About Us | Secrets of Karakum

Our Story

My name is Yakup Karakochov. I am 35 years old and I come from Turkmenistan, from the village of Bagyr, located near ancient Nisa — the historic residence of the Parthian kings. Since childhood, I have been deeply interested in the history of my homeland and always wanted more people to discover the rich heritage of Turkmenistan.

This dream began to take shape during my student years while I was studying abroad. Being far away from home made me realize even more strongly the true value of my country, its culture, history, and traditions. That was when I became seriously interested in tourism as a way to introduce people to Turkmenistan and show them the country from a genuine and meaningful perspective.

At the age of 30, I founded Secrets of Karakum. Today, The Secrets of Karakum is an actively operating company that has already found its place in the tourism market. For us, it is not about quantity, but about quality.

What We Stand For

The principles that guide every journey we create

Authentic Experiences

We go beyond tourist hotspots to offer genuine cultural encounters and hidden gems known only to locals.

Safety First

Every tour is planned with your safety in mind. Our guides are trained and our vehicles are fully maintained.

Responsible Tourism

We respect local communities and the environment, ensuring travel benefits the people and places we visit.

Personalized Service

No two travelers are alike. We tailor every itinerary to your interests, pace, and budget.

Why Choose Us

We do not focus on mass tourism — our main goal is to ensure that every guest traveling with us can truly experience the atmosphere of Turkmenistan, immerse themselves in its culture, and see the country from the inside.

Our company works with licensed and qualified professionals who are passionate about their work. I personally love traveling as well, and I actively guide tours myself, sharing with guests the history, traditions, and spirit of our country.

We truly believe that tourism brings people, cultures, and nations closer together. Together with our team and the local people whom guests meet along the way, we are always happy to share our warmth, openness, and positive energy.

Meet the Founder

A passionate local dedicated to sharing the wonders of Turkmenistan

Yakup Karakochov

Founder & Lead Guide

Born in the village of Bagyr near ancient Nisa, Yakup founded Secrets of Karakum at age 30, driven by a lifelong passion to share Turkmenistan’s culture and history with the world. He personally leads tours and welcomes every guest with warmth and sincerity.