Introduction
This 3 day Turkmenistan tour from Ashgabat is designed for travelers who have already explored the country but wish to discover the hidden gems they missed the Darvaza Gas Crater and the mysterious Dinosaur Plateau in Koytendag. It’s perfect for those who have seen Ashgabat, Yangykala, or Nokhur, yet still want to experience new adventures and the raw beauty of Turkmen nature. During this 3 day Turkmenistan tour from Ashgabat, you’ll ride the legendary Akhal Teke horses, taste authentic Turkmen cuisine, and enjoy genuine local hospitality before flying east to Kerki and the Koytendag Mountains a land of waterfalls, caves, and canyons. Every moment of this trip is designed with care, combining unique nature, comfort, and unforgettable emotions.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Ashgabat – Horse Riding – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (07:45 AM), you will be greeted by our professional English-speaking guide — a true expert who knows the country’s history and culture inside out.
- After a short transfer to the city, we’ll stop by the hotel to leave your luggage and have some rest. Then, breakfast at a local restaurant with traditional Turkmen dishes and aromatic tea.
- Next, enjoy an unforgettable horseback ride on the legendary Akhal-Teke horses the pride of Turkmenistan. The one-hour ride takes place near the Presidential Residence (photographing the residence itself is prohibited). You’ll have the chance to see and ride these world-famous, graceful horses.
- At around 12:30 PM, lunch at Josgun restaurant, famous for its authentic cuisine: plov, ishlekli, and fresh kebabs.
- After lunch, your journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater begins one of the most astonishing natural wonders of Central Asia.
- The drive takes about 4 hours through the Karakum Desert, with short stops for coffee, photos, and rest. The road can be uneven in places, but our experienced driver knows every section of the route.
- Before reaching the main crater, we will visit two smaller ones the mud crater and the water crater both formed by underground gas activity.
- Around 6:00 PM, we’ll arrive at the flaming Darvaza Crater to witness the sunset and the breathtaking glow of the “Gates of Hell.”
- Nearby, local residents offer short camel rides a unique oriental experience.
- Dinner will be served right by the crater: freshly grilled kebabs and snacks prepared by your guide and driver. Tea or cold beer under the open sky and the fiery glow of the crater create an unforgettable atmosphere.
- After dinner, return to Ashgabat (about 3.5 hours drive). Arrival around midnight, hotel check-in, and rest.
Day 2. Ashgabat – Kerki – Koytendag Mountains
- After breakfast at the Bagt Köşgi Hotel, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to the city of Kerki (departure 10:00, arrival 11:30). Your guide will accompany you throughout the journey.
- At Kerki Airport, you’ll meet your local driver with a comfortable 4WD vehicle (Jeep), ready for a journey through one of the most scenic and wild regions of Turkmenistan the Koytendag Nature Reserve.
- The road passes through stunning mountain landscapes, canyons, and valleys. On the way, we’ll stop for photos and visit Kaynarbaba, a popular natural spring with a turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs. Locals believe its waters have healing properties.
- Then the road leads toward the foothills of the Koytendag Mountains. The desert gradually turns into rocky hills and gorges. In December, the air is crisp and clear perfect for photography.
- By evening, arrival at the Koytendag tourist base, accommodation, and rest.
- Dinner will be home-style, prepared by our local partners (kebabs, soups, or plov your choice), made from fresh ingredients.
- Overnight in a cozy mountain guesthouse.
Day 3. Koytendag – Turkmenabat – Farap Border
- After breakfast, a full day dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Koytendag awaits you.
- The first site is the Dinosaur Plateau, where hundreds of ancient footprints over 150 million years old are preserved. A short hike leads to the plateau with panoramic mountain views perfect for photos.
- Next, the tour continues:
- • Gaurly (Gulshirin) Cave a limestone cave with underground lakes and stalactites.
- • Kyrk Gyz (“Forty Girls”) Cave a legendary site connected with ancient Turkmen myths.
- • Umbar-Dere Waterfall a beautiful mountain waterfall, especially picturesque in spring.
- • Koytendag Canyon deep gorges and cliffs ideal for short stops and photography.
- • Koyten-Darya River a peaceful mountain spot, perfect for a short tea break.
- After exploring these natural attractions, we’ll visit the Astana-Baba Mausoleum, a sacred Sufi complex. Then the villages of Khojapil (famous for dinosaur tracks and clay houses) and Garashor, a picturesque mountain settlement near the reserve’s entrance.
- Around 1:00 PM, lunch prepared by local villagers.
- After lunch, drive to Turkmenabat, with an optional stop for dinner or tea at one of the city’s best restaurants.
- If you wish, your guide can arrange a farewell dinner in a traditional teahouse before continuing to the Farap border, which operates 24 hours.
- The tour ends at the Uzbekistan border leaving you with vivid memories of Turkmenistan, from the flaming Darvaza Crater to the majestic Koytendag Mountains.
Note:
- The program can be customized according to your preferences.
- You can add or replace certain places, make additional stops, or choose your favorite restaurants or museums.
- We always tailor the itinerary to your comfort and interests.
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
Koytendag – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request