Introduction
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Ashgabat & City Tour
- Upon your arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (arrival time to be confirmed), our friendly English-speaking guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After leaving your luggage, you will start your Ashgabat City Tour the capital city of white marble.
- If you arrive in the morning, your tour will begin right away; if you arrive late at night, you’ll start the sightseeing the next day.
- Your first stop will be Old Nisa Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the first capital of the Parthian Empire. Here you will walk among the ancient ruins and learn about Turkmen history from your knowledgeable local guide.
- Next, visit the Akhal Teke Horse Farm, where you can meet and photograph the legendary golden horses of Turkmenistan. These beautiful creatures are a national pride and one of the country’s main symbols.
- Continue to Gypjak Village, where you will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, built by the first President of Turkmenistan. You can step inside to admire its stunning white-marble design and take photos near the National Flag monument.
- Afterward, visit the impressive Magtymguly Fragi Monument, built in 2024 to honor the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher. Then proceed to the Arch of Neutrality, one of the most famous landmarks in Ashgabat, symbolizing the country’s permanent neutrality.
- You will also visit the Monument of Independence, surrounded by beautiful fountains and gardens. Every president who has visited Turkmenistan has planted a symbolic tree here you’ll see this “Garden of Friendship” filled with gifts from different nations.
- Continue to the Ruhnama Monument, dedicated to the national book of Turkmenistan. Around noon, enjoy lunch at a traditional Turkmen restaurant where you can try local dishes such as plov or ichlekli.
- After lunch, your tour continues with a visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan, which displays fascinating artifacts from Ancient Nisa and Merv, telling the story of Turkmen civilization. Entrance and photo permits are included in the tour price. Inside the museum, a professional English-speaking guide will explain the exhibits in detail.
- In the evening, visit the Alem Entertainment Center, home to the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel (recorded in the Guinness Book). From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the marble city beautifully lit at night.
- Finally, stop by the Eternal Flame Memorial to pay tribute to Turkmen heroes, then have some free time for shopping visit the Russian Bazaar for souvenirs, local chocolate, and traditional dresses.
- Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay at your Ashgabat hotel.
Day 2 – Flight to Dashoguz, Visit Kunya-Urgench & Darvaza Gas Crater
- Early in the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you will transfer to the airport around 04:30 for your 06:00 flight to Dashoguz. Upon arrival (around 07:30–08:00), your guide will take you on a journey to Kunya-Urgench, one of the most important historical cities of Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- You will explore ancient monuments such as Turabek Khanym Mausoleum, Kutlug-Timur Minaret, and Il Arslan Mausoleum remarkable examples of medieval Islamic architecture.
- After sightseeing, enjoy lunch in Dashoguz, then begin your adventure across the Karakum Desert toward the famous Darvaza Gas Crater. The road is bumpy in some sections but full of desert beauty.
- Your driver will time the journey so you arrive at the crater before sunset the best time to see the fiery glow of the “Gates of Hell.”
- Upon arrival, you’ll settle in a traditional Turkmen yurt near the crater. Your guide and driver will prepare a delicious BBQ dinner with kebabs. You’ll relax by the fire, enjoy a cold beer, and admire the spectacular view of the burning crater under the starry desert sky.
- Darvaza Tour will also prepare a small surprise gift for you a special token of appreciation from our team.
- Overnight stay in the desert camp (yurt accommodation).
Day 3 – Return to Ashgabat & Afternoon City Tour
- Wake up early to enjoy breakfast at the camp and take your last photos of the Darvaza crater in daylight. Then begin your drive back to Ashgabat (approximately 5–6 hours). The road crosses the heart of the Karakum Desert, offering endless sand landscapes and nomadic villages.
- You’ll arrive in Ashgabat around noon and check into your hotel. Take a refreshing shower and rest after the desert adventure.
- Around 14:00, continue your Ashgabat City Tour (customized) start with lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Russian Bazaar for more souvenirs. Depending on your interests, you can also explore the Carpet Museum, Art Gallery, or other attractions the afternoon is flexible and fully customizable.
- Your guide will adjust the program according to your preferences, making sure you have enough time to relax and enjoy your final day in Turkmenistan.
- In the evening, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport, one of the most modern airports in the world and a Guinness World Record winner for its architecture. Say goodbye to your guide and driver they will see you off with warm smiles and best wishes for your journey home.
- Your unforgettable Turkmenistan adventure with Darvaza Tour Company comes to an end. We wish you a safe flight and hope to see you again soon!
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
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 1 nights
Standart: Bagt Kosgi / Mizan / Sport / Ashgabat
Comfort: Archabil / Yyldyz / Oguzkent
Darvaza – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request