I’d be happy to help plan a 30-day trip to Turkmenistan on a budget! Turkmenistan is a country with a rich culture and history, with a range of unique destinations and experiences. However, please note that my knowledge of Turkmenistan’s tourism infrastructure, accommodations and budget options are limited. Additionally, Turkmenistan is a country that requires a visa for most nationalities, and the process can be complicated and time-consuming. It’s important to research the visa requirements and to plan accordingly.
Day 1-3: Arrive in Ashgabat, check into budget accommodation (cost: around $20-30 per night)
- Travel method: Fly into Ashgabat International Airport, then take a taxi or bus to your hotel (cost: around $10-15 for a taxi or $2-3 for a bus)
- Activities: Visit the Independence Square, the National Museum of Turkmenistan and explore the city.
Day 4-6: Take a bus or car to Dashoguz
- Travel method: Take a bus or rent a car from Ashgabat to Dashoguz (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Dashoguz Bazaar, the Dashoguz Museum, and take a walk through the city.
Day 7-9: Take a bus or car to Mary
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Dashoguz to Mary (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Mary Bazaar, the Mary Museum, and take a walk through the city.
Day 10-12: Take a bus or car to Merv
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Mary to Merv (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Merv Bazaar, the Merv Museum, and take a walk through the city.
Day 13-15: Take a bus or car to Darvaza
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Merv to Darvaza (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater, and take a walk through the city.
Day 16-18: Take a bus or car to Konye Urgench
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Darvaza to Konye Urgench (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Konye Urgench Bazaar, the Konye Urgench Museum, and take a walk through the city.
Day 19-21: Take a bus or car to Balkanabat
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Konye Urgench to Balkanabat (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Balkanabat Bazaar, the Balkanabat Museum, and take a walk through the city.
Day 22-24: Take a bus or car to Turkmenbashy
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Balkanabat to Turkmenbashy (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Turkmenbashy Bazaar, the Turkmenbashy Museum, and take a walk through the city.
Day 25-27: Take a bus or car to Awaza
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Turkmenbashy to Awaza (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Awaza Bazaar, the Awaza Museum, and take a walk through the city.
Day 28-30: Return to Ashgabat
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Awaza to Ashgabat (cost: around $5-10 per person, or $30-40 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Monument of Neutrality, and do some last-minute shopping in Ashgabat.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted to your preferences. Prices and activities may vary depending on the season, please check the current situation before planning your trip. Also, please note that the cost of accommodation, food, and other personal expenses are not included in this budget. Some additional activities you could consider are visiting the Gonur Depe and the Kow Ata underground lake. It’s important to book accommodations and transportation ahead of time as it can save you money and also make sure you have a place to stay. Also, It is important to note that getting around Turkmenistan can be cheaper by using local transportation such as buses and cars instead of flying. Additionally, Turkmenistan offers a variety of sites and activities to see and do, like visiting the Turkmenistan’s unique culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. It is important to research and budget for these extra expenses before your trip.