🇹🇲🏹 Ancient Turkmenistan & the Silk Road: Burning craters to marble architecture 🕌

Forget the typical tourist traps; we are heading to Turkmenistan, one of the most mysterious and fascinating countries on the planet. Imagine a place where ancient Silk Road history meets futuristic white marble cities. Where a giant flaming crater in the middle of the desert serves as your evening entertainment. This isn't just a vacation.. it’s a "did that actually just happen?" kind of adventure! From exploring ruins that saw the rise and fall of empires to swimming in a thermal lake hidden deep inside a mountain cave - this trip is designed for the bold, the curious, and those who want a travel story that no one else in the group chat can top! HIGHLIGHTS: 🇹🇲 Explore Ashgabat; Old Nisa fortress and the Turkmen Carpet Museum 🇹🇲 UNESCO world heritage sites 'Ancient Merv' 🇹🇲 Meet the Nohkuri Turkmen tribe in Nokhur village 🇹🇲 Descend into Kow-Ata cave to experience the underground thermal pool 🇹🇲 Witness 'the gate to hell' - Darvaza Gas Crater at dusk 🇹🇲 Sleep in traditional yurts 🇹🇲 Haggle at Eastern Bazaar 🇹🇲 Visit Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque Disclaimer: As much as Tripleaders try to stick to our plans, itineraries can be subject to change due to weather, travel logistics, safety or other unexpected reasons. 👥 OUR GROUP: We will be a group of 10 people (including myself). I am looking for TripMates similar to myself - laid back in character but organised enough to get ready to leave on time by themselves! Happy to have good conversation whilst spending time in our group but also independent enough to be able to make their own choices and explore themselves as well. People who as I would describe are 'all-rounders' - you love a mixture of chilling on a beach, the adventure of a hike, the want to learn and explore culture and at the same time have downtime for a wine or to read a book/watch a movie/enjoy the sunset. If you request to travel as part of the group, I will set up a call with you prior to accepting the request. This was I can ensure we have the right fit for the most pleasurable experience for all of us. 📍 MEETING POINT: Ashgabat 📝 VISAS: Please check BEFORE booking that you are eligible for a visa & you have a valid passport – these essentials are down to yourself to check & ensure validity. You will also need to check if Turkmenstein has any alternative entry requirement forms or documents essential to be granted entry to the country for your nationality. Most nationalities can obtain a visa prior to arrival. 💉 VACCINATIONS: Vaccinations and medications should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Currently, you don't need a covid vaccination to access Turkmenstein, but you do need to pay $31 for a covid test upon arrival - don't ask why they're still doing this, as I have no clue! haha. ❤️‍🩹 INSURANCE: Travel insurance is included if you are a resident of Germany or Austria. You can view all the inclusions & exclusions of this insurance here: www.joinmytrip.com/en/t/travel-insurance. For any other TripMates, you will need to purchase your own Travel Insurance, which also covers you for Medical expenses should you need it whilst we are away. 📱WHATSAPP GROUP: I will be making a 'Turkmenstein’ specific group WhatsApp before we depart for us to start these conversations where I can answer any questions you may have about the trip.