Where are we going?!
We’re going to Turkmenistan, the most secretive country in Central Asia! A country where national TV stations only broadcast good news and where smoking, beards and unwashed cars are prohibited. A country with a Ministry of Horses and airconditioned bus stops. And where the president – apart from being very much into trendy tracksuits – is an outspoken cycling protagonist. Every year, the people of Turkmenistan celebrate World Bicycle Day with astounding dedication and a huge bicycle monuments adorn the streets of Ashgabat.
Why would I want to go there?
Where to start? With its empty four-lane roads, thermometer monuments and the largest indoor ferris wheel in the world, white marbled Ashgabat may well be the strangest city on earth. Hidden in the grand void that is the Turkmen landscape, one can find remains of once important Silk Road cities. To top things off, the burning fire crater of Derweze – also known as the Gate of Hell – awaits in the middle of the Karakum Desert.
Moreover, we will be the first foreigners given the opportunity to explore different parts of Turkmenistan by bike. We will navigate our mountainbikes around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Merv, through the lush nature of the Kopet Dag Mountains and sleep in villages where no tourist has ever set foot!
Tot hier en verder organises this tour together with Danish Turkmenistan specialist Above Borders.
departure | return | duration | participants | availability |
| TBA | TBA | 10 days | 5-12 | not yet |
Included
- transport in Turkmenistan
- use of mountainbike during the trip
- accommodation based on double or twin room (5x), camping (3x) and overnight train in a four-person compartment (1x)
- all meals
- all excursions and entry fees
Not included
- flight ticket Amsterdam – Istanbul – Ashgabat (around € 650 – 750)
- travel insurance
- visa Turkmenistan ($89)
- migration fee Turkmenistan ($14)
- tourist fee Turkmenistan ($2 p.p.p.n.)
- alcohol beverages
- personal expenses
Take me further!
Curious about this tour? Complete the contact form below to get more information about silky smooth cycling (in Dutch). If you’d rather chat in English, give us a call at +31 6 81 83 20 58.