Caravanistan

Hi all, I realize that this is not strictly within the Caravanistan locales, but the folks here are well-traveled. I'm hoping someone may have answers. I just completed a personal dream of tracing the rise of human civilization along the Fertile Crescent - Iraq, Turkey (bordering Syria) and Lebanon....

This conference was actually advertised - I saw it in brochures at the embassy in Tashkent. And even asked about it at the embassy; everyone seems very gung-ho about it No doubt b/c it was international. More details to be written on my blog along with photos as soon as I type them. It is a good thi...

Trains in Turkmenistan are good, have AC, provide clean linens. There is hot water provided for your own tea/coffee. Bring your own cup. Tickets are easy to buy in person despite the crowds. A few words of Russian or Turkish helps a lot and the agents aren't as rude as in other ex-soviet countries. ...

This is current as of Aug 5, 2019 and requires some proficiency with haggling: EXITING UZBEKISTAN From Bukhara old city to the bus stop for shared taxis to Alat by taxi: 5000 UZS From bus stop to Alat in shared taxi: 10,000 UZS From Alat to the Uzbek border by shared taxi: 8000 UZS In Alat they will...

Please check to see if there are any events scheduled in/around the dates of your entry/exit to/from the country. On August 11-12 a Caspian Sea Conference was held and the powers that be closed the channel, roads, trains and airport to all except the attendees. Closure was in effect from afternoon o...

Does anyone have info on cheap accommodation in:
Turkmenabat
Turkmenbashi

A search unearthed a couple of okay-for-a-night places in Mary (Mymanhana) and Ashbagat (Kuwwat and Syyhat). If you have more recent info please post. Thanks in advance.

I can speak only for the visa obtained at Tashkent Embassy. Date specific, with exit on 5th day. Entry and exit points printed in the visa. No changes possible as per the embassy staff.

Heard from travelers who came through Turkmenistan week of July 15, 2019.
Current rate in black market is 1 USD = 17 TMT
Rate in hotel desk is 1 USD = 14-15 TMT

Forgot to add:
Met a Spanish guy in Samarkhand (on his motorbike) who said he got this visa in ONE HOUR in Dushanbe! No sticker but a letter which he will show at the border. ?? Anyone else ever heard of this? I just hope for his sake, that it is legit and he gets in.

Adding myself to the list of successes. :D Applied in Tashkent on July 12 and received visa on July 22. US passport, paid 10 USD + 20,000 Uzbek Som at the time of application. Additional 45 USD at pickup. I did try to get 7 days but was told it is impossible. Giddy with delight right now! I have met...