat and many of the wonderful trips he prepares for our clients can combine 4 or 5 countries over several months. During his extensive travels Paul has also built up an interesting and often amusing photo gallery of the 'world's worst toilets'!

Paul can tailor-make your holiday to your exact requirements; be it a family adventure, a luxury holiday, a multi-country trip or venturing off the beaten track.

Turkmenistan is sandwiched between Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, this oil rich country on the shores of the Caspian Sea has more to offer than first appearances might suggest. Visit Ashgabat, the modern capital and the ancient Silk Road towns of Nisa and Merv. If coming from Uzbekistan, stop in Kunya Urgench where there is a huge sprawling cemetery and the tallest minaret in Central Asia. There are also forts and the dramatic natural gas holes that burn with little warning.

Apart from desert landscapes in Turkmenistan, there are lush green mountains, natural gorges and a diverse range of fauna ranging from the Bustard to the Central Asian gazelle. Life in the villages has remained very simple, with the exception of the Sunday Market in Ashgabat, which some claim rivals that of Kashgar.