As a guide and manager in a tour company based in Dashoguz, Guvanch has been taking requests from Caravanistan since 2015 in his signature matter-of-fact style.
He doesn’t look like it on the picture, but he actually has a sophisticated understanding of the wider world outside of Turkmenistan, and he doesn’t mind if you ask critical questions. Despite living in such a weird country all his life, he is surprisingly normal.
What Guvanch says:
We will be always able to offer the most comfortable routes and consult on all questions related to trips.
Guvanch saved our trip when we realised we wouldn’t be able to get the ferry from Baku to Turkmenbashi, and would instead have to fly to Ashgabat. Guvanch very kindly hopped back on the plane in Turkmenbashi where we were supposed to meet, and greeted us at Ashagabat airport, all at very short notice. We had an excellent and informative 4 day trip taking in Ashgabat, Old Nisa, Kow Ata lake, the gas crater and Konye Urgench. He even made sure we crossed the border to Uzbekistan safely. Thanks Guvanch!
We had a fantastic trip in Turkmenistan. So happy about all. Guvanch really worked hard aĺl the time to make us happy. We really like Guvanch, a fantastic person. I had a lot of problem with my car during the visit. Guvanch showed us all the right repair places. What more can I say? Thanks to you and Caravanistan that introduced us to Guvanch. Take care!
We did a 1,5 day tour to Darwaza and Ashgabat. The communication with Guvanch was fast and he did an excellent job with our custom tour.
The guide we had was called Murad and was the best guide you could ask for. He was fluent in English and he knew everything from history to culture and fun facts. He could answer all our questions, he was patient with us taking pictures for a long time and he was the kindest guide you could ask for. If you take a tour from Guvanch we REALLY recommend asking for Murad.
Guvanch did a good job navigating us around the fascinatingly bizarre country that is Turkmenistan. His English is good, and he’s knowledgeable. I think we just about killed him when we walked the Serdar Yoly with him!
We were at the Ak Altyn in Ashgabat (officially 4*, a very generous rating!) hotel as part of the package – which was probably a good option, as it seems as if the Grand Turkmen hotel, the main other tourist option, isn’t really worth paying extra for.
The one slight downside was that our vehicle when heading out to the Darvaza gas craters was not ideal – it was a van-style vehicle that had was supposedly a 4×4, but did not handle the country roads nearly as well as a more conventional Pajero/Landcruiser/Pathfinder. It made for a particularly uncomfortable (and slower) trip along the Darvaza-Kunya Urgench section, which despite being a major intercity route, is an appalling strip of never-ending potholes (worse than the Pamir Highway, and an interesting contrast to the immaculate but deserted 10 lane highways in new Asghabat!). I’d imagine the reason is that we were a group of 4 (+Guvanch, +driver) – but lots of 4wds are big enough, if they have a third row of seats – so if you go with a big group, would advise checking up on what vehicle you’ll be getting! And don’t let this deter anyone from the incomparable experience of the craters, they are not to be missed.
Also an FYI that he can help you to book Turkmenistan Airlines tickets into the country (which I wish I’d known beforehand, given that we went through a big rigmarole to courier cash to Bangkok to pay for our own tickets!). Their flights can’t be booked online (and don’t even show up on aggregator websites), but they are very economical and have a pretty good network, so it’s worth looking into them as an option
Hi!
We had a great time in Turkmenistan in July. Especially the Door to Hell was amazing. Guvanch was making efforts to make our stay most enjoyable. And he was very responsive and helpful on email up front.
The only thing I can put my finger on is that our hotels were quite worn out and due for refurbishment.
Best regards,
Marius
Thanks for the review, Marius! Glad to read you had a nice time.
About the hotels, this is simply a problem: Turkmenistan is not the best deal for price/quality, we know. Only 4 and 5 star hotels are really nice, on a budget it is difficult to find good places to stay.
February 7, 2016 to February 14, 2016
Guvanch managed to take me to all the places I needed to go and get appointments with all the people I needed to meet during a week with a very tight schedule. That makes him amazing because it was a very busy schedule with a lot of goals. He has a thorough knowledge of Turkmenistan’s history and culture. Besides all that he’s got a good heart and friendly disposition. I hope to go back to Turkmenistan this summer and he’s free at that time. Though having traveled a lot – I’ve never had a guide before. Fortunately this was a very positive experience and he made my travels much easier. A little birdie told me he got married recently too. Best of luck with all that and I hope we meet again soon brother.
It was awesome, Guvanch did an excellent job and is a very good and knowledgable guide. Our highlight was the overnight stay in the yurt near the door to hell. It is amazing that such a thing exists and be able to stay in a traditional tent made it an unforgettable moment. Turkmenistan has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty that a week is too short. When we will go back to Turkmenistan we would definitely book again with Guvanch and give him the free hand of organising everything.