Turkmenistan is long been known at the historical role it played in Silk Road lore, but more recently the country have become infamous for the recently deceased self-appointed Turkmenbashy (or Father of all Turkmen). Despite his death his legacy remains on the currency, tea, local wodka and his golden statue (made from the gold fillings of his countrymen) that was meant to face the snow at all times but failed to work within three weeks. He also declared multiple national holidays, one of the most odd being watermelon day as a result of it being his favorite fruit.

His tyranny has left a mark, Turkmenistan was one of the most difficult countries to get into (but not quite as expensive or problematic as China). However, the team expects it to be one of the most rewarding.

From the port of Turkmenbashi they will head to Kow Ata, an underground thermal lake whose waters should help to healing the aching bums of the team. The next stop is will be Ashgabat where Tony plans to climb the gold statue and place his foto over the face of Turkmenbashy. They will hopefully leave the capital without being threatened at knife point by roadside stand ladies selling rice for $60 a plate (as happened to a Mongol Rally team).

Finally the team will head to one of the highlights of the trek… The Darvaza Gas Crater. The massive crater is one of many left from 1960’s Russian gas exploration. It has been burning since then and is the location of choice for spiders desire to self immolation. Thousands of spiders from around the desert hurl themselves into the fiery pit nightly. Leaving the gas crater the Trabants will head North into Uzbekistan

Portal to hell? No it's the Darvaza Gas Crater