Azerbaijan has an incredibly rich history as the country has suffered a multitude of invasions from north, south, east and west. It was a melting pot of different peoples and religions but became dominated by successive waves of Turkish (who came form Central Asia, not Turkey), Arabic and Persian invaders. The Islamic heritage is obvious and today it has a strong Muslim culture.
Georgia is a mountainous country with spectacular Caucasus scenery, and warm generous people. It is a strongly Christian country and has some of the most historic Christian monuments on the planet. The age and condition of the churches and monasteries, many dating back to the Fifth Century, is staggering. Being such a small country it is possible to see and do a great deal in a short time and yet, because of its geographical and cultural isolation from the West, it is seldom visited by Western travellers.
Turkey is a rapidly modernising and western orientated secular state with a free enterprise economy. Historically it has its religious routes firmly entrenched in Islam, and the majority of Turks are Muslim. However, the religion does not dominate the country as it does in some of Turkey's neighbours. The Turks are friendly to visitors, the cuisine is a savoury surprise, and the cities are dotted with majestic old buildings. Turkey's topography ranges from Mediterranean coast to the high rugged mountains of Eastern Turkey. The country combines stunning scenery, immense history and wonderful beaches.
In the capital of Ankara lie many archaeological sites. Theatres, temples and Roman Baths all create an interest as people want to know about Turkeys illustrious history. Ankara is the capital but Istanbul is the life and soul of country. There are restaurants, galleries, bars and clubs that scatter across the city. It is full of life and there is always an activity available to take part in. Find the markets and you will probably find traditional Turkish food and music. With many ranges of Turkish delights and kebabs it might be difficult to pick just one, but the cuisine has so much more to offer. Try a Sigara borek. This is melted cheese wrapped in a light pastry.
In the heart of Cappadocia is the town of Goreme. Known as the Enchanted Valley, this is a fantastic region of cones, needles and columns fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. It is honeycombed with caves scooped out to make churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. The most interesting are the rock chapels and frescoes of Goreme, the monastic complex of Zelve and the fairy chimneys of Avcilar. Nearby are the remains of underground cities, the most extensive of which housed up to 50,000 people at any one time.
Goats and Sheep roam about the lower mountainous areas of the country, whereas in the Coruh Valley the home of over 250,000 wild fowl. With quite a lot of these birds of prey, it makes them the largest collection of migrating birds in the world.
Turkmenistan has some of the remotest scenery on Earth. Most of the country is covered by the inhospitable Karakum Desert. The indigenous people are the Turkmen, who mainly live outside the urban centres. The cities and towns are occupied by other peoples of the region. Most Turkmen still live a nomadic or semi-nomadic way of life. Their existence revolves around carpet weaving. They are immensely hospitable people whose culture and way of life has altered little in hundreds of years. The route we take through the country will allow us to get off the main route and into the desert to meet the nomadic Turkmen in their traditional yurts.
In the capital of Ashgabat lies beautiful marble palaces and gleaming golden domes. is a unique modern city that has been extensively rebuilt in the last ten years since independence. Its futuristic and outrageous public buildings are an extraordinary sight. Little is left of the original Russian Imperial city that was destroyed by a massive earthquake in the 1940s.
Relax with some traditional Turkmenistan music and hear how most people sing a-Capella or sometimes with the aid of lutes and dutars. The sounds are incredible and as the singers act as healers or magicians, the style of folk music is revealed.
The majority of Turkmen food isn't spiced but is flavoured by cottonseed oil to give it a distinct taste. Shashlyk is a skewered grilled meat and is often served in restaurants or on the streets of Turkmenistan. Plov is one of the main dishes in the country and it consists of portions of mutton carrots and rice all fried together. This dish is eaten everyday as well as been served on special occasions.
Border Information: If joining in Ashgabat, enter Turkmenistan at Ashgabat Airport.
There will be a group meeting at 10.00 hrs followed by a trip to Ashgabat's infamous Sunday market.
This wonderful market stretches for hundreds of acres into the desert. Carpets, camels, clothes, pigs, jewellery, goats, cars, chickens, hats and ex soviet military paraphanalia are all readily avaliable. The rest of the afternoon if free to explore this unique modern city. Whilst here we stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
141/1 Magtymguly ave.
744000
Turkmenistan
Tel: +99312-363700
Fax: +99312-363494
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Discover the bizarre modern city of Ashgabat with its great hotels and restaurants |
Included in tour |
Explore, shop and haggle at the vast Tolkuchka Sunday Market |
Included in tour |
Ashgabat is a unique modern city that has been extensively rebuilt over the last ten years since the country gained independence. Little is left of the original Russian Imperial city as most of it was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1948, today the centre is a unique mix of futuristic and outrageous public buildings that are an extraordinary sight. The earthquake affected every family in Ashgabat and is ingrained in the psyche of the local people. The Earthquake monument and museum are well worth a visit, as are the Carpet and the National Museums. If you are into carpets, Turkmenistan is the country to visit, and if you are in Turkmenistan, Ashgabat's Sunday Market is the place to buy them. This wonderful market stretches for hundreds of acres into the desert. Carpets, camels, clothes, pigs, jewellery, goats, cars, chickens, hats and ex soviet military paraphernalia are readily available.
Today is free to explore Ashgabat.
We spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
This morning we have some time to explore Ashgabat. This afternoon we drive (approx 100kms) to the spectacular Kow Ata underground Lake. We will have some time this afternoon to explore this superb lake of clear water naturally heated to about 36°C.
Tonight we will wild camp in this area.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Explore Turkmenistan's unique underground Lake and swim in crystal clear waters natually heated to around 36°C |
Included in tour |
At Geok Tepe we will visit the Sapar Haji Mosque. This ancient site housed a great fortress, little of which now remains, but the new mosque is now being built to the tune of $65 million.
This morning we set off for our drive to Turkmenbashi (approx 470kms). Our itinerary in Turkmenbashi and the Caspian Sea must be flexible as it is very much determined by the sailing times of the local ferries. These are notoriously unpredictable and we must adjust our times both in Turkmenbashi and Baku if the ferry is delayed.
We overnight in a comfortable hotel
From Turkmenbashi we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to the Azeri Capital, Baku. The boat docks at the city of Baku. Ferry is perhaps a rather misleading word for those used to comfortable holiday boats. Rusty, old and tub are words that might spring to your lips, but there is only one way across the Caspian Sea and beggars can't be choosers.
Overnight in a local hotel.
Please note that if the ferry is delayed we will spend tonight camping near Turkmenbashi.
Free day in Baku to explore the city.
Overnight in a comfortable hotel
Please note that this nightstop may change depending on when the ferry from Turkmenistan departs to Baku port.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
24 hour ferry crossing of the Caspian Sea. Don't read too much into the word 'ferry' |
Included in tour |
Free day in Baku to explore the city.
Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Please note that this nightstop may change depending on when the ferry from Turkmenistan departs to Baku port.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Explore historic Baku |
Included in tour |
Free day in Baku to explore the city.
Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Please note that this nightstop may change depending on when the ferry from Turkmenistan departs to Baku port.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Guided trip around old town Baku including the Maiden Tower & Shirvan Shakh Palace |
Today we have a short drive to Gobuston. Whilst here we visit the Rock art and mud volcanoes that this area is known for. This afternoon we will continue driving visiting local villages along the way.
Tonight we will wild camp overnight.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Day trip to Gobustan to see the mud volcanoes and the petroglyphs |
Included in tour |
Today we continue our drive to Sheki (approx 2010kms). Whilst here we will visit the exquisite Khan's Palace and the Museum of History.
Overnight in a hotel.
Border information: Exit Azerbaijan at Balakan, Enter Georgia at Ladodekhi.
Today we cross the border into Georgia. Once the border formalities are over we continue our drive into the lush Alazani valley.
We will wild camp tonight.
Today we head for the beautiful town of Telavi. The afternoon is free to explore this beautiful region famous for it's local white wine.
Overnight in a home stay.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Overland through eastern Georgia and the wine growing region - time to stock up |
Included in tour |
Telavi is the capital of the wine growing region of Kakheti and is situated in the valley of Alazani, near the Gombori Mountains. Telavi is a charming place and has fine views of the Caucasus. Nearby we visit the Sixth Century Shaumta Monastery, which is beautifully located on an isolated forested hilltop. There are hundreds of different grapes grown here, and every village has its own particular variety. We will hopefully see some of the local traditions, including grape harvest, wine making, and most importantly, the keipi (banquet), and also visit some of the local vineyards.
Today we visit the Sixth Century Shaumta Monastery, which is beautifully located on an isolated forested hilltop. There are hundreds of different grapes grown here, and every village has its own particular variety. We will hopefully see some of the local traditions, including grape harvest, wine making, and most importantly, the keipi (banquet), and also visit some of the local vineyards.
Second night in a comfortable homestay.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Shaumta Monastery, Telavi |
Included in tour |
A short drive brings us to Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. This afternooon is free to explore.
Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
The city of Tbilisi is very historic. It was founded in the Fifth Century and by the Twelfth Century it had become a very important cultural and economic centre. Its geographical position gave it control over the Silk Route and hence it became a regional super power. The Old City is full of churches and ancient wooden houses. It is easy to spend a day wandering around this charming city. It is also worth visiting the oriental markets and making a visit to the Narikala Fortress, which dominates the city skyline.
There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am.
This afternoon we will visit the old town of Tbilisi and visit sites including the National Museum, Sioni Cathedral and the Metekhi Temple.
Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel.
Hotel Istanbul
148, Agmashenebeli ave
Tbilisi
Georgia
Tel: (+995 32) 911182 / 911183
Fax: (+995 32) 91 11 85
E-mail: info@hotelistanbul.ge
We have an early start this morning for a beautiful drive to the UNESCO world heritage site of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Whilst here we will explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral before driving on to the spectacularly located town of Kazbegi (approximately 160kms).
We will stay overnight at a local guesthouse or similar.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Hike to Tsminda Sameba Church (approx 1.5 hrs), the 14th-century Holy Trinity Church above Kazbegi |
Included in tour |
Kazbegi is a small town in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of north-eastern Georgia, an area famed for it's natural beauty.
This morning we walk up to Tsminda Sameba Church, or Church of the Holy Trinity and be treated to spectacular views of Mt Kazbeg.
This afternoon we make our way to Gori (approximately 150kms). Once in Gori we will have a guided tour that includes the Stalin museum.
We will stay overnight in a hotel.
At Gori we will visit Stalin's House and Railway Carriage. The museum houses many photographs, some documents, some furniture and gifts presented to the dictator. It also houses Stalin's death mask. Outside the museum is the railway carriage which Stalin used for 12 years.
About 10kms outside the town is the cave town of Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest places of settlement in the Caucasus. Here we will find another ancient monastery and city with a Second Century Roman theatre and a more recent Ninth Century church. The site was started as a trading centre on the famed Silk Route in the Fifth Century.
After a relaxing morning we leave Gori behind us as we make our way to the ancient town of Kutaisi (approx 140kms). This afternoon or tomorrow morning we will visit the medieval Bragrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery.
We stay overnight at a either a local hotel or a home stay.
Kutaisi is one of the cradles of Georgian civilisation and the people here are renowned for their hospitality. Kutasi is home to the Bagrati Cathedral which sits high on a hill overlooking the town. This immense building was started by Bagrat III in 1003. It is in a state of ruin, but is still an impressive Christian monument.
Whilst visiting Kutaisi we organise a traditional homestay with local families which gives us a good insight into local life.
This morning is free to relax and explore Kutaisi. This afternoon we drive approximately 140kms to the port town of Batumi. The rest of the afternoon as evening is free to explore.
Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel.
Situated on the black sea coast Batumi has the feel of a resort town, nicely situated between the sea and the green hills. It is a great place to relax and there are plenty of cafes where you can enjoy a Turkish coffee and watch the world go by.
Border Information: Exit Georgia at Sarpi, Enter Turkey at Sarp.
Today we cross the border into Turkey and continue out drive towards Sumela which is approximately 235kms drive (or in colder conditions we will make our way to a hotel in Trabzon - 205kms).
We will camp overnight if conditions allow.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Exploration of the Black Sea mountain monastery at Sumela |
Included in tour |
Set in the cliffs is the beautiful monastery of Sumela. The monastery clings to a sheer rock wall high above evergreen forests and a rushing mountain stream.
This morning we will visit the beautiful Sumela Monastery and then drive approximately 340kms South East towards Goreme. We may stop in Zara en route to shop for supplies before driving on to our Wild camp for the night.
Today we will drive approximately 330 Kms to Goreme staying overnight in a well-equipped hostel.
Please note that dorm beds are sometimes used here.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
2-3 nights to discover Cappadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities and caves |
Included in tour |
Goreme is a small town in the heart of Cappadocia in Turkey. Known as the Enchanted Valley, the cones, needles and columns fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock found here form a unique and surreal landscape. The area is riddled with caves, scooped out of the rock to house churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. Perhaps the most interesting are the rock chapels and frescoes of Goreme, the monastic complex of Zelve and the fairy chimneys of Avcilar. Nearby you can also see the remains of a number of underground cities, the most extensive of which housed up to 50,000 people at any one time. These cities could be shut up in the event of an invasion and the population kept safe below ground until the invaders departed.
More modern attractions include a local winery and the workshops of local craftsmen who produce skilled onyx carving and pottery. In Urgup, near Goreme, you can also enjoy a traditional Turkish bath, sip tea while playing backgammon with the local men, or enjoy a walk through the unique scenery. We can also arrange a group evening out perhaps to one of the underground nightclubs hollowed out of the soft rock. Entertained by local Cappadocian folk dancers,you can sample traditional foods washed down with some of Turkey's excellent wines, beers and Raki.
We now have a full day to explore Goreme, including a guided tour of the enchanted
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Take a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia |
USD 210 |
Guided tour of Cappadocia's Goreme Valley, and underground cities and caves |
A relaxing final morning spent in Goreme, in the early afternoon we head West towards Istanbul, stopping near Toz Golu en route. Tonight we will wild camp en route.
Today we will arrive in Istanbul, the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. Whilst we are here we stay in a friendly local hostel with good facilities.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
2 nights to discover the Ottoman splendour of istanbul. |
Included in tour |
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul |
USD 6 |
Topkapi Palace (incl. harem), Istanbul |
USD 12 |
Turkish Hamam (incl. massage), Istanbul |
USD 56 |
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul |
USD 6 |
Chora Church, Istanbul |
USD 8 |
Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, so it will come as no surpise that this vast metropolis has is home to a beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions, blending the influences of both east and west. The city has a rich and intriguing history, originally founded by Greek settlers over 2000 years ago, Istanbul originally went by the name of Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople by the Romans who made it the captial of their eastern empire. Today the city is the largest in Turkey, a bustling mega-city with a population of over 12 million people in total.
The old town is a good place to start you explorations. The Grand Bazaar is a paradise for souvenir hunters and you may well find yourself drinking tea with the shopkeepers whilst haggling over prices. Then there's the Topkapi Palace and Harem, Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque and the incredible ancient church of Aya Sophia. The Archaeological Museum which contains the tomb of Alexander the Great is also worth a look. After all that sightseeing, take a stroll down to the waterfront and maybe take a boat ride up the Bosphorus, this is a great relaxing way to experience the city from a different angle, with excellent views of the minarets and towers that give the city its distinctive skyline. You might also like to visit an authentic Turkish bath, where attendants will pummel your body as though it was a lump of meat and walk over your back as a form of massage. Just around the corner from the baths is the 'Pudding Shop', infamous amoung travellers embarking on the hippie trail back in the 60's and 70's, a great spot to relax, recover and chat to other travellers at the end of the day.
Today is the final day of the trip, there are no activities planned for today.
| Activity | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Time to explore historic Istanbul and its markets |
USD |
Guided city tour of Istanbul |
USD 33 |
Aya Sofya, Istanbul |
USD 12 |
Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas. Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.
For visas that are needed in advance you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy/consulate. However our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with ‘The Visa Machine’ to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible. Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and ‘The Visa Machine’ will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply. ‘The Visa Machine’ can then assist you in the actual visa application thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process. This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.
As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process.
In order to make the visa process as easy as possible we have teamed up with The Visa Machine.
Please click on Istanbul to Ashgabat Visa Information link where you will be able to view all the visa cut off dates and all your visa information for ALL departures.
In order to make the visa process as easy as possible we have teamed up with The Visa Machine.
Please click on Ashgabat to Istanbul Visa Information link where you will be able to view all the visa cut off dates and all your visa information for ALL departures.
An entry visa is required for citizens of the US (USD20),
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to
All Nationalities should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa information as this is subject to change at short notice.
Most nationalities require a visa to visit
You must obtain your visa in advance.
A letter of invitation is required for most nationalities to obtain an
We advise you to check with the Embassy at which your application will be processed for exact information on documents required and costs.
Please note that there are 2 types of LOI's that are accepted at Azeri Embassies and Consulates (Letters of Invitation)
1- Official letter of Invitation (LOI) from a travel agency licensed by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This LOI is provided to you by Dragoman and is included in the trip price.
2- Letters of Invitation validated through the Consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
How to obtain a Letter of Invitation.
Dragoman will apply for the letter of invitation on your behalf. In order to do this we need you to complete the Central Asia & China Visa Form and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk, indicating where you will be obtaining the visa along with a clear scanned copy of your passport.
Please return the completed
Please note that when applying for your actual visa you must copy the dates on your Letter of Invitation (rather than the dates on the trip notes).
For further information and details of how to fill out your application form please visit http://dragoman.thevisamachine.com/ and search for your trip.
Most nationalities require a visa to visit
We advise you to obtain a visa for
A letter of invitation is required for most nationalities to obtain an
Please check with the Embassy at which your application will be processed for exact information on documents required and costs.
Please note that there are 2 types of LOI's that are accepted at Azeri Embassies and Consulates (Letters of Invitation)
1- Official letter of Invitation (LOI) from a travel agency licensed by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This LOI is provided to you by Dragoman and is included in the trip price.
2- Letters of Invitation validated through the Consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
If you apply for a visa in the following locations you will need to provide the Embassy or Consulate with the 2nd type of Invitation letter:
Beijing (China) Prague (Czech Republic), Tbilisi (Georgia), Delhi (India), Rome(Italy), Rabat (Morocco), Islamabad (Pakistan), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Ankara, Istanbul 7 Kars (Turkey) and Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Please also note that there may be other Embassies or Consulate in addition to those above that insist applicants have a type 2 LOI, we therefore suggest that you contact the Embassy or Consulate at which you wish to apply and check they will accept your Application along with a type 1 LOI (Issued by an official tour agency in Azerbaijan)
For further detailed information please visit http://www.azerbaijan24.com/azerbaijan-visa-support.html
How to obtain a Letter of Invitation.
Dragoman will apply for the letter of invitation on your behalf. In order to do this we need you to complete the Central Asia & China visa form found here Central Asia & China Visa Form and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk, indicating where you will be obtaining the visa along with a scanned copy of the passport.
Please return the completed
Please note that when applying for your actual visa you must copy the dates on your Letter of Invitation (rather than the dates on the trip notes).
Please note if you are on a trip that either travels through Tashkent or starts in Tashkent you can obtain a visa for Azerbaijan here with the help of your group leader but please be aware that exact costs for the visa in Tashkent may be higher than in other counties and will vary depending on your nationality.
Tashkent
Please note: If you are travelling through
Information for your visa application form
When applying for you visa you will be asked to write in the 'Inviting Party' on your application form. Please write the following:
Mirvari Travel Ltd.
Istiqlaliyyet str. 23,
Tel:+994 12 492 09 45
All visitors to
The cost of the visa varies depending on your nationality.
Dragoman will apply for the letter of invitation on your behalf through our
1. A completed Turkmenistan Visa Form
2. 1 colour photo (size 3x4) – Please scan a passport photo of yourself to you.
3. A clear colour copy of your passport.
For further information please visit http://dragoman.thevisamachine.com/
Starting any trip in Ashgabat
If you are flying into Ashgabat you can obtain your visa on arrival at
You can also obtain your visa in advance if you wish to do so. Please indicate where you wish to obtain your visa on the
We intend following the planned route but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. By their very nature overland itineraries need to be flexible and the regions that we are travelling through are often unpredictable. We run adventure journeys in off the beaten track areas, often in areas without western infrastructure. You should expect that some these areas do not adhere to western safety standards.
Physical preparation for Asia Itineraries
In Asia you will need to be healthy enough to cope with extremes of climates from the hot deserts through to the colds of the high mountains. Overland travelling can be demanding - long, rough travel days, dusty conditions can be challenging to some. You will need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. The step up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down the step at least 8-10 times a day. By and large our Asia trips have a good range of hotel accommodation mixed up with camping so that life is not too rough.
Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas. Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.
For visas that are needed in advance you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy /consulate. However our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with ‘The Visa Machine’ to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible. Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and ‘The Visa Machine’ will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply. ‘The Visa Machine’ can then assist you in the actual visa application thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process. This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.
As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process.
In order to make the visa process as easy as possible we have teamed up with The Visa Machine.
An entry visa is required for citizens of the US (USD20), Canada (USD60 on arrival, CAD75 for advance application), the UK USD20 or GBP10 on arrival, and Australia (USD20 on arrival), while a valid passport is sufficient for citizens of most other countries, including New Zealand, for stays up to 3 months. The visa costs can change depending on the political climate of the region. It is unnecessary to acquire an entry visa prior to departure as visas can easily be obtained on arrival. Visas obtained on entry must be paid in cash. A number of currencies are accepted including Euro, Pounds and US Dollars.
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to Georgia for stays of up to 360 days: All European Union Member States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and United States of America.
All Nationalities should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa information as this is subject to change at short notice.
All visitors to Turkmenistan require a visa. Visas can only be issued once a letter of Invitation (LOI) has been obtained. The cost of the visa varies depending on your nationality.
Dragoman will apply for the letter of invitation on your behalf through our Turkmenistan agent. In order to do this we need all passengers to complete the Central Asia visa form and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk as soon as possible along with the following:
1. A completed Turkmenistan visa form
2. 1 colour photo (size 3x4) – Please scan a passport photo of yourself to you.
3. A clear colour copy of your passport.
For further information please visit http://dragoman.thevisamachine.com/.
Starting any trip in Ashgabat
If you are flying into Ashgabat you can obtain your visa on arrival at Saparmurat Turkmenbashy International Airport. This will cost approximately US$ 85. A printed copy of your approved Invitation letter will be required at the check-in desk for your flight to Ashgabat as proof of visa authorisation. Dragoman will once again apply for this on your behalf but please note, Dragoman will require exact details of your intended arrival date and flight details before we can start this process.
You can also obtain your visa in advance if you wish to do so. Please indicate where you wish to obtain your visa on the Central Asia visa form.
Most nationalities require a visa to visit
We advise you to obtain a visa for
A letter of invitation is required for most nationalities to obtain an
Please check with the Embassy at which your application will be processed for exact information on documents required and costs.
Please note that there are 2 types of LOI's that are accepted at Azeri Embassies and Consulates (Letters of Invitation)
1- Official letter of Invitation (LOI) from a travel agency licensed by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This LOI is provided to you by Dragoman and is included in the trip price.
2- Letters of Invitation validated through the Consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
If you apply for a visa in the following locations you will need to provide the Embassy or Consulate with the 2nd type of Invitation letter:
Beijing (China) Prague (Czech Republic), Tbilisi (Georgia), Delhi (India), Rome(Italy), Rabat (Morocco), Islamabad (Pakistan), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Ankara, Istanbul 7 Kars (Turkey) and Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Please also note that there may be other Embassies or Consulate in addition to those above that insist applicants have a type 2 LOI, we therefore suggest that you contact the Embassy or Consulate at which you wish to apply and check they will accept your Application along with a type 1 LOI (Issued by an official tour agency in Azerbaijan)
For further detailed information please visit http://www.azerbaijan24.com/azerbaijan-visa-support.html
How to obtain a Letter of Invitation.
Dragoman will apply for the letter of invitation on your behalf. In order to do this we need you to complete the Central Asia & China visa form found here Central Asia & China visa form and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk, indicating where you will be obtaining the visa along with a scanned copy of the passport.
Please return the completed
Please note that when applying for your actual visa you must copy the dates on your Letter of Invitation (rather than tha dates on the trip notes).
Please note if you are on a trip that either travels through Tashkent or starts in Tashkent you can obtain a visa for Azerbaijan here with the help of your group leader but please be aware that exact costs for the visa in Tashkent may be higher than in other counties and will vary depending on your nationality.
Please note: If you are travelling through
Information for your visa application form
When applying for you visa you will be asked to write in the 'Inviting Party' on your application form. Please write the following:
Mirvari Travel Ltd.
Istiqlaliyyet str. 23,
Tel:+994 12 492 09 45
Based on the range that previous travellers have spent on this trip, we recommend you allow between a minimum of US$15 and a maximum of US$30 per day for Central Asia, China and Burma and between a minimum of US$10 and a maximum of US$20 for India, Nepal and South East Asia.
This will cover individual expenses such as drinks, meals whilst out and also when staying in hotels, souvenirs, tips and personal permits.
Please note: For trips in Southern India that occur over Christmas and New Year please allow approximately $130USD extra on the kitty for seasonal increases in accommodation costs
At Dragoman we believe you should make the most of the places you visit, so if you would like to see more of your joining or finishing point cities, why not book additional accommodation to extend your stay. Dragoman can take away the hassle of time zones and language barriers by making the booking for you. This accommodation is only available at the joining or finishing city of your trip, immediately before or after the trip you are travelling on.
While Dragoman is happy to assist with booking your pre and post trip accommodation, it is important that you understand you may be able to book your own room at a cheaper rate directly through the hotel or on the internet. Our additional accommodation prices are based on the hotel’s rate plus an administration fee. Please note our rates do not reflect last minute walk in rates or internet specials.
We can also book arrival airport transfers for you as long as we have your flight arrival details. These are normally payable in cash upon arrival, however we do have pre paid transfers in a few destinations.
Please contact our reservations team for details of the accommodation and transfers that we can offer as not all hotels offer this service.
Dragoman overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers will share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. The campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we will wild camp. This allows us to get far away from the tourist crowds to some beautiful, secluded spots. We will also arrange as many village or local homestays as possible, allowing us to get close to indigenous populations and ensures our money stays within local communities.
The maximum group size we take on our overland journeys ranges from 19 to 22 depending on the geographical location, however the average number of passengers is more likely to be around 16.
Please note that there is an overlap of 2 trips in
Our passengers come from around the world and are always an interesting mix of nationalities and ages. On average there is a pretty even split, males to females and between solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends. We believe that overlanding should be open to as many people as possible and so although we have a minimum age limit of 18, as long as you are fit, healthy and passionate about travel, we are happy to take you, whatever your age is. One of the beauties of group travel is the camaraderie and friendships that are formed along the way and as well as the variety of people that you will meet.
At any time before or after you book you can join our community - Dragoland. This is a great place to ask questions before you travel and catch up with your fellow travellers once your trip has finished. You can share photos, videos and stories You can also download a selection of free travel apps. See the home page to sign in, it's free and easy.
We also have a Facebook page where travellers regularly swap info with each other - you can join here
Our crew are passionate about travel and always up for adventure. It takes someone special to become a Dragoman leader. Our crew undergo the most intensive training program of all overland companies, spending 10 weeks learning the ropes at our base in Suffolk, UK and then up to six months on the road as a trainee. On all Dragoman overlanding trips two western crew who are responsible for the group and the overall organisation will accompany you. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the places visited and to offer suggestions of things to do and see. In East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In the rest of Africa, South America and the majority of Central Asia and China we use local guides who may stay with us for just a few hours or will actually travel with us for some or all of the journey. In these cases they become a third crew member and are able to offer their local knowledge as well as a real insight into the lives of the local people.
(If travelling in East & Southern Africa, also please see the note about our code-share crew)
Your tour leader has a duty of care to all of their passengers and therefore they have the authority to ask passengers to leave the trip if they require medical assistance, are behaving in an anti-social manner or refuse to comply with local laws and customs. In all matters relating to the trip, the leader's decision will be final and we appreciate your respect of this.
We ask all of our passengers to declare any pre-existing medical conditions and in some cases you will be asked to complete one of our medical questionnaires. For trips that travel to areas of high altitude we also require all passengers to complete an altitude questionnaire. The ratings for each trip are a good indication of how challenging they are and in some cases passengers should be prepared for some long driving days and possible limited facilities. We are always happy to give extra advice if you have additional concerns.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to region and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest advice on the region(s) you are planning to travel in. It is essential that you check with either your doctor or a travel clinic in good time before you travel.
In the UK we have been working with Nomad Travel for many years and their website has comprehensive, up to date vaccination and health information. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount off all vaccinations given at Nomad Travel clinics.
A good source of up to date information is the World Health Organisation - http://www.who.int/en/
Get expert advice before travelling about types of malaria pills and take them as instructed. Recommended types do change from time to time and from area to area. Consult your vaccination centre for the most up-to-date requirements
The mosquito usually bites between the hours of dusk and dawn and so covering up by wear long-legged and long-sleeved clothing, preferably light coloured and buttoned at the wrists can help. Do not sleep without closing windows, tent doors or, if sleeping out, use a mosquito net. Wear repellent applied directly to the skin or soaked into clothing.
Treating clothes and mosquito nets with a Permetherin solution provides significant protection. It should be available at most travel stores. Mosquito coils are useful on still nights, in hotel rooms but cannot be used inside the tents.
On an overland journey you are more than just a passenger, you’re part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food, cook and generally help out. We operate a rota system, dividing the group into smaller units of 5 or 6 people, so that these duties are shared equally amongst the group. These jobs will include things like collecting water and firewood, loading the back locker, supervising the kitty and food stores etc. While camping on overland journeys, all meals will be included in the kitty and this means that you will be working as a group to prepare meals and cook for your group. (On trips south of Nairobi we have a cook on board the truck, however you will still be required to help prepare meals). If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting. A typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, cereal and something hot such as eggs or pancakes as well as tea and coffee. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow. Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto, pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some local cooking. Generally our passengers find the more they put into a trip, the more they benefit from it.
Dragoman is committed to ensuring that we have a positive impact on local communities and that we implement policies to minimise any negative impact on the local environment. We are dedicated to making sure that we adopt a responsible attitude to the areas through which we travel and believe that our trips should benefit the local people and their environment. Dragoman recognises that we are guests of local communities and strive to make these communities our partners, so that they benefit directly from our visit.
You can find full details of Dragoman’s responsible tourism policy linked from the home page. All passengers are required to obey all laws of the countries through which we pass. This particularly applies to the smuggling of contraband and possession of narcotic drugs, firearms, antiquities and ivory. Any passenger found contravening such laws or customs may be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price.
One of the real advantages of overland travel is that the vehicle provides a very real level of security when travelling. There is no doubt that a properly equipped overland vehicle, with safes, fully lockable doors and windows is an obvious advantage when travelling in much of the world. We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt whilst travelling for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items (although most of these can be locked in the safe whilst you are on the trip) and advise passengers to leave any valuable jewellery, watches etc at home. Generally speaking, you will not be travelling on local public transport and will have the added security of travelling in a group with experienced crew on hand to offer advice.
Please note: Any personal effects that are left on the truck, even if they are stored in the safe, are left at your own risk and Dragoman cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Dragoman. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. Dragoman makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources:
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice
Reports from other travel companies and local suppliers
Leaders reports from off the road
Local contacts we have built up over 29 years of experience
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. You should always make yourself aware of the travel advice before you book and again before you travel. Below are links to some of the websites
Britain. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country
Australia. http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand. http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
United States. http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
Canada. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
Dragoman has comprehensive passenger liability protection and tour operator insurance. These policies have total indemnities of £3,000,000 and £10,000,000 respectively. This is in addition to local vehicle insurance and your personal travel insurance.
We have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in theses trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked and the crew informed if necessary.
Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564.
It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Without evidence of valid travel insurance you will not be allowed to start the trip.
Whatever policy you choose, you must ensure that it is designed for adventure/overland travel. As such it must cover you for adventure activities such as white water rafting, trekking, horse-riding and that the 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Company must be experienced in handling situations in developing countries – for example they have the ability to arrange repatriation from remote areas such as the Sahara or if you were trekking in the Andes. Please double check if you have annual travel and/or credit card policies to ensure they have the cover you require, as many of these policies are not able to cope with adventure travel to remote areas. We recommend that any policy has the following minimum levels of cover: Medical (incl. repatriation) £5,000,000 Personal Liability £5,000,000 Cancellation and Curtailment £5,000 Loss of Baggage, personal effects, money and other inclusions are down to personal choice.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. If this is the case please contact our customer relations department on customer_relations@dragoman.co.uk. You may also choose to provide details in your feedback questionnaire which we ask you to complete at the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Check that your passport will still be valid for 6 months after the end of the trip - this is important as some countries WILL refuse entry to anyone whose passport is due to expire. A temporary or "visitor's” passport is not valid on our trips. You will need to provide us with your passport details prior to departing for you trip. If you change your passport please remember to inform us.
Although you will not have to carry your main bag long distances you will need to help load and unload them onto the truck. For this reason we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag rather than a heavy suitcase. During your trip your main luggage will be kept in the back locker so you will also need a small daypack. This can be used to carry your camera, water bottle and other personal effects for daily use.
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.
Your clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats (except on routes between Nairobi and Cape Town where ground mats are provided).
The clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in, which will vary depending on which part of the world you're heading to. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats*, so you'll need to bring those with you. Think about the climate and altitude of the areas you'll be travelling to, there's nothing worse than being cold at night so it's worth investing in a decent sleeping bag if it's likely to get cold. And remember even when it's warm during the day, it can often get cold at night, particularly in desert regions.
*Ground mats are provided on our non "in-depth" overland trips that run in South and East Africa, between Nairobi and Cape Town.
For a general idea of what you need this list provides a guide:
For a comprehensive kit lists take a look at the Dragoman kit list that Nomad Travel have created. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount on all equipment purchased either online or in store. Click to see the kit lists www.nomadtravel.co.uk/kitlist/overlanders-kit-list
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket!
All of our trucks have a fully stocked medical kit onboard for use in emergency situations only. Therefore in addition to this we recommend that you purchase your own personal medical kit. In the UK we have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores and Clinics to produce the Dragoman Travel Medical Kit. It has been designed in conjunction with the truck kits and contains everything you would need for any minor accidents. For more details please visit their website:
nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/dragoman-medical-kit
Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt socket so to charge your iPod, MP3 player, camera, laptop and mobile phone you will need a DC 12 volt adapter - the type that can be used from a cigarette lighter in your car. Please be aware that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets and the majority of the campsites we stay at have electricity points so please bring along your normal charging adapters as well. You will need to ensure that you have the correct country adaptor for your specific charger.
The Kitty is a group fund paid separately from the trip price at the start of your trip which covers all things that the whole group does, such as:
It is an amount that each passenger puts into a central fund and is monitored by the Dragoman crew. It’s payable in full at the start of your trip, and in instalments at the start of each individual trip on combination trips
The kitty system is very unique to over landing as it allows us to have flexibility on the road. You can see exactly how your money is being spent and ensure that you are getting the best value by buying locally.
The kitty advertised in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Local inflation and costs vary throughout the year and so we review kitties on a monthly basis. Once you book your trip it is very important that you check our website on a regular basis and just before departure for any changes to the kitty amount.
Your kitty can be paid in a mixture of US Dollar cash and local currency and most of our travellers choose to bring a cash passport with them for withdrawing local currency (you can visit www.cashpassport.com for further information on these). This is a very secure way of carrying your money whilst travelling. You treat them exactly like an ATM card and draw out local currency from an ATM to give to your leader within each country.
Travellers cheques have become increasingly difficult to change around the world with passengers and our leaders experiencing huge frustration and numerous hours spent trying to find a bank which will change travellers cheques. For this reason we no longer accept them on our trips.
Sometimes, civil or political unrest, or reasons beyond Dragoman's control (e.g. a natural disaster), can mean that an itinerary is disrupted and we have to make a contingency plan. This may involve hiring alternate transport or even the whole group flying over an area. Although Dragoman will help organise travel arrangements, in circumstances outside Dragoman's control you should be prepared to contribute towards the costs and therefore we ask you to bring along a 'Contingency Fund' of USD400. In almost all cases trips run smoothly and this fund is therefore never used. We also recommend that you take along an internationally recognised credit or charge card with a decent limit in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment en route, or even the need to be repatriated; though these occurrences are rare. Remember that travel insurance policies usually only refund you for expenses after you have already paid out.
Tipping is entirely voluntary. The Dragoman crew may be travelling with you for many weeks and usually they become good friends with most members of the group. It is sometimes easy to forget that they do work hard to ensure that you do have a great trip. If you feel you would like to tip them, they certainly would appreciate it. On a number of our trips, we also use a local guide as well as our own Dragoman crew. These guides live and travel with you through their home country and it is usual to tip them when they leave. We recommend USD10 to USD15 per person.
It is not really worth trying to buy local currencies before you travel. Do also bear in mind that many countries have strict regulations about the amount of their own local currency you are allowed to import - if you are found with amounts in excess of the allowed amounts, it may well be confiscated!
For trips in Turkey, South East Asia, India and Nepal a sensible mix of cash and ATM cards is best. However, most of our past passengers have said they wished they had been told to bring more cash. Apart from the convenience of being able to change money in many more places, you will sometimes get a much better exchange rate for cash.
For trips in Central Asia, China, Burma and Mongolia please refer to the money exchange notes.
You should take a mixture of denomination notes. Banks and moneychangers in most countries will now only accept bills with a metallic strip running top to bottom of the bill and which are dated from 2003 or later. You should not take worn or damaged notes, or any that have been written on. Cash machines are readily available in most areas but are not always reliable therefore we recommend that you do not rely on them as your only source of cash. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most commonly accepted, but be prepared for very high commission charges. Please do not rely on cards for daily use, as they are not always accepted outside of larger towns and cities. Please bring a mixture of small and large denominations as in more remote areas it can be hard to change amounts over $50.
The official currency of
Turkmenistan
The official currency of