Turkmenistan is often called the North Korea of Central Asia and labelled as one of the most secretive countries on the planet. While this isn’t completely untrue, there’s much more to this which can only be understood if you experience the country yourself. Sure enough, the usual way of visiting Turkmenistan is with an organised group, pre-approved route and a local guide accompanying you at all times. You are taken to places that don’t discredit the country, stay in selected hotels and receive