Stantrips Reviews 26

StanTrips organized an excellent trip for us - custom-tailored to our particular interest in Turkmen nomadic lifestyle and culture. We rate you more than 5-Stars - appreciating your diligency, flexibility and hospitality!

Our tour guide, Merdan Atayew, led us with much enthusiasm and care through Ashgabat, the Balkanabat and Mary area. He facilitated numerous encounters with shepherds at the side of the road and did an excellent job of translating their amazing stories for us. We visited a horsefarm in Gökdepe where we marveled at the unique elegant Ahal-Teke horses and listened to the many experiences of the horse breeder. In only 12 days we gained incredible insights into the nomadic heritage of Turkmenistan. Our time was meaningful and interesting.

We also enjoied the beauty of the Turkmenisatn landscape : hills and mountains clad in soft green velvet and the desert in magnificent bloom of multiple colors. In a valley in the mountians we even discovered the rare indigenous flaming-red tulips. We were also amazed by the the stunning rocky cliffs of Yangycala that are of a rare beauty in the golden evening light and the mysterious morning mist - wow.

In Ashgabat we got the guided tour through the bright white and golden Marble City of Love with all its exceptional buildings, impressiv monuments, remarkable statues and and memorial places - so much grandeur, it overwhelmed us! Each road has different lamp posts and each round-about ist own theme. We liked visiting different markets, shopping Turkmen specialties and eating traditional and international food. Old Nisa, poet Magtymguly statue and the carpet museum were particular highlights of the Ashgabat tour. Sport Hotel is an excellent place to stay, with beautiful, comfortable rooms and a generous breakfast buffet.

Thank you Merdan! What an honor to get to know you and walk these two weeks with you in your gorgeous homeland. Thank you especially for how patiently and knowledgeably you answered all our questions. You helped us grow in our understanding and appreciation of Turkmenistan and its people.

We highly recommand exploring Turkmenistan with Stantrip anytime, and particularly in spring time.

My partner and I joined the Turkmenistan Fixed Date Group Tour (4 days) with Central Asia Guide, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.

From the very beginning, Aymurat, who organized the tour, did an excellent job planning everything and made the whole process smooth and easy. Once we arrived, our guide Baysahat made the trip even more special. He was kind, knowledgeable, flexible, and genuinely invested in making sure everyone had the best possible experience.

Traveling in Turkmenistan naturally comes with some unpredictability, and there were a few itinerary changes along the way due to circumstances beyond Baysahat’s control. What really stood out was how well he handled everything — he kept us informed, included us in the decision-making, and made sure we always felt comfortable with the adjustments. When traveling in Turkmenistan, it’s worth being prepared for the unexpected, but honestly, those moments became part of the adventure and added to the authenticity of the trip.

Baysahat was also incredibly accommodating when it came to spontaneous stops. If the group saw something interesting, he was always happy to adjust when possible. One of our absolute favorite moments happened because of this flexibility: during one spontaneous stop, we ended up witnessing preparations for a wedding, which turned into a unique and memorable cultural experience we never would have had otherwise.

We would strongly recommend this tour to anyone considering Turkmenistan — but our advice is also to embrace the unexpected and let yourself get carried along by the experience. Some of the best memories come from the unplanned moments.

After the tour, we stayed an extra day in Ashgabat on our own, and that was also a wonderful experience. The city felt incredibly safe, calm, and easy to explore independently. Walking around at our own pace gave us an even deeper appreciation for Turkmenistan, which we found to be a very safe, welcoming, and friendly country.

A huge thank you to Aymurat, Baysahat, and Central Asia Guide for such a memorable journey. We highly recommend both this tour and Turkmenistan itself to anyone looking for a unique, safe, and fascinating travel experience.
Regards Nicklas Andrea Andrea, Denmark

I was looking forward to the chance to see Turkmenistan and my experiences there did not disappoint. Our guide, Merdan, through StanTrips, made everything smooth and really worked hard to enable our hopes of seeing the countryside and rural places happen. We were able to learn a lot of history, experience beautiful nature, and interact with kind local people during our travels. If you would like to visit Turkmenistan I can highly recommend Merdan as a great guide!

We are a group of 4 travelling through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. From the planning phase until the end of the trip, everything went very smoothly.

Hudaikuli was coordinating and supporting the entire planning of the trip. He was very responsive and communication with him was a breeze. We have difficult dietary requirements since one of us is a religious vegetarian while my wife and I can't take mutton but prefer chicken. We were very worried that we would be having issues with food especially on the last leg where we would be spending a night in the Karakum desert which includes bbq dinner. Hudaikuli reassured us that everything would be fine and taken care of. Indeed, true to his words, we did not have any difficulties with food through the entire journey.

Land border crossing from country to country was not difficult but quite a hassle if you have heavy, big luggage since many involve walking through stretches unpaved roads where you can't quite drag your luggage. It is indeed necessary to prepare plenty of small notes (USD) to board shuttle/bus through the no-man's land (in between two borders). We were most anxious with the border crossing from Uzbekistan into Turkmenistan. However, our guide Mamijik (Max) was extremely helpful and supported us through the border procedures. it ended up in a breeze and we are extremely thankful to him. Max was a fantastic guide. He was with us throughout the entire journey through Turkmenistan. We were also very lucky to be able to participate in the grand and colorful Nowruz celebration organized by the Turkmen government.

Another big shout out to our guide in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Rifat. Rifat is great in what he does and was extremely flexible to meet our needs (above and beyond).

We had a great trip, seen the mountains, lakes, super scenic views, snow, heat, desert, culture and food. Most important, all the friendly people that we have met along they way including strangers and super friendly (but curious) children.

My special thanks to three guys, Hudaikuli, Max and Rifat for making our trip super memorable and smooth. I strongly recommend Stantrips, if anyone plans to visit the Stan countries.

Amazing tour of Turkmenistan thanks to my guide Merdan. We explored Mary, the ancient ruins of Merv, Ashgabat and the Darvaza gas crater in the desert. Everything was perfectly organized and it was a really beautiful and unique experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit Turkmenistan and discover such a fascinating and unusual country. Thanks again to Merdan and Asiantrips for the professionalism and kindness!

We had a amazing experience with Merdan as our guide!!!

We travelled to Turkmenistan in late December and used Stantrips to organise our entire journey. It was, without question, one of the most seamless, professional and genuinely memorable travel experiences we have ever had.

From the moment we arrived in Ashgabat, everything ran flawlessly. Our Ashgabat driver, Rovshen, was exceptional. Always punctual, calm, and impeccably professional, he navigated the city with ease and made every transfer smooth and stress-free.

Our journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater and onward toward the Uzbekistan border was handled by our incredible Jeep drivers, Muhammet and Berdimurat. These men were not only highly skilled drivers but deeply trustworthy. Travelling through remote desert terrain requires confidence in the people behind the wheel, and we felt completely safe at all times. They delivered us to the Gates of Hell and to the border safely and efficiently, with warmth and quiet competence throughout.

However, the true standout of our entire trip was our tour guide, Merdan. Merdan is, quite simply, the best tour guide we have ever had anywhere in the world. He went far beyond the role of a guide. He became a genuine companion and friend during our time in Turkmenistan. His knowledge of the country, culture and history was outstanding, but what truly set him apart was his care, initiative and attention to detail. He helped us change money, guided us to exceptional and truly authentic local restaurants that we never would have found ourselves, and anticipated our needs before we even had to ask. On top of all of this, Merdan was like having a personal professional photographer with us at all times. He took the most incredible photos, with an eye for composition, lighting and storytelling that rivalled any professional shoot. The memories he captured for us are priceless.

Most importantly, Merdan made us feel welcome, comfortable and genuinely connected to Turkmenistan. He has a rare ability to balance professionalism with warmth and humour, and by the end of the trip, he truly felt like a friend rather than a guide.

If you are travelling to Turkmenistan and booking with Stantrips, do everything you can to have Merdan as your guide. If you get any tour guide in Turkmenistan, it has to be him.

We cannot recommend Stantrips highly enough. Their team, their drivers, and especially their guides operate at an exceptional level. This is a company that clearly cares deeply about delivering meaningful, authentic and high-quality travel experiences. Turkmenistan is not the easiest destination to visit, and Stantrips made it effortless and unforgettable.

Thank you for an extraordinary journey.

Hayley, Graham and Marlene.

Travelled to Turkmenistan with 2 friends for 9 days where we travelled around the country by car and plane. Stantrips was a professional, helpful and reliable tour partner that made us a good itinerary to make our trip memorable. Throughout the journey we had the perfect guide with Merdan. He had a lot of knowledge about the different sites we visited and was helpful, funny and a really good companion to have along our trip. Thank you all for the unforgettable days in this nice and interesting country.

Every thing was OK
- Before the trip : the price was competitif and the inscription easy to do by internet
- During the trip : programme respected, hotels, yourte, bus, SUV very confortables, Merdan was a guide présent, nice and professionnal. Very intéressant country !
- After the trip : we were sad to leave each others

A beautifully organized 5-day tour to Darvaza and Ashgabat! The Olympia hotel was fantastic and our guide Merdan was more than professional and helpful in making our stay a memorable experience. I learned a lot about this wonderful country, its history, and people. Dear Merdan, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, efforts and expertise while showing us your city and the gas crater! In brief, A+ experience!

We enjoyed every minute of this tour. We were looked after from the moment we stepped off the plane right up to the taxi back to the airport. Hudaikuli and his driver were a pleasure to be with and it was invaluable to have not just a comprehensive tour of the city but also knowledge of the best places to eat. We felt very looked after for the whole time, which was helpful in an unfamiliar country and the memory of the tour will be unforgettable. A really memorable experience from a highly professional and likeable team.

Stantrips provided a fantastic travel experience in Turkmenistan. They made it easy to obtain a tourist visa, were flexible in tailoring the trip to my interests, and allowed me to see a variety of cultural, historical, and natural places throughout the country. They also always responded very quickly to all my email inquiries with a very high level of professionalism. The guide, Joseph, was absolutely fantastic--so knowledgeable, kind, and considerate. He truly went above and beyond to take care of all needs and enabled me to get an insider's look at a unique country that very few tourists visit. In addition, the 5-day trip was more affordable than a number of other tours with other companies. I highly recommend visiting Turkmenistan and traveling with Stantrips.

Honestly we were nervous when we boarded the plane to Ashgabat since we didn’t know much about the country except for what you find online in regards of Turkmenistan being a very restrictive country. Having Artem as our guide helped us learn about his country and the desinformation there is out there.
Artem, was very friendly and kind and did his best so we could have the best time in Turkmenistan. I appreciate that he was helpful trying to look for vegetarian options for one of us. Food was delicious and fresh and we enjoyed it a lot. Overall, we got an unforgettable experience on this beautiful country, a very friendly guide, and we hope to go back again.

Amazing experience! We were a group of 3 friends and Stantrips arranged a private 3-day tour according to our needs from Ashgabat to the Uzbekistan border (we were heading to Nukus). Everything went smooth from picking up at the airport to a turnkey crossing of the border. In Ashgabat, we stayed in a luxurious hotel and we toured the city in a spacious, modern minibus equipped with every comfort. We were then driven to Darvaza in two 4×4 and we spent the night in a very nice yurt camp next to the Gate of Hell. The day after we visited the old ruins in Kunya Urgench and then we were brought to the border. Our guide Merdan speaks very good English, was very helpful and knowledgeable. Aslo, the food was amazing! We can only recommend Stantrips!

A Remarkable Journey Through Turkmenistan!

I recently had the incredible opportunity to explore the enchanting country of Turkmenistan, and I can’t rave enough about the unforgettable experience we had, largely thanks to our exceptional tour guide. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that our guide was not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about sharing the rich culture and history of his homeland.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the mesmerizing Gates of Hell. Standing at this natural gas crater, with its fiery glow illuminating the night sky, was a surreal experience that left us in awe of nature’s power. Our guide provided fascinating insights into the history and geology of the site, making it even more meaningful.

We also explored the stunning Marble City of Ashgabat, where the architecture is a breathtaking blend of modern design and traditional Turkmen elements. Our guide took us through the city’s iconic landmarks, explaining the significance behind each structure and sharing intriguing stories that brought the city to life.

A truly unique aspect of our journey was the chance to partake in a vibrant wedding festival. Our guide made every effort to ensure we felt welcomed and included, allowing us to experience the joy and traditions of Turkmen weddings firsthand. From the colorful attire to the lively music and dance, it was a celebration that will forever remain etched in our hearts.

And let’s not forget the cuisine! Each meal was a feast for the senses, filled with flavors and dishes that reflected the country’s rich culinary heritage. Our guide eagerly introduced us to local specialties, ensuring we savored every bite while sharing the cultural significance of each dish.

Overall, our time in Turkmenistan was nothing short of magical. Our tour guide's caring nature, eagerness to share his country, and extensive knowledge made our experience extraordinary. I highly recommend visiting Turkmenistan to anyone seeking adventure, culture, and warmth in a truly unique destination!

This was my second Tour organized by Stan Trips. Last October, i went on a 1 week guided Tour of Turkmenistan. I was so satisfied with every aspect of Turkmenistan sightseeing that I contracted Stan Trips again to handle the itinerary for the visit to the 4 STAN countries;Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Again, it was truly exceptional. I had a personal Guide and Driver that met me at arrival in each country. They were great and the itinerary was super. A balance of history, culture, and nature. In all, again I was very satisfied and felt it was a good value!

I searched for Turkmenistan travel agencies on the Internet, and this travel agency responded to me the fastest. I finally chose this one with an affordable price to start a three-day and two-night trip to Turkmenistan. The tour guide helped us with the customs procedures despite the language barrier, which saved us time. Thank you very much. The driver and tour guide were very friendly and explained everything. We arrived on time even though the road conditions were not good. It was a pleasant trip!

Stantrips recently organized an exceptional trip to Turkmenistan for me. Every detail was handled with foresight, ensuring a smooth and enriching journey. I traveled through Ahal, Mary, Dashoguz, and Balkan, four of the five regions in Turkmenistan and though it may seem daunting to travel here, I didn't have to worry even for a single second. From the very beginning of reaching out, to the 'Letter of Invitation', overland transportation, and internal flights, everything was marked by meticulous planning and flawless execution.

My guide, Nuri, was a standout element of the experience. His intelligence, practical approach, and gracious demeanor made exploring Turkmenistan both informative and enjoyable. His deep knowledge and engaging storytelling brought the country's history and culture to life.

Stantrips' commitment to excellence and Nuri's outstanding guidance created an unforgettable travel experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a well-organized and enriching adventure in Turkmenistan.

Stantrips are a great company. We have travelled to over 120 countries and this company and especially Hudaikuli were an absolute pleasure to deal with.

Turkmenistan was a dream destination for us and a lot of our concerns about travel in this country were completely wrong…

Nadya our guide found us at the border and took control of everything and it went very smoothly and exactly as Hudaikuli had described.

We then proceeded to the Gates of Hell and a night at a Yurt Camp in the desert which for us was the perfect experience despite a long drive to get there.

The next day we drove to Ashgabat and our hotel there was amazing and we got to explore on our own the area around the hotel. The next day Nadya took us on the perfect city tour and wow Ashgabat has to be seen to be believed. The local lunch was also amazing in a beautiful restaurant. But the highlight for us was our time at the horse stud and a ride on the famous Turkmen horses.

We cannot recommend Stantrips highly enough for creating a tailor made tour at a great price for us and making our time in Turkmenistan so perfect. We cannot wait to visit again.

I contacted Maksat@Stantrips for Turkmenistan through my local tour guide in Samarkent.
He suggested a 4d itinerary for me to enter Farap Turkmenistan by Alat Bukhara & return by Khiva since I was already in Samarkent.
Maksat submitted my details and applied for my visitor visa and I received my letter of invitation after 6d while in Bukhara.
I had such an amazing time visiting ancient Merv & riding on the rare breed Akhalteke horses.
We arrived in Ashgabat city and the following day, my guide brought me to the big bank to withdraw my usd notes then to Maksat’s office to pay for my tour and on to Darvaza desert to see the phenomenon burning crater and a overnight stay in the company owned yurts.

Thank you very much Maksat, you are very kind, helping me with the Usd cash issues when the banks close 3d & over the weekend for the long Eid holidays. And always in contact with my guide throughout the trip.
As a female solo traveller from Singapore, I felt very safe in Turkmenistan with Stantrips.