Introduction

Dear travelers, this 5 day Turkmenistan tour from Iran starts at the Iran-Turkmenistan border and finishes at the Kazakhstan border (Garabogaz). It was originally created for a private client, and we now share it for anyone who finds this direction convenient. It’s ideal for travelers doing a “5 Stans” journey who want to enter from Iran and exit to Kazakhstan, or for those continuing toward the Caspian coast and Baku, Azerbaijan. You’ll stay in Ashgabat, explore the Darvaza Gas Crater, swim in the Kow-Ata underground lake (+41°C), and visit the ancient mountain village of Nokhur. The route also includes the colorful Yangykala Canyon and ends at the Garabogaz border.Simple, practical, and full of adventure this 5 day Turkmenistan tour from Iran is the perfect route to experience desert, culture, and the Caspian coast in one unforgettable trip.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1. Iran – Ashgabat

You will enter Turkmenistan from Iran. Most likely, it will be the Bajgiran border point, not far from the holy city of Mashhad.
It is recommended to cross the border before noon, as it closes quite early.
After crossing the border, you will head to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
Upon arrival – lunch at a local restaurant and accommodation at Bagt Köşgi Hotel.
After lunch, the city tour of Ashgabat begins.
First, you will visit Ancient Nisa – the capital of the ancient Parthian kingdom, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
This is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, where children will enjoy seeing the real ruins of a city more than two thousand years old.
Then you will go to the magnificent Gypjak Mosque (Turkmenbashi Ruhy) – one of the largest and most beautiful in Central Asia.
Next, the Monument of Neutrality with a rotating gilded statue of the first president. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city.
After that, a visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan, where you can see ancient artifacts, national costumes, carpets, and everyday items of the Turkmen people. Children will especially enjoy the interactive exhibitions.
In the evening, a stop at the Arch of Neutrality to admire the city lights.
At around 19:30–20:00, dinner in one of the best restaurants in Ashgabat with a panoramic view.
After dinner, a short shopping stop at a modern shopping center.
Here you can buy sweets, toys, souvenirs, and feel the atmosphere of city life.
Overnight at Bagt Köşgi Hotel, Ashgabat.

Day 2. Ashgabat – Darvaza

After breakfast, the morning tour of Ashgabat begins.
The first stop is the famous Tolkuchka Bazaar, the largest and most colorful market in the country.
Here you can experience the real atmosphere of an oriental bazaar, taste local sweets, and buy souvenirs.
Children will especially enjoy observing local life.
Then visit the Museum of Turkmen Carpets, where ancient handwoven carpets are kept – the pride of the country and one of the most popular places among tourists.
Next, the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, built in Ottoman style, and a short stop near the beautiful fountains in the city center.
Lunch in a national restaurant in Ashgabat, where you can try homemade Turkmen dishes.
European options are also available for children.
After lunch, you will drive towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell” (about 300 km, 4 hours drive).
To see the sunset at the crater, it’s better to depart around 13:00–14:00.
On the way, you will see camels and flocks of sheep, and pass through desert villages.
There will be stops for photos.
By around 18:00–19:00, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater – a mesmerizing place, especially at dusk.
The guide will prepare dinner over the fire: grilled meat, vegetables, tea, and drinks.
Everything is cooked outdoors.
In the morning at the bazaar, you can buy beer or fruits for the evening.
You can also see camels and ride them – children will especially enjoy this.
In the evening, you will observe the burning crater under the starry sky.
Overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt near the Darvaza Crater.

Day 3. Darvaza – Kow-Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashy (Awaza)

Early morning breakfast at the crater and watching the sunrise over the desert – one of the most beautiful moments of the journey.
After breakfast, you will drive towards Ashgabat (around 3.5 hours).
A short lunch stop on the way, then continue towards the western regions.
The first stop is Kow-Ata, the famous underground lake.
The water here stays around +37…+41°C all year round.
You can swim – children will especially love it.
Nearby there is a café serving fresh kebabs and tea.
After swimming, drive to Nokhur, an ancient mountain village.
You will see stone houses, mulberry trees, an old cemetery with ram horns, and craftsmen creating handmade items.
The atmosphere in Nokhur is peaceful and authentic – it feels like time has stopped here.
In the evening, drive to Turkmenbashy (Awaza), on the Caspian Sea coast (about 4 hours drive).
On the way – music, stories from the guide, and photo stops.
Late evening arrival in Awaza and accommodation at Beyik Ýüpek Ýoly Hotel.
Overnight in Turkmenbashy (Awaza).

Day 4. Turkmenbashy – Yangikala Canyon – Turkmenbashy

In the morning, breakfast at the hotel. Buffet with dishes for every taste.
After breakfast, drive towards Yangikala Canyon, one of the most impressive natural places in Turkmenistan.
The drive takes around 3 hours.
On the way, you will visit Gozli-Ata, a holy pilgrimage site with ancient inscriptions in Arabic.
Here you can have lunch in a yurt with traditional Turkmen cuisine.
Then continue to Yangikala Canyon.
This amazing place was once part of the ancient Tethys Ocean, and you can still find fossils and shark teeth in the rocks.
The canyon impresses with its colors – pink, white, and red layers of stone.
You will spend a few hours enjoying the panoramic views, taking photos, and walking along the edge of the canyon.
After the visit, return to Turkmenbashy, arriving around 18:00–19:00.
In the evening, a walk along Awaza, dinner at a seaside restaurant, and rest.
Overnight at Beyik Ýüpek Ýoly Hotel, Turkmenbashy.

Day 5. Turkmenbashy – Garabogaz (border with Kazakhstan)

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will prepare for your further journey to Kazakhstan.
Drive towards the Garabogaz border (about 1.5–2 hours).
At the border, you will be met by representatives, and your journey through Turkmenistan will end here.
Farewell to your guide and driver.
Your unique tour in Turkmenistan is completed.

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

Turkmenbashy – 2 nights

Standart: Beyik Yupek yoly / Nebitchi

Comfort: Carlak Hotel

5 Day Tour: Iran – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Nokhur – Yangykala – Turkmenbashy – Garabogaz Border/Bektas