Owadan Tourism
Owadan Tourism
5
Cultural Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Archaeology Tours
Read more
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Full view
About
‘Owadan Tourism’ has been established in 1996 and today is one of the leading tourist companies in Turkmenistan. Specializing in tailor-made tours in Central Asia, our highly professional, flexible, and knowledgeable team designs itineraries for sophisticated travelers who desire a deeper knowledge of both past and present cultures in Turkmenistan and the whole of Central Asia. We can always adapt itineraries and programs to match your wishes. In low season periods, our team travels through Turkmenistan in search of new exciting destinations, as well as stay on top of new developments in well-traveled parts of our country. This way we try to ensure that our advice to you is as accurate and realistic as possible. We’ll be proud to have you as our guest!
Travelers talk about
(4 reviews)
(2 reviews)
(3 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
8 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
gsx1990
Tulsa, OK370 contributions
May 2023
Overall, my tour with Owadan was very good. I only had a brief trip into the country basically to visit the Darvaza crater. So I was with the company for basically 30 hours from pickup at the border near Dashugoz, over to visit the sites in Koneurgench, then to the crater and back to the border. Be aware that the drive to the crater is long and difficult, mostly due to the horrible roads, so we did not arrive at the crater until almost 10pm. It was good having my guide at the border waiting for me, as she helped me get thru the confusion at the border, which was sky high. My driver was excellent and safe. My guide was good, but promised a few things that never materialized because she "forgot". The stay in the yurt at the crater was fine, but be aware it is VERY VERY basic, no showers. The provided dinner at the campsite was also fine, but the company nickels and dimes you for anything extra, including a basic soda and or beer. My biggest complaint was the cost of the trip. Seeing that gas is 32 cents a gallon in the country, and Im sure workers are paid relatively low, I think the value was fair at best. Not sure how much is kicked back to the ruling authorities in the country. Overall a good trip, but for the price, it sure would have been a bit nicer not to nickel and dime the customer. Just seemed "cheap" to me, especially considering what I paid for a 30 hour visit. The company seems to be well run, and overall I was happy with my tour.
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tapan B
Colchester, UK96 contributions
Sep 2019
I had to peruse our UK travel agent to include Turkmenistan in our four country Central Asia tour. At first all that came was of silk route only which is very popular in U.K. but amazing Merv and Nisa in Turkmenistan with their history ,Ashgabat a city made in paradise all white marble palaces neatly in rows with colourful gardens safety and modesty , it’s colourful bazaars ,elegant tall ladies in colourful dresses. The canyon near Caspian Sea resort Turkmenbashi , wild horses and camels roaming freely in its steppes all unforgettable. . The Darvaza ,gas crater a wonder. Food in restaurants were well cooked and in abundant . Hotels very opulent ,clean and friendly. We had best guides here. Elias ,the first guide when first introduced thought him as an expatriate Englishman ,other guide Olga helped us with all our need. Drivers were very efficient. Above all Mr Rahmanov of Owadan tourism were very helpful and kind. We had no problem with much talked about visa immigration customs difficulties. All were very helpful. We very much wish to return there for another tour.
Written September 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,231 contributions
Oct 2019
Turkmenistan was my 108th country. I've had my share of tours and dealt with many tour operators. I can honestly say that Owadan and the guide they provided, Nick, was the best.
Through emails (Caravanistan connected me with them), I communicated with Artur Adamyan who was super responsive and out of all the other 3-4 companies that responded back, had the best prices.
We did a 3 day / 2 night tour. Our route had us coming from Khiva and going back to Bukhara. It was Dashoguz Border / Darvaza Crater / Ashgabat / Merv / Farap Border.
Owadan is the biggest tour company in Turkmenistan. They have a compound in Darvaza Gas Crater with yurts. We were able to sleep in a yurt rather than a tent.
When we crossed the border to Turkmenistan, Nick, our guide, was literally waiting for us at immigration with forms already filled out. We didn't have to worry about standing in line or communicating with the authorities. He walked us through every step. When we went back to Uzbekistan, they drove us up to the building and Nick again walked us through security and immigration. It was such a breeze having him there.
Nick also took us to the best places to eat and we enjoyed all our meals. When we were in the Owadan office to make payment, everyone was very nice and they gave us gifts.
The drivers were all very polite and would always open the car door for us.
Overall, I cannot recommend Owadan enough. From arranging our Letter of Invitation to dropping us back to Uzbekistan, it was a great experience. Contact them directly for a tour to Turkmenistan. We talked to another couple we met at the gas crater and they paid a lot more than us by going through a 3rd party.
Through emails (Caravanistan connected me with them), I communicated with Artur Adamyan who was super responsive and out of all the other 3-4 companies that responded back, had the best prices.
We did a 3 day / 2 night tour. Our route had us coming from Khiva and going back to Bukhara. It was Dashoguz Border / Darvaza Crater / Ashgabat / Merv / Farap Border.
Owadan is the biggest tour company in Turkmenistan. They have a compound in Darvaza Gas Crater with yurts. We were able to sleep in a yurt rather than a tent.
When we crossed the border to Turkmenistan, Nick, our guide, was literally waiting for us at immigration with forms already filled out. We didn't have to worry about standing in line or communicating with the authorities. He walked us through every step. When we went back to Uzbekistan, they drove us up to the building and Nick again walked us through security and immigration. It was such a breeze having him there.
Nick also took us to the best places to eat and we enjoyed all our meals. When we were in the Owadan office to make payment, everyone was very nice and they gave us gifts.
The drivers were all very polite and would always open the car door for us.
Overall, I cannot recommend Owadan enough. From arranging our Letter of Invitation to dropping us back to Uzbekistan, it was a great experience. Contact them directly for a tour to Turkmenistan. We talked to another couple we met at the gas crater and they paid a lot more than us by going through a 3rd party.
Written November 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alina
1 contribution
Jul 2019
I was the company rep for a cultural tour throughout Central Asia, and Jabbar was the best guide I work with: respectful, knowledgeable, understanding the needs of the group, delivering information in an interactive and fun manner, always ready with more if you needed it.
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tarin W
Los Angeles, CA206 contributions
May 2023
The minute I met Aygul, my Turkmen guide, at the Passport Control, I knew I was in good hands. She is a take-charge woman who expertly managed the border crossing process. She "gets it" and is very savvy.
We spent two days together, first visiting Darvaza which was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aygul always made sure that I was okay, answered all my questions and explained things on our long drive through the desert. She cares about her clients and offers high touch customer service.
Owadan accommodated a vegetarian meal at the yurt camp and our driver was skilled and patient.
When we got to Ashgabat, Aygul completely knew her way around and suggested a great place for lunch with delicious food and an amazing view of the city. She took me to see the important monuments and was flexible when we decided to cut the museum tour shorter.
I was so impressed with her English and her ability to relate to everyone with whom we came in contact, whether other tourists or the locals who manage the camp. Aygul made my time in Turkmenistan engaging and personal, sharing stories and information about her country. She was the perfect guide for me.
My final night, Serdar helped me organize dinner and made a great suggestion to have it delivered rather than taxi across town. He confirmed my very early pick up and I was even helped into the airport with my luggage.
I would highly recommend Owadan Tourism for any travel needs in Turkmenistan. They are professional, lovely to work with and caring of their clients. I will definitely be recommending them whenever I can.
We spent two days together, first visiting Darvaza which was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aygul always made sure that I was okay, answered all my questions and explained things on our long drive through the desert. She cares about her clients and offers high touch customer service.
Owadan accommodated a vegetarian meal at the yurt camp and our driver was skilled and patient.
When we got to Ashgabat, Aygul completely knew her way around and suggested a great place for lunch with delicious food and an amazing view of the city. She took me to see the important monuments and was flexible when we decided to cut the museum tour shorter.
I was so impressed with her English and her ability to relate to everyone with whom we came in contact, whether other tourists or the locals who manage the camp. Aygul made my time in Turkmenistan engaging and personal, sharing stories and information about her country. She was the perfect guide for me.
My final night, Serdar helped me organize dinner and made a great suggestion to have it delivered rather than taxi across town. He confirmed my very early pick up and I was even helped into the airport with my luggage.
I would highly recommend Owadan Tourism for any travel needs in Turkmenistan. They are professional, lovely to work with and caring of their clients. I will definitely be recommending them whenever I can.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doina A
Tours, France8 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
The trip consisted in 2 days starting from Khiva and visiting the Darvaza gas crater. Right now there is no transit visa and the only way to enter the country is via a travel agency.
My Turkmen guide, who speaks English came at the border to help me out to to pass the border and communicate with the official controls on my belhalf. I have paid in total 110$ (visa, instant covid test, migration tax).
Please bring dollars without any damages.
First we went to the historical site of Kunya-Urgench. Then we headed to the Darvaza gas crater. We spent the night in a yurts camp and it was just out of this world. The next day it was a trip back to the border passing by the desert and seeing the camels on the side of the road.
The country is safe, but you need a guide because there are a lot of controls. It is just an uncommon and out of the world experience and of course I can recommend it.
My Turkmen guide, who speaks English came at the border to help me out to to pass the border and communicate with the official controls on my belhalf. I have paid in total 110$ (visa, instant covid test, migration tax).
Please bring dollars without any damages.
First we went to the historical site of Kunya-Urgench. Then we headed to the Darvaza gas crater. We spent the night in a yurts camp and it was just out of this world. The next day it was a trip back to the border passing by the desert and seeing the camels on the side of the road.
The country is safe, but you need a guide because there are a lot of controls. It is just an uncommon and out of the world experience and of course I can recommend it.
Written May 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kostas V
6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Great agency, well organized, very helpful office staff. Excellent, very clean base in Darweze crater. Quite adequate guises and drivers.
Written May 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MRichardson2014
Lake of Bays, Canada918 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
We had Jabar as our local guide for the 4.5 days we were in Turkmenistan. He is experienced, dedicated and lots of fun. There were 15 of us and nothing was too much trouble. He even provided several surprises/tours that were not part of our itnerary. Ask for Jabar and you will not be disappointed.
We also used Owadan mini vans, bus and drivers, which were all excellent.
We also used Owadan mini vans, bus and drivers, which were all excellent.
Written September 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience