An hour 5 drive from Ashgabat, same direction as Geok Tepe. Bottled water is usually available and preferable to tap water. Out of Ashgabat it is not safe to drink tap water. The very dry climate can cause or exacerbate throat infections and skin problems. Boiled sweets and moisturising cream are available in the shops.
Bottled water is expensive in hotels but relatively inexpensive in the shops.
Dr Samedov can be contacted via the Hotel switchboard, 512181. In his absence an expatriate doctor can offer emergency cover but he is frequently travelling. Emergency service can be contacted via 24 hour nursing staff at Dr Samedov's surgery. Not much in the way of medicines is available in the shops in Ashgabat. The Embassy has a first aid kit.