Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Shavat Border (Khiva) – Dashoguz – Domestic Flight – Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi
- We begin your Turkmenistan journey at the Shavat border crossing (Turkmenistan side), directly opposite Khiva / Urgench. Our team will meet you at the border and assist you step by step with all formalities, so everything feels smooth, calm, and stress-free from the very first minutes.
- After crossing, we drive to Dashoguz, the regional capital of northern Turkmenistan the key point for the connection that makes this itinerary realistic in only three days a domestic flight to Ashgabat (11:45 – 12:45 am). This flight is included in the tour price and saves many hours of driving, allowing us to include both Yangykala and Ancient Merv in one compact journey.
- Midday / Early Afternoon — Arrival in Ashgabat
- Upon landing in Ashgabat, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue into the foothills of the Kopet Dag Mountains.
- Kow Ata Underground Lake
- Your next highlight is the legendary Kow Ata — a unique underground thermal lake inside a limestone cave. As you descend into the cavern, the air changes instantly: warm, mineral-rich, with a gentle sulphurous note. The natural lake stays comfortable year-round, and the cave atmosphere feels truly otherworldly.
- Nokhur Village — Living Mountain Culture
- After Kow Ata, we continue to Nokhur, one of the most distinctive villages in Turkmenistan. Surrounded by mountains and far from modern city life, Nokhur is known for its ancient traditions, local crafts, and authentic rural atmosphere.
- Evening — Towards the Caspian Coast
- In the late afternoon, we begin our drive west toward the Caspian region. By evening, we arrive in Turkmenbashi, a calm coastal city on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi (hotel).
Day 2: Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyon – Balkanabat – Ashgabat + Evening / Night City Tour
- Today is the main nature highlight of the entire tour.
- After breakfast, we depart toward the most spectacular landscape of western Turkmenistan — the legendary Yangykala Canyon. It is often described as a “lost world” or “another planet.” Yangykala is famous for its multicolored cliffs and dramatic formations rising sharply from the flat desert.
- Yangykala — “The Fire Fortress” of Turkmenistan
- As you approach, the scenery becomes increasingly surreal: rock layers reveal tones of white, pink, red, and orange, shaped over millions of years by wind and time.
- You will have time to:
- Walk along the canyon rim and visit the main viewpoints
- Take panoramic photos and videos
- Enjoy the atmosphere of a truly remote place that very few travelers ever reach
- Lunch Stop in Balkanabat
- After Yangykala, we drive to Balkanabat for a simple, authentic lunch and a short rest break.
- Return to Ashgabat
- In the afternoon, we continue back toward Ashgabat. Upon arrival: hotel check-in and a short rest.
- Evening / Night Ashgabat City Tour
- The night Ashgabat program includes:
- “Alem” Entertainment Center (outside visit + photos)
- Independence Monument & Park
- Neutrality Arch / panoramic points
- Drive along Ashgabat’s main white-marble avenues
- Wedding Palace (outside) — futuristic architecture and great evening photos
- Overnight in Ashgabat (hotel).
Day 3: Ashgabat – Ancient Merv (UNESCO) – Turkmenabat – Farab Border (Bukhara) | End of Tour
- After breakfast, we depart east toward Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road.
- Main highlights include:
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
- Ancient city areas of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
- Impressive fortress remains and desert panoramas
- Sacred mausoleums and key Silk Road sites
- After sightseeing, we continue toward Turkmenabat (short stop), and then drive to the Farab border crossing — the most convenient exit point for travelers continuing to Bukhara.
- End of tour at Farab border (Bukhara side).
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)
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 1 nights
Standart: Bagt Kosgi / Mizan / Sport / Ashgabat
Comfort: Archabil / Yyldyz / Oguzkent
Turkmenbashy – 1 nights
Standart: Beyik Yupek yoly / Nebitchi
Comfort: Carlak Hotel