Introduction
This 5 days tour Turkmenistan begins at the Shavat border and takes you across the desert, mountains, and Caspian coast. Witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset with kebabs, drinks, and an overnight yurt stay under the stars. Explore Ashgabat, the “White Marble City,” with its museums, monuments, and UNESCO-listed Nisa. Continue west to swim in the Kow Ata underground lake, meet locals in Nokhur village with legends of Alexander the Great, relax at the Caspian coast in Turkmenbashi, and admire the colorful Yangikala canyons.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Shavat – Dashoguz – Darvaza
- Morning: Meet your guide and driver at Shavat border crossing near Khiva, Uzbekistan.
- Cross into Turkmenistan and drive to Dashoguz (approximately 1 hour).
- Lunch: Traditional Turkmen cuisine in Dashoguz restaurant.
- Afternoon: Drive through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza (approximately 3.5 hours).
- Evening: Arrive at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Gates of Hell” – witness this spectacular natural phenomenon that has been burning continuously since 1971.
- Dinner: Traditional meal prepared at the yurt camp.
- Overnight: Authentic yurt accommodation under the desert stars near Darvaza crater.
Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat
- Morning: Final viewing of the Darvaza crater and breakfast at yurt camp.
- Drive towards Ashgabat (approximately 4 hours) with stops at the Water Crater (natural depression filled with turquoise water) and the Mud Crater (active mud volcanoes creating unique geological formations).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Ashgabat, the “White Marble City”.
- Comprehensive city tour including the National Museum of Turkmenistan (rich collection of archaeological artifacts), National Carpet Museum (traditional Turkmen carpet weaving heritage), Neutrality Monument and other impressive marble monuments, Independence Monument, and Arch of Neutrality.
- Late afternoon: Visit ancient Nisa ruins (UNESCO World Heritage site) – former capital of the Parthian Empire.
- Dinner at local restaurant.
- Overnight: Comfortable hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi
- Morning: Depart Ashgabat for Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast.
- En route stops at Kow Ata Underground Lake (swim in the warm thermal waters of this unique underground cave lake, 37°C/98°F) and Nokhur Village (traditional mountain village showcasing authentic Turkmen rural life and stunning mountain scenery).
- Afternoon: Continue drive to Turkmenbashi (approximately 5–6 hours total with stops).
- Evening: Arrive at Caspian Sea coast.
- Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Turkmenbashi.
Day 4: Turkmenbashi – Yangikala – Ashgabat
- Early morning: Depart for Yangikala Canyons (approximately 2 hours drive).
- Full morning: Explore the breathtaking Yangikala Canyons – dramatic multicolored rock formations often called the “Grand Canyon of Turkmenistan”. Photography opportunities and hiking in this spectacular natural wonder.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch in the canyons.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Ashgabat via Balkanabat (approximately 6 hours).
- Evening: Arrival in Ashgabat.
- Farewell dinner at traditional restaurant.
- Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 5: Departure Day
- Early morning (5:00 AM): Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for guests with 8:00 AM flights.
- Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping at Tolkuchka Bazaar or souvenir shops for remaining guests.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Transfer to airport for guests with 3:00 PM flights.
- End of tour services.
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 – 2 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 – 1 nights
Standart: Beyik Yupek yoly / Nebitchi
Comfort: Carlak Hotel