Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, is a dazzling city like no other, renowned for its white marble architecture, grand monuments, and futuristic skyline. Nestled between the Karakum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountains, Ashgabat offers visitors a striking blend of ancient history and modern opulence. The city holds a Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings, making it a unique and mesmerizing destination for travelers.

Guests will marvel at its grand avenues, impressive landmarks like the Independence Monument, and the futuristic Arch of Neutrality. The city’s famous Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia, and the vibrant Tolkuchka Bazaar offer glimpses into the rich cultural heritage of the region. By night, Ashgabat transforms into a glowing cityscape, with its monuments beautifully illuminated in colorful lights, creating an enchanting and surreal atmosphere.

From world-class museums and luxurious hotels to serene parks and cultural performances, Ashgabat promises an extraordinary experience, combining the elegance of modern architecture with the deep-rooted traditions of Turkmenistan.

Kow Ata Underground Lake: A Hidden Natural Wonder of Turkmenistan

Kow Ata, meaning “Father of Caves,” is a stunning underground lake located beneath the rugged Kopet Dag mountains of Turkmenistan. This geothermal wonder is nestled in a vast limestone cave, where visitors descend into a mystical world of natural beauty. The lake’s warm, mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and wellness.

Tourists visiting Kow Ata can swim in the crystal-clear waters, which maintain a soothing temperature of around 36°C (96.8°F) year-round, while marveling at the cave’s impressive stalactites and unique rock formations. It’s an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind journey beneath the earth’s surface.

Derweze Gas Crater: The Fiery Gateway to Hell

Deep in the heart of Turkmenistan’s vast Karakum Desert lies one of the world’s most breathtaking and mysterious natural phenomena—the Derweze Gas Crater, famously known as the “Door to Hell.” This colossal, fiery crater has been burning for over 50 years, casting an otherworldly glow across the desert night. Formed accidentally during a Soviet drilling operation in 1971, the crater continues to ignite the imaginations of adventurers and thrill-seekers alike.

Standing at the edge of the crater, visitors are mesmerized by the sight of flames roaring from its depths, feeling the heat on their skin and witnessing nature’s raw power up close. The surreal atmosphere, with its eternal fire and the silence of the surrounding desert, creates an unforgettable experience, perfect for those looking for adventure off the beaten path. A visit to Derweze is a journey to one of the most iconic and eerie destinations on Earth, a place where the natural world reveals its untamed and fiery side.

The Karakum Desert, meaning “Black Sand,” is an awe-inspiring expanse that covers nearly 70% of Turkmenistan, offering travelers a journey into one of the most striking and untouched landscapes on Earth. Its vast, rolling dunes stretch endlessly toward the horizon, creating a mesmerizing sea of golden sands under the clear desert sky. For those seeking adventure and tranquility, the Karakum is an unforgettable destination where time seems to stand still.

Tourists will feel the thrill of traversing the desert by camel or 4x4, exploring the timeless beauty of this remote region. Along the way, they’ll encounter ancient Silk Road routes, hidden oases, and the resilient culture of nomadic life. As night falls, the desert sky comes alive with countless stars, providing a breathtaking backdrop for camping under the vast heavens.

The Karakum offers not only solitude and peace but also adventure and wonder, from the surreal sight of the Derweze Gas Crater—the “Door to Hell”—to the rich wildlife that calls the desert home. It’s a place where nature’s raw beauty and timeless mystery captivate the soul, leaving visitors with memories that will last a lifetime.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Turkmenistan, Yangykala Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder that enchants every visitor with its stunning beauty and vibrant colors. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Karakum,” this hidden gem boasts towering cliffs and intricate rock formations that rise dramatically from the arid desert floor, showcasing hues of red, orange, and yellow that change with the shifting sunlight.

As tourists explore the winding paths of Yangykala, they will be captivated by the surreal vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, where rugged landscapes meet the vast blue sky. The serenity of the canyon offers a perfect backdrop for hiking, photography, and simply soaking in the stunning surroundings. Adventurers can trek along the canyon’s edges or descend into its depths, discovering hidden nooks and breathtaking viewpoints along the way.

At sunset, Yangykala transforms into a painter’s canvas, with the cliffs aglow in warm shades of gold and crimson, creating a magical atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. This mesmerizing landscape not only reflects the raw beauty of Turkmenistan’s nature but also offers visitors a sense of tranquility and connection to the earth. A visit to Yangykala is an unforgettable experience that invites travelers to immerse themselves in the breathtaking wonders of this remarkable region.

Koytendag, a breathtaking mountain range located in southeastern Turkmenistan, is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and rich biodiversity, Koytendag offers visitors a stunning escape into the heart of the Turkmen landscape.

As guests explore this captivating region, they will be enchanted by the breathtaking views of towering peaks that rise majestically against the skyline, often shrouded in mist. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, with many unique species found only in this part of the world, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Hiking through Koytendag’s picturesque trails leads to hidden treasures, including crystal-clear waterfalls, serene mountain lakes, and ancient rock carvings that tell the stories of the past. The Koytendag Nature Reserve invites adventurers to immerse themselves in its pristine beauty, with opportunities for trekking, camping, and experiencing the tranquility of the natural world.

At the summit, panoramic views reveal a stunning tapestry of colors, from the deep greens of the forests to the golden hues of the rolling hills. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the sky transforms into a brilliant palette of oranges and purples, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates every traveler.

A visit to Koytendag is not just an exploration of nature; it is a journey into the soul of Turkmenistan, where the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage intertwine to create unforgettable memories.

Chuli: The Enigmatic Cave Complex of Turkmenistan

Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Turkmenistan, Chuli Cave offers a remarkable adventure into one of the country’s most intriguing natural wonders. This expansive cave complex, formed over millennia, features a series of stunning chambers filled with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations that evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

As visitors embark on their journey into Chuli, they will be greeted by the mesmerizing play of light and shadow that dances across the cave walls, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Guided tours lead explorers through the various chambers, where they can marvel at the intricate geological formations and learn about the cave’s fascinating history and significance in Turkmen culture.

Chuli is not just a geological marvel; it also serves as a vital archaeological site, with remnants that hint at the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. The echoes of the past resonate within the cave, inviting guests to connect with the rich heritage of Turkmenistan.

The cool, serene environment of Chuli offers a refreshing escape from the arid desert heat outside, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility. As visitors explore this underground wonder, they will find themselves immersed in a world of natural beauty and historical intrigue, creating unforgettable memories that showcase the remarkable diversity of Turkmenistan’s landscape.

A visit to Chuli is not just about exploration; it’s about experiencing the magic of nature and history intertwined in a breathtaking subterranean realm.

Shopping in Ashgabat: A Treasure Trove of Culture and Craftsmanship

Shopping in Ashgabat is an exhilarating experience that offers visitors a delightful blend of modernity and tradition. The capital city is a vibrant hub where luxury boutiques, bustling markets, and artisan shops come together, providing a unique opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.

As tourists wander through the Tolkuchka Bazaar, one of the largest open-air markets in Central Asia, they are immediately enveloped by the lively atmosphere and the enticing aromas of local delicacies. Here, guests can explore a colorful array of handmade carpets, intricate ceramics, and traditional Turkmen clothing adorned with exquisite patterns. The bazaar is not just a place to shop; it’s an immersive cultural experience where visitors can engage with local artisans, sample delicious street food, and witness the vibrant daily life of the city.

For those seeking a more modern shopping experience, Ashgabat boasts several upscale shopping centers featuring international brands, luxury goods, and stylish boutiques. The Berkarar Shopping Mall, with its sleek architecture and wide range of products, offers everything from high-end fashion to electronics, making it a perfect stop for both tourists and locals.

While shopping, guests should not miss the chance to pick up authentic Turkmen souvenirs, such as handmade carpets—a national treasure— or traditional jewelry crafted from silver and gemstones. Each piece tells a story of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Turkmenistan.

As the day winds down, visitors can relax at one of Ashgabat’s charming cafes, sipping on aromatic tea or enjoying a sweet treat while reflecting on their shopping adventures. Whether exploring bustling bazaars or chic malls, shopping in Ashgabat is a captivating journey filled with discovery, culture, and the warm hospitality of the Turkmen people.

All parties must understand that this text will be valid if any Supplier has not added their cancellation policy to the system. By booking any supplier's tour via our website, all parties will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.

1. Suppliers are global companies that provide land tours and services to operators and travelers. According to the TravelShop Booking Supplier agreement, all Suppliers are responsible for adding their own terms and conditions, including information on tour cancellations.
2. All travelers and operators need to check the including and the excluding section locate in the tour detail page below the itinerary and Supplier must add this section while he/she adding his tour to the website. In the event that the included and excluded sections are empty and the parties disagree on this issue, an agreement will be reached between the parties by determining the included and excluded services on similar tours with similar prices. At this stage, the parties are deemed to have agreed to rely on the initiative of TravelShop Booking.
3. Reservations: Reservations can be made from the Tour Detail page, from the Availability section located below the itinerary. Additionally, right below the Availability section, travelers can select the Private Tour option to contact the tour operator and book the tour privately. Simply fill out your contact details and write your question; one of our experts will promptly respond to assist you. Please note that some tours may not be customized privately; therefore, there is no Private Tour option in the Availability section.
   
   Once you confirm your booking by clicking the "Book Now" button, you will be directed to the Checkout page. Firstly, enter all your details, and please double-check the names, passport, and flight details. Upon proceeding with the booking, we will charge a 25% booking deposit to your credit card.
4. Deposit and Payments: Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit for your online order by credit card. Payment will then be made in stages as indicated below.

   	Booking Day	4 Weeks Before	2 Weeks Before
   Land Tours	15% Non Refundable	35%	50%
   Tours with domestic flights	25% Non Refundable	25%	50%
   Yacht Tours	25% Non Refundable	25%	50%

   The full amount of the tour must be paid 15 days before the departure date. If not, it will be consider as a cancellation, hence cancellation penalties will be charged. However, if you have booked any of our tours, including domestic flight tickets, then cancellation penalties and the full amount of the flights will be charged.

   Payments with Visa and Mastercard can be made in pounds, euros, or dollars. However, if you choose to pay with American Express, a 4% bank fee will apply.

   A reservation made through the website on a regular basis cannot be changed. However, travelers can discuss the services and other details if they book the tour privately. Tours booked privately can only be changed if seats are available. Any changes to an entire private reservation will be considered a cancellation and will be subject to cancellation fees, resulting in a 100% loss of deposit.

5. Booking Changes: Once your private booking is confirmed, any changes will incur a €50.00 fee.
6. Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellation quieries must be made in wirten and signed by the traveler or tour operators.
7. Due to limited seats and the organizations being planned days in advance, any Anzac Day Gallipoli Tours will not be refunded, including the 25% deposits.
8. If you have booked a tour that includes domestic flight tickets, the tickets will be charged at the full amount. Cancellations must be made at least 8 weeks before the tour departure; otherwise, late penalties will apply.
   
   The rest of the cancellation terms are listed below:

   	4 Weeks Before	3 Weeks Before	2 Weeks Before	1 Weeks Before
   Land Tours	85%	50%	30%	No refund
   Domestic Flight Tours & Yacht Tous	75%	50%	30%	No refund

9. Please remember no refund policy applies on all flight tickets. Travelers and Operators might hae keep thie balances without refund amounths is they prefer to keep them in the system as Future Tour Credits. This is a convenient way to avoid from both no refunds and decrease the full amounts.

Future Tour Credits: This system is designed for travelers who wish or need to cancel their booking due to certain reasons. In such cases, travelers and operators can retain the full balance amount in the system and utilize it for a future tour. Additionally, travelers can book new tours from the deals pages and, by doing so, not only avoid reduced refund amounts but also avail of discounted tours.

Future Tour Credits are only applicable for tours listed on the deals page; campaigns offering substantial discounts, such as Black Friday deals, are not valid. However, they can choose their new tours from all categories on our pages.

What Is Future Tour Credit?: Future Tour Credits is a feature that allows travelers to re-book their travel at a later date instead of canceling for some reason. Sometimes travelers may have to or want to cancel their paid travels due to reasons beyond their control. With this feature, you can specify the amount as credit and allow them to use it for their re-bookings with your brand for a new date. Suppliers and travelers can notify us through [email protected] for details.

Yacht and Hotels: The availability of accommodations is always a crucial aspect of nearly all types of tours. If the hotel listed by the Supplier in the included and excluded sections is unavailable, the Supplier is responsible for arranging a similar hotel for the traveler and notifying the traveler accordingly.

Prices: All suppliers are responsible for keeping their prices up to date. In the event that a supplier's price is not current at the time of a booked tour, they are obligated to conduct the tour at the price listed on our platform. Therefore, we strongly advise suppliers to review and update their prices at least every six months, - twice a year.

Discounts / Special Offers: If travelers book a discounted tour from any of the Suppliers, they are required to make the full payment at the time of booking. Additionally, no cancellations or refunds are accepted for discounted tours. This rule protects the supplier from potential financial losses while also incentivizing them to offer promotions.

Children Discounts: children between 0 to 11 have discounts listed below. Older than 11 years old children are charged full amount and children younger than 18 must travel with ab adult. There will be no exception about it. Also 25% of the tour coast will be charges for baby seats for buses.

Flights: If it is not a special category, generally, international and domestic flights are not included to the tours. Hence, travelers are responsible for booking their own international flight tickets and notifying the supplier of their arrival if airport transfer is promised. Flight cancellations, delays, and all types of flight penalties are the responsibility of the traveler and the airline company. The supplier bears no responsibility in such cases.

Tours included domestic flight tickets: Certain tour packages feature domestic flight tickets. In this case, the supplier needs to provide you with copies of all your flight tickets, tour vouchers, itinerary, hotel contact information, and confirmation emails. Additionally, these documents will be included in your welcome pack upon arrival at the airport. It's crucial to carefully review all information (names, arrival and departure times, flight details, etc.) and promptly notify us of any discrepancies. Once booked and confirmed, we cannot be held responsible for any errors in this information. Please note that a maximum of 15-20 kilograms is allowed on domestic flights.

Insurance: Having travel insurance will protect travelers against unexpected situations such as health problems, flight delays, burglaries, etc., during your tour. Therefore, we highly advise all travelers to obtain insurance before departure.

a. The following insurance policies, which are not included in any tour packages, can be helpful against unforeseen circumstances.

b. Travel cancellation insurance: This helps minimize financial risk in case the traveler needs to cancel before departure.

c. Travel interruption insurance: This helps minimize financial risk in case the traveler experiences an interruption during the trip after departure.

Adequate health insurance.

All suppliers need to provide travelers with the transport schedule, luggage limit information, airport transfers, guides, and meeting point information via email and upon meeting travelers in person. Additionally, it is the travelers' responsibility to review the instructions carefully and not to miss the meeting points and times.

Entrance Fees: All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price and will be paid before or during the tour. Additionally, travelers have the option to visit museums and other places with entrance fees at their own expense if they wish.

Accommodation: Suppliers are required to provide the hotels listed in the itinerary. However, in cases where the listed hotels are unavailable due to reasons such as seasonality or other mandatory circumstances, suppliers must offer similar alternatives to the travelers.

Check in and check out: According to global standards, hotel check-in time is typically 14:00, and check-out time is 12:00. To inquire about early check-in and late check-out options, suppliers and/or travelers need to contact the hotel directly.

Private and Regular Tours: Both regular and private tours are offered on our website. A private tour is exclusive to those with reservations, while a regular tour allows for a larger number of participants. Pricing varies based on group size and tour type. Please be aware that the Supplier reserves the right to modify the order of activities outlined in the booked itinerary if necessary.

Optional tours: Depending on your tour, you can find various optional tours on our website and book them separately. It's important to note that these optional tours are not included in traveler's main tour package. While travelers can book these optional tours online.

Passports & Visas: Travelers need a valid passport and visa for the country they will visit. TravelShop Booking and Suppliers do not provide any passports or visas for any cases. They can only provide invitation letters, which will help you in your visa application after you have paid the full balance of the tour.

Personal items: TravelShop Booking&Suppliers are not responsible for the loss of personal items such as jewelry, money, or valuable documents. Utilizing the hotel safes or facilities provided at the Guest Relations Desk can be helpful in safeguarding your belongings. Additionally, travel insurance is professionally recommended to travelers for unforeseen events.

Travel Prohibitions: Passengers who are 27 weeks pregnant or more may be prohibited from traveling, prioritizing their safety and health. However, travel may be permitted with sufficient medical documentation up to 24-26 weeks of pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before planning your tour.

Dietary Requirements: If you need or require special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, diabetic, children's menus, and dairy-free options please notify your Supplier before the tour departure. If you have any dietary sensitivities, please notify them at least 2 weeks before your tour start date.

Handicapped Services: Suppliers offer private services tailored to meet handicapped requirements, along with accessible tours. For assistance, please reach out to your tour supplier to make arrangements.

Photos and Videos during tour: At times, Suppliers gather photos and videos to share on their social media accounts and for marketing purposes. Suppliers should always ask for travelers' permission first. Travelers have the option to decline participation in these visual documents. If travelers notice any photos or videos being shared without their consent, please inform your Supplier and us ([email protected]) to have them removed.

Tipping: Tipping, like in the rest of the world, is a cultural practice that fosters goodwill and encourages helpfulness. Please check your itinerary for tipping details or ask your Supplier.

Disclosure Notice All travelers acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a global marketplace that offers an online platform connecting tour suppliers providing various land services, operators who purchase tours for their travelers, and travelers seeking tours, including optional tours across various categories. All users are aware of and agree to this.

TravelShop Booking reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to allow suppliers worldwide to post, upload, publish, submit, or transmit text, images, graphics, videos, or other materials (collectively, "Content") on the platform. When Suppliers share Content on the Platform, they grant TravelShop Booking permission to use it, including in publications and promotional materials. By granting this permission, Suppliers provide TravelShop Booking with a worldwide, irreversible, perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license. TravelShop Booking does not claim ownership of this content. Moreover, these Terms do not limit any rights you may have to use and exploit the Content. Additionally, TravelShop Booking can remove any Content deemed abusive, harmful, illegal, pornographic, incites hate, obscene or defamatory, racist, sexist, or similar without prior permission or notification.

On our global platform, tours are booked directly with the respective supplier, and their current terms and conditions apply. If the suppliers have not uploaded their terms and conditions, then TravelShop Booking's terms and conditions are applicable. By booking a tour, the supplier, operator, and travelers agree to our terms and conditions.

By clicking "Book Now," you are booking the tours provided by that specific supplier. The contract for your travel adventure is established when the supplier accepts your booking. In this scenario, the contract is directly between you, the traveler and the supplier. If you are an operator, then the contract is between the operator, and the supplier. TravelShop Booking saves the contract text and your booking data to manage the contractual relationship.

When utilizing the TravelShop Booking platform, travelers commit to supplying all necessary personal information promptly, comprehensively, and truthfully. Specifically, travelers need to disclose upfront any circumstances and restrictions that may impact the execution of services by TravelShop Booking and the supplier, such as special needs like food intolerances, restricted mobility, or health conditions.

The Traveler commits to reviewing all contractual documents received through Travelshop Booking's Services, such as travel contracts, booking confirmations, and vouchers, for accuracy and completeness, including spelling errors (e.g., name, date of birth, special travel requirements). Any identified errors must be promptly reported to TravelShop Booking and the Supplier.

Travelers are responsible for notifying TravelShop Booking and tour suppliers during their booking process about any restrictions they may have, such as restricted mobility, pregnancy, or special medical needs.

It is recommended that any complaints be submitted in writing to TravelShop Booking via [email protected]. Failure to report any discrepancies may prejudice the Traveler. However, reporting a discrepancy alone does not impose any legal obligations on TravelShop Booking or the Supplier.

In the event that the Traveler receives payments related to claims for damages or price reductions due to breach of contract, they must promptly inform TravelShop Booking.