Introduction
This 11 day Turkmenistan tour is designed for travelers who want to live in Turkmenistan for a while—comfortably and deeply. Trace history at UNESCO Merv and Gonur Depe, then settle into Ashgabat for several full days of marble architecture, museums, bazaars, gym and skatepark time, and an optional one-hour ride with Akhal-Teke horses. Continue west to the Caspian in Turkmenbashi, camp under the stars at the colorful Yangikala canyons, and visit Kow Ata, Nokhur, Gokdepe, and the modern city of Arkadag.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat Arrival – Mary (Merv)
- Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport at 9:40 AM (Turkmenistan Airlines flight T5642)
- Meet with guide and drive to Mary (400 km, 4 hours)
- Hotel check-in in Mary
- Explore ancient Merv UNESCO World Heritage site: Gyz-Gala, Askhabi mausoleums, Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala fortresses, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum
- Dinner and overnight in Mary
Day 2: Mary – Gonur Depe – Ashgabat
- After breakfast, visit Gonur Depe archaeological site (100 km, 2 hours) – ancient Margush civilization ruins
- Return drive to Ashgabat (400 km, 4 hours)
- Hotel check-in and free time
- Traditional dinner and overnight in Ashgabat
Day 3: Ashgabat Architecture & City Tour
- Full day exploring white marble architecture
- Visit National Museum, Carpet Museum, Independence Monument
- Ancient Nisa ruins (first Parthian capital) and Anau ruins
- Locate skatepark and gym facilities
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 4: Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyons – Turkmenbashi
- Scenic drive to Yangikala Canyons (“Grand Canyon of Turkmenistan”)
- Continue to Turkmenbashi on Caspian Sea coast
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi
Day 5: Turkmenbashi & Awaza Resort Attempt
- Special attempt to visit closed Awaza resort complex through local contacts
- Alternative: full day exploring Turkmenbashi and Caspian coastline
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi
Day 6: Turkmenbashi – Kow Ata – Nokhur Village – Ashgabat
- Return journey to Ashgabat
- Visit Kow Ata underground thermal lake (cave)
- Stop at traditional Nokhur Village
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 7: Ashgabat Personal Day
- Morning gym session at local fitness facility
- Afternoon skateboarding at local skatepark
- Evening free for architecture exploration and meeting locals
- Check for cultural events or opening ceremonies
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 8: Arkadag City Visit
- Full-day excursion to modern planned city of Arkadag
- Explore newest architectural marvel in Turkmenistan
- Return to Ashgabat in evening
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 9: Ashgabat Cultural Day
- Personal day for gym, skatepark, and local exploration
- Coordinate available cultural events, opening ceremonies, or public celebrations
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 10: Gokdepe & Akhal-Teke Horses
- Visit Gokdepe and famous Akhal-Teke horse farms
- Return to Ashgabat for final evening
- Farewell dinner featuring local cuisine
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 11: Departure
- Early morning transfer to Ashgabat International Airport
- 3:20 AM Turkish Airlines flight TK323 departure
Price Includes:
- – Invitation letter support and Foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- – Accommodation. Standart rooms.
- – Ashgabat City tour
- – Transport and guide.
- – Meals at Darvaza and yurt night stay at Darvaza.
- – All breakfasts
- – All the expenses of the driver/guide, including gasoline, meals and accommodation, transfer to the point of meeting at border, and separating with the guest at the border.
- – All taxes
- – The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border.
- – You will see everything that is possible to see within that time. The tour can be changed on the go as possible.
Not included:
- – Visa and other fees at the border. (Usually costs not more than $110, per person)
- – Meals ($3-8/ 1meal/ 1person)
- – Entrance fees to Museums and others as per the tour. roughly not more 10$ per day if any.
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Important – Domestic Flight Tickets
If you wish to book this tour, please confirm your reservation at least 30 days before your travel date, as it includes a domestic flight.
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 7 nights
Standart: Bagt Kosgi / Mizan / Sport / Ashgabat
Comfort: Archabil / Yyldyz / Oguzkent
Turkmenbashy – 2 nights
Standart: Beyik Yupek yoly / Nebitchi
Comfort: Carlak Hotel
Mary – 1 nights
Standart: Mary Hotel / Merv Hotel
Comfort: Margush Hotel