Below, you can read about one of our recent tours that we completed with a small group of Japanese travelers.
Tour Overview
- Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
- Group: 6 Japanese tourists
- Route: Farab → Merv → Ashgabat → Yangikala Canyon → Turkmenbashi → Darvaza → Khiva
- Highlights: Ancient Merv, Yangikala Canyon, Darvaza Gas Crater, Underground Lake Kow Ata
- Price per person: 13
Day 1, Farab – Merv – Ashgabat
10:00 AM – Our group arrived from the Shavat border crossing with a minor delay. Following customs procedures, we proceeded to Turkmenabad’s premier dining establishment for lunch.
12:00 PM – After a satisfying meal featuring local cuisine, we departed for the ancient city of Merv via the Turkmenabad-Merv highway. The journey required approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes in our Toyota Hiace vehicle.
19:00 PM – We reached Merv, one of the most significant archaeological sites along the historic Silk Road. Our guests were visibly impressed by the remarkable preservation of these ancient ruins. We commenced our guided tour of the archaeological complex, beginning with the fortress of Kyz Kala. The highlight of our visit was the magnificent mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the final ruler of the Great Seljuk Empire and the second-largest mausoleum in Central Asia. As we departed the site during twilight hours, we encountered an unusual sight – a white snake crossing our path, adding an element of mystique to our historical exploration.
21:00 PM – We continued our journey along the Mary-Ashgabat highway, stopping at a highly-rated roadside restaurant for dinner. Our guests had the opportunity to sample “Palaw,” Turkmenistan’s beloved national rice dish, which they found particularly enjoyable.
23:48 PM – We arrived in Ashgabat and facilitated check-in procedures at the four-star “Bagt Koshgi” hotel, ensuring our guests were comfortably accommodated for the evening.
Day 2, Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyon – Turkmenbashy
07:00 AM – Early morning departure preparations began with group assembly at 07:30, followed by a comprehensive breakfast service at the hotel.
09:00 AM – We embarked on our journey to Yangikala Canyon, passing the emerging “Smart City Arkadag” development project, which represents Turkmenistan’s vision for future urban planning and is anticipated to become a major tourist destination.
10:00 AM – Upon joining the main Ashgabat-Balkanabat highway, we began our 8-hour expedition to Yangikala. The route traversed numerous traditional villages, providing excellent opportunities for cultural observation and guest engagement. One particularly well-prepared guest had brought comprehensive literature about Turkmenistan, leading to extensive discussions about the country’s safety record and accessibility. Our guests expressed surprise at how seamlessly they had obtained their visas, having expected significant bureaucratic challenges.
17:25 PM – After covering 430 kilometers, we made a scheduled stop in Jebel for refreshments and cultural immersion. Our guests eagerly sampled “Gowurma,” a traditional Turkmen meat dish, while one enthusiast specifically requested “Palaw,” expressing his intention to experience this national dish across different regions. We also visited local markets where guests purchased traditional beverages including Ayran for the continuing journey.
17:50 PM – Despite challenging road conditions that prevented rest during the two-hour drive to Yangikala, our guests remained engaged, appreciating the dramatic landscape changes.
20:15 PM – Our timing proved excellent as we arrived at Yangikala Canyon during golden hour, providing optimal lighting for photography. The canyon’s spectacular geological formations left our guests thoroughly impressed. During our descent into the canyon, we encountered a German traveler executing an ambitious 20-day comprehensive tour of Turkmenistan, demonstrating the growing international interest in the country’s attractions.
21:00 PM – We commenced our 3-hour 45-minute journey to Turkmenbashi (historically known as Krasnovodsk), which proved tiring after our full day of exploration.
00:30 AM – We arrived in Turkmenbashi and completed check-in procedures at the prestigious “Beyik Yupek Yoly” (Great Silk Road Hotel), one of the city’s finest accommodations.
Day 3, Turkmenbashy – Ashgabat
08:00 AM – Morning activities commenced with hotel breakfast service. Our guests enjoyed a well-prepared continental breakfast featuring coffee with milk and pancakes, expressing satisfaction with both the cuisine and accommodation quality.
09:20 AM – Following checkout procedures, we conducted a comprehensive two-hour city tour of Turkmenbashi, including the resort area of Avaza and Caspian Sea coastline. The maritime atmosphere provided a refreshing contrast to our desert experiences, with opportunities to observe local wildlife including seabirds and witness the luxury hotel developments along the shoreline.
11:35 AM – We began our return journey to Ashgabat, incorporating strategic stops at Nohur village and the underground thermal lake Kow Ata, located in Baharden Cave, approximately 100 kilometers from the capital.
14:00 PM – During our journey, we discovered one guest’s professional background in information technology, leading to engaging conversations that enhanced the travel experience.
14:30 PM – We explored Nohur Village, nestled among dramatic mountain landscapes. This traditional settlement, with its clay architecture and the sacred site “Gyz Bibi,” offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Turkmenistan culture. The local cemetery, featuring traditional horn decorations on graves, provided unique photographic opportunities.
15:15 PM – While descending from the mountain region, we encountered another group of Japanese tourists, where we had a group photography session.
16:00 PM – Lunch was served at a roadside establishment known for authentic cuisine. Our guests sampled various specialties including “Jüýje Batyrma,” “Çekdirme,” and “Manty” – the latter particularly impressed them with its generous meat content. The restaurant’s popularity with locals provided opportunities for spontaneous cultural interactions and photography.
18:50 PM – We arrived at Kow Ata under favorable weather conditions. Entry tickets were purchased at 50 Turkmen manats per person for access to this unique geological phenomenon. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 40°C (104°F) year-round, creating a natural sauna environment. While our guests opted not to fully immerse themselves, they enjoyed wading in the therapeutic waters and appreciated the site’s purported healing properties.
21:15 PM – The 50-minute return journey to Ashgabat.
22:00 PM – We returned to the “Bagt Koşgi” hotel, where dinner was served and guests retired to prepare for the following day’s Ashgabat city tour.
Day 4, Ashgabat – Darvaza Cas Crater
07:30 AM – Early departure preparations included luggage collection and breakfast arrangements at a selected restaurant.
08:30 AM – Our morning drive through Ashgabat showcased the capital’s distinctive white marble architecture and significant monuments, including the statue of renowned Turkmen poet “Magtymguly Fragi” and the magnificent “Turkmenbashi Ruhy” mosque with its golden dome.
09:15 AM – We visited Ancient Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site established in the 3rd century BCE as the Parthian Empire’s capital.
11:00 AM – Following archaeological exploration, we visited Turkmenistan’s National Museum, home to the world’s largest carpet as certified by Guinness World Records – a particular priority for our guests. The museum’s comprehensive historical collections provided excellent context for our cultural journey.
13:20 PM – We explored Ashgabat’s historic “Russian Bazaar,” where guests purchased souvenirs including national flag merchandise and traditional carpet-pattern clothing. The market experience included sampling famous Turkmen melons and observing local commercial practices.
14:30 PM – Following our city tour conclusion, we enjoyed lunch at “Gülalek” restaurant, where the staff recommended their signature dumplings and innovative “Palaw üsti Döner” – a Turkish-influenced variation of the national dish.
15:25 PM – We toured Ashgabat International Airport, allowing guests to appreciate its architectural significance.
16:00 PM – Vehicle transition occurred as we bid farewell to our experienced Hiace driver (15 years of professional service) and transferred to two new vehicles – a Toyota Sienna and Toyota Avalon – for our 3.5-hour journey to the anticipated Darvaza Gas Crater.
18:00 PM – A fuel and refreshment stop included coffee service at a local café.
19:15 PM – We encountered the first of three Karakum Desert craters – the Water Crater – providing context for the geological phenomena we would experience, building anticipation for the main attraction: the famous Darvaza Gas Crater.
20:00 PM – Arrival at our traditional yurt accommodation allowed guests to experience authentic Turkmen nomadic lifestyle. We prepared traditional shashlik (grilled meat skewers) using desert brush for fuel while guests explored the surrounding Karakum Desert landscape.
21:00 PM – Dinner was served at a communal table accommodating ten guests, including a British couple also staying at the camp. Following the meal, we proceeded to the Darvaza Gas Crater where guests experienced the awe-inspiring “Gates of Hell.” Their reactions ranged from speechless amazement to enthusiastic photography and videography. We concluded the evening with beverages at the crater’s edge, absorbing the unique energy of this natural phenomenon.
23:20 PM – After approximately 90 minutes at the crater, we returned to our yurt accommodation, concluding our remarkable Darvaza experience.
Day 5, Darvaza – Khiva
05:00 AM – Dawn photography session at Darvaza provided final memories of this iconic location. Despite equipment challenges (battery depletion with no charging facilities), guests successfully captured sunrise imagery before our departure.
08:00 AM – The 300-kilometer journey to Dashoguz was completed efficiently by our experienced drivers in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Breakfast was served at “Ruhubelent” restaurant, featuring scrambled eggs, sausage, and fresh tomatoes – a satisfying meal before our final leg.
12:20 PM – We arrived in Dashoguz and approached the Shavat Border crossing to Uzbekistan.
13:00 PM – Our farewell “ceremony” with guests was particularly emotional, as strong bonds had formed during our journey together. The group expressed deep gratitude for their Turkmenistan experience, and border procedures were completed successfully. We received confirmation of their safe arrival in Uzbekistan, marking the successful conclusion of our comprehensive tour.
Why Choose This Turkmenistan Adventure?
This 5-day journey through Turkmenistan offers more than just sightseeing – it’s a transformative experience that connects you with one of the world’s most mysterious and fascinating countries. From the ancient Silk Road ruins of Merv to the otherworldly flames of Darvaza, every moment reveals a new wonder.
What makes this tour special:
Day 1: Farab – Merv – Ashgabat
Ancient Merv – One of the most significant archaeological sites along the historic Silk Road, UNESCO World Heritage site
Kyz Kala Fortress – Ancient fortress with unique architecture, witness to past glory
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar – Second largest mausoleum in Central Asia, tomb of the last ruler of the Great Seljuk Empire
Day 2: Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyon – Turkmenbashi
Smart City Arkadag – Futuristic project representing Turkmenistan’s vision for modern urban development
Yangikala Canyon – Spectacular geological formations with breathtaking sunset views
Avaza Resort – Luxury resort area on the Caspian Sea coast with premium hotels
Day 3: Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat
Nohur Village – Traditional mountain settlement with clay architecture and sacred site “Gyz Bibi”
Kow Ata Underground Lake – Unique thermal lake in Baharden Cave with constant 40°C temperature year-round
Day 4: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
Ancient Nisa – 3rd century BCE capital of the Parthian Empire, UNESCO World Heritage site
National Museum – Home to the world’s largest carpet certified by Guinness World Records
Darvaza Gas Crater – Famous “Gates of Hell”, burning natural gas crater in the Karakum Desert
Day 5: Darvaza – Khiva
Sunrise at Darvaza – Unforgettable photography sessions with the flaming crater at dawn
Ready for Your Own Turkmenistan Adventure?
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia. Contact Darvaza Tour today to plan your personalized Turkmenistan experience. Whether you’re drawn by ancient history, natural wonders, or cultural immersion, we’ll create memories that last a lifetime.