Owadan Tourism
Owadan Tourism
5
Cultural Tours4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursSightseeing ToursHiking & Camping ToursArchaeology Tours
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!
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(5 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jaishree J
7 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Owadan Tourism is excellent! Suray was quick in his email replies and provided answers to my many queries, even before we arrived at Turkmenistan. He was thorough in explaining the immigration process and helped to prepare the LOI.
Our guide, Mike, met us at the airport and was very friendly. He was detailed in giving us facts about Ashgabat and Turkmenistan, and carefully explained each city building and monument. He was very helpful in translating for us to purchase meals and souvenirs.
We happened to meet Owadan’s boss at the Darvusz crater camp and he was very hospitable, ensuring we had sufficient vegetarian dishes. The Owadan yurts were comfortable and walking distance to the crater, so we made multiple trips there to enjoy the view.
We highly recommend Owadan for their service.
Our guide, Mike, met us at the airport and was very friendly. He was detailed in giving us facts about Ashgabat and Turkmenistan, and carefully explained each city building and monument. He was very helpful in translating for us to purchase meals and souvenirs.
We happened to meet Owadan’s boss at the Darvusz crater camp and he was very hospitable, ensuring we had sufficient vegetarian dishes. The Owadan yurts were comfortable and walking distance to the crater, so we made multiple trips there to enjoy the view.
We highly recommend Owadan for their service.
Written November 29, 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.
Rabie Rafia
Dubai, United Arab Emirates995 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
The company planned complete 4 days tour for me, including the Darwaza gas crater, the historical sites of Merv (UNESCO), the city Mary, ancient Nissa (UNESCO) and of course beautiful Ashgabat. Their staff, such as Suray, were very patient, incredibly helpful, and answered all my emails to ensure that I have a itinerary that is suitable for me, procured the Letter of Invite, and really took a superb care of me. The hotel in Ashgabat that they booked for me was perfect. I also stayed one night at their Yurt camp, very clean, which is a walking distance from the Darwaza gas crater. They have been very reliable, always on time, and I got to see more places than my agreed itinerary had listed, and at no extra cost. The culture of the company is very good, a reflection of its owners and managers. The tour guide is a nice person, and so are the drivers that accompanied us on multiple trips and roads there. The Turkmen people are nice, peaceful and respectful. I highly recommend visiting, and I do recommend this tour company.
Written October 3, 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.
Slarti
5 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Itinerary: Dasoguz-Gaze Crater-Ashgabat-Dasoguz in 48 hours
+ beautiful country
+ stunning natural beauty
+ friendly people
+ fast response rate
+ dictatorship-capital like in movies
+ motivated, friendly guides and drivers
- everything provided from the company is unbelievable overpriced compared with the prices in the country itself. You are their cash-cow.
- everything not mentioned in the itinerary will hurt your wallet
- they are clearly the biggest fish in the pond (whole Yurt camp near the crater belongs only to them)
Coruption makes the world go round.
+ beautiful country
+ stunning natural beauty
+ friendly people
+ fast response rate
+ dictatorship-capital like in movies
+ motivated, friendly guides and drivers
- everything provided from the company is unbelievable overpriced compared with the prices in the country itself. You are their cash-cow.
- everything not mentioned in the itinerary will hurt your wallet
- they are clearly the biggest fish in the pond (whole Yurt camp near the crater belongs only to them)
Coruption makes the world go round.
Written August 7, 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.
Shovkat
Tashkent, Uzbekistan9 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Friends
I was in Turkmenistan 2 times (May and June) and both times Owadan helped us to organize everything from A to Z. We entered from Khiva to Dashoguz and went to Kunya Urgench, Darvaza, Ashgabat. The level of their service is so good. Drivers are all pros. of what they do. The tour guide Aygul was wonderful, cheerful always-ready-to-help lady. When one of our travellers got sick, Owadan provided one of their cars with a driver for the whole day to go back and forth between hotel -hospital-pharmacy and did not chage us for that. Threy were very quick on responding our inquiries. In short, totally reccommend them.
Written July 2, 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.
Karol M
3 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Solo
I was traveling with Owadan tours alone and I can completely recommend them. They operate since 1996 and they know what they are doing. I've been collected from the airport in the middle of the night. They organised my a hotel, then a place in their camp in Darvaza.
Aygul was my tour guide and she took care of every bit of my tour. She was caring, easygoing, by the end of the tour we became friends. Lovely atmosphere, always open to discuss or answer some questions. She organised a small picknick for both of us, where I've seen how people spend time in their free time. At the end of the tour she took care of every single step on the border where I was leaving to Uzbekistan. Thank you again :)
I've also met an owner of the company, had a lovely discussions with him, if you have an opportunity ask for a private museum, totally worth it :)
Aside from that, everything went smoothly, all my needs were listened. Barbecue at the campsite was amazing, sleeping in jurt is also a thing, but if you like you can take your bed outside. Totally recommend it.
Aygul was my tour guide and she took care of every bit of my tour. She was caring, easygoing, by the end of the tour we became friends. Lovely atmosphere, always open to discuss or answer some questions. She organised a small picknick for both of us, where I've seen how people spend time in their free time. At the end of the tour she took care of every single step on the border where I was leaving to Uzbekistan. Thank you again :)
I've also met an owner of the company, had a lovely discussions with him, if you have an opportunity ask for a private museum, totally worth it :)
Aside from that, everything went smoothly, all my needs were listened. Barbecue at the campsite was amazing, sleeping in jurt is also a thing, but if you like you can take your bed outside. Totally recommend it.
Written June 17, 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.
gsx1990
Tulsa, OK373 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.
Tarin W
Los Angeles, CA208 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.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,233 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.
HaoYang,Wu
Salzburg, Austria
Dear ladies and gentlemen, Hello! I would like to know what is the address of the train station from Ashgabat and what App can I use to book a ticket please? And by the way, I tried to find Hotel from Ashgabat on Internet and Apps. But there are none. Could you please tell me how can I book a hotel please? Or App can I use to book a hotel room ? Thank you very much!