  We present an in-depth photometric study of the 2013 superoutburst of the
recently discovered cataclysmic variable V1838 Aql and subsequent photometry
near its quiescent state. A careful examination of the development of the
superhumps is presented. Our best determination of the orbital period is Porb =
0.05698(9) days, based on the periodicity of early superhumps. Comparing the
superhump periods at stages A and B with the early superhump value we derive a
period excess of {\epsilon} = 0.024(2) and a mass ratio of q = 0.10(1). We
suggest that V1838 Aql is approaching the orbital period minimum and thus has a
low-mass star as a donor instead of a sub-stellar object.
