Will we be able to stray with a Turkemnistan Tourist Visa

[CornishDaddy]

Hi - we are dealing with David at Stantours and he has recommneded that we get a tourist visa for Turkmenistan at approx $300 each. There is 3 of us and he thinks this will offer better entry flexibility. We feel we won't necessarily need the flexibility as we will be a month in Iran before hand, and hence should be able to get to the Turkmen border in plenty of time.

We find David's answers a little enigmatic, and so aren't sure whether we will be offered flxibility once we enter Turkmenistan on the tourist visa. It would appear that you have to name you timetable, down to the b&bs that you stay at.

We will be wanting to camp as much as possible, including going and seeing the burning crater at Davarsas (sp?). Will this still be an option?

I know there are lots of Turkmen questions at the moment, but it seems to be the biggest stumbling block in Central Asia.

Thanks for any light that can be shed on this.

Cheers