Turkmenistan: growing demand among Russian tourists

Turkmenistan is one of the most closed countries in the world, and one of the most mysterious. In ancient times, the routes of the Great Silk Road ran here, powerful kingdoms arose and declined.

Russian tour operators note the demand growth to Turkmenistan in 2025, although this country remains a non-mass and niche destination, attracting the attention of experienced travelers who “collect” unknown countries. 

The lack of Turkmenistan's promotion in the Russian travel market, as well as the low interest of the Turkmen authorities prevent any mass demand for tours to this country, experts in the tourism industry say.

Meanwhile, this year it has become easier to obtain visas to Turkmenistan, especially for an organized tourists’ group. «The probability of getting approval for an individual tour is less than 50%, but group tours are always approved. We had no refusals from the groups», - Sofya Gavrilova, commercial director of the tour operator Otkrytie said.

The tour operator Russian Express, combining tours to Turkmenistan with neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan since last year, also noted a positive sales dynamic.

Photo: RIA Novosti