Regent Holidays has unveiled four new trips to Turkmenistan, marking the return of the under-explored Central Asian destination to its portfolio for the first time since the pandemic.
The expanded programme comprises one small-group tour and three bespoke, privately guided itineraries, all now on sale for 2026 departures via the Regent Holidays website. While the specialist tour operator resumed selling Turkmenistan quietly to enquiring customers in 2024, the formal relaunch follows a rise in demand and the restoration of reliable direct flights from London Gatwick in April 2024.
All Regent Holidays packages include the essential Turkmen Letter of Invitation, a standard visa for UK travellers and the services of an English-speaking local guide.
Turkmenistan, rich in Silk Road history, is known for its vast desert landscapes, dramatic canyons, thermal caves and Caspian Sea coastline, as well as its striking Soviet-era architecture, ancient mosques and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater, often dubbed the ‘Door to Hell’, and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.
Visitors will also explore the capital, Ashgabat, characterised by monumental architecture, expansive squares and bustling bazaars, while encounters with local guides, villagers, farmers and artisans offer insight into daily life, alongside opportunities to sample traditional dishes such as shashlik, manty and pishme.
Andrea Godfrey, Head of Regent Holidays, said: “We’ve been selling Turkmenistan on and off since 2009, but the pandemic obviously put paid to that for a while. It took some time to reopen post-Covid, with direct flights from Gatwick relaunching reliably in April 2024.
“We’ve been operating quietly in Turkmenistan since then for clients that specifically asked us for it. Now, thanks to more and more enquiries, we’re bringing it back to market in earnest and believe our programme offers the most comprehensive and considered Turkmenistan programme on the UK market, especially for the discerning traveller.
“Carl Meadows, our Senior Product and Travel Specialist, has long been a fan of Turkmenistan and has very recently returned from an in-depth trip around the country, meeting suppliers, re-immersing himself in the destination and making new discoveries. He has poured this knowledge and passion into the new programme, and I’m very confident that this fresh perspective and up-to-date experience adds a depth and breadth not available with any other operator.”
The most extensive of the new trips is the 15-day Turkmenistan in Depth privately guided itinerary, designed for first-time visitors keen to see the country in its entirety, from the eastern mountains to the Caspian Sea in the west.
Fully customisable, the itinerary includes Silk Road cities such as UNESCO-listed Merv and Nissa; the colourful cliffs and canyons of Yangykala; sunset at the Darvaza Gas Crater; and exploration of the Köýtendag Nature Reserve, home to Turkmenistan’s highest peak, sacred caves and dinosaur footprints.
Additional highlights include a MiG jet display and visit to Mary’s Gök Bazaar, time in the port city of Turkmenbashy, a stop at the Akhal-Teke Stud Farm to see the country’s prized horses, and in-depth sightseeing in Ashgabat.
The itinerary also features an overnight sleeper train journey and a night in a rural homestay or camp. Prices start from £4,695pp sharing, including international and internal flights.
For travellers preferring a shared experience, Regent has introduced the 12-day Classic Turkmenistan Group Tour, limited to a maximum of 12 guests. Departing on October 3, 2026, the tour covers Ashgabat and the Ahal, Balkan and Mary regions, combining ancient history, Soviet-era landmarks, the Karakum Desert, Yangykala Canyon and the modern Caspian Sea resort area of Avaza. Prices start from £3,790pp sharing, with further departures expected to be announced.
Two eight-day tailor-made itineraries complete the Turkmenistan launch. Turkmenistan: Modern and Ancient, from £2,960pp sharing, focuses on Ashgabat, Darvaza, Mary and Merv, blending ancient Silk Road heritage with the modern capital. Turkmenistan: City and Desert, from £3,265pp sharing, combines Ashgabat with the Caspian coast at Turkmenbashy, the landscapes around Balkanabat and the Darvaza crater.
Turkmenistan is the latest addition to Regent’s expanding Central Asia portfolio, which already includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
For 2026, the operator has also introduced a 15-day Kyrgyzstan and the World Nomad Games itinerary in October, priced from £4,195pp sharing, and Peaks and Powder, a new Almaty-based ski holiday in Kazakhstan, available from January to March 2026 from £2,760pp sharing.
All prices include return international flights, accommodation, transport, itinerary inclusions, permits where applicable and the services of an English-speaking local host.
