Tour Overview
Experience an extraordinary 5-day Turkmenistan tour from Ashgabat, bringing together the country's most memorable desert landscapes, spectacular canyons and ancient Silk Road monuments. Begin your journey in the capital before travelling into the Karakum Desert for a traditional yurt stay beside the remarkable Darvaza Gas Crater. Return to Ashgabat and fly west to the Caspian coast, where an exciting off-road expedition reveals the colourful cliffs and dramatic viewpoints of Yangykala Canyon.
Continue your adventure with an authentic overnight train journey from Balkanabat to Ashgabat. Travel east to explore UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv, including the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Kyz Kala fortresses and historic citadels. Discover Turkmen traditions at the Turkmen Ojagy cultural complex before spending a comfortable night in Mary.
With private transport, experienced local guides and a carefully planned itinerary, this five-day journey offers a rewarding introduction to Turkmenistan's remarkable natural beauty, cultural heritage and history.
5-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat → City Discovery → Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
Your five-day journey begins upon landing at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB). After completing passport control and customs procedures, meet your Darvaza Tour representative in the arrivals area.
Our local team will welcome you and arrange a private transfer into the capital. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before beginning your introduction to Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat City Orientation
Discover the distinctive character of Ashgabat, widely recognised for its monumental architecture, spacious boulevards and striking white-marble buildings.
Your guide will introduce you to selected city highlights, combining impressive modern landmarks with stories about Turkmenistan's cultural traditions and history.
The introductory sightseeing programme is flexible and can be adjusted according to your flight arrival time, interests and available time.
Traditional Lunch in Ashgabat
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch before leaving the capital. Enjoy an opportunity to try Turkmen dishes and prepare for your first desert adventure.
Drive Across the Karakum Desert
In the afternoon, begin the journey north towards the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, approximately 270 km from Ashgabat.
Travel through the expansive Karakum Desert, where sandy plains, isolated settlements and remote landscapes provide a remarkable contrast to the capital.
The drive normally takes approximately 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on road conditions and scheduled stops. Some sections are uneven and bumpy, so travelling through the desert forms part of the adventure.
Darvaza Gas Crater — Sunset and Evening Experience
Reach the Darvaza Gas Crater in the late afternoon or evening.
Explore the surrounding landscape with your guide and enjoy views of this unusual natural-industrial landmark, often called the "Door to Hell."
As daylight fades, observe the illuminated crater and enjoy opportunities for memorable desert photography. The appearance and intensity of the flames may vary.
Traditional Desert BBQ Dinner
Return to the nearby campsite for an open-air dinner prepared by the local team.
Enjoy freshly prepared barbecue dishes in the peaceful atmosphere of the desert, far away from the busy streets of the capital.
After dinner, spend time enjoying the night sky and the remarkable surroundings of Darvaza.
Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt or arranged desert campsite near Darvaza Gas Crater.
Day 2 — Darvaza → Water & Mud Craters → Ashgabat
Optional Sunrise Visit
Travellers wishing to wake up early may return to a designated viewing area near Darvaza Gas Crater.
Enjoy the quiet desert atmosphere as the morning light gradually reveals the surrounding landscape.
This optional activity is particularly appealing to photography enthusiasts.
Breakfast at the Desert Camp
Return to camp for breakfast. After packing your belongings, prepare for the southbound journey back to Ashgabat.
Return Journey Across the Karakum Desert
Depart Darvaza and travel south through the vast desert landscape.
The drive covers approximately 270 km, normally taking around 3.5–4.5 hours depending on road conditions and stops.
Along the way, your guide will introduce you to different features of the Karakum Desert and the region's remote environment.
Water Crater and Mud Crater
During the journey, make short sightseeing stops at two unusual desert sites, subject to access and road conditions.
Water Crater: Observe a distinctive water-filled depression, offering a fascinating contrast to the surrounding arid landscape.
Mud Crater: Discover another remarkable geological-looking formation associated with the region's gas-rich terrain.
These stops offer additional opportunities for landscape photography and a closer look at the lesser-known features of the Karakum Desert.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Upon returning to the capital, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon Exploration of Ashgabat
Continue discovering Ashgabat with your private guide.
Depending on which locations you visited on the first day, the afternoon may include selected monuments, cultural attractions, museums or traditional shopping areas.
Your sightseeing programme remains flexible, allowing you to concentrate on the places that interest you most while travelling at a comfortable pace.
Evening and Hotel Check-in
After your afternoon sightseeing, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy time to relax before the next day's journey to western Turkmenistan.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi (Flight) → Yangykala Canyon → Balkanabat → Overnight Train
Morning Transfer to Ashgabat Airport
After breakfast at your hotel, complete check-out and travel to Ashgabat International Airport for your domestic flight to Turkmenbashi.
The planned flight departs at approximately 10:40 AM, subject to the airline's confirmed operating schedule.
Upon arrival in Turkmenbashi, meet your local driver and begin exploring Turkmenistan's western region.
Arrival on the Caspian Coast
Turkmenbashi is an important port city situated along the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea.
Experience the distinctive atmosphere of this coastal region, where maritime landscapes meet the deserts and rocky plateaus of western Turkmenistan.
Depending on the available time, enjoy a short orientation drive or photo stop before continuing towards Yangykala Canyon.
Lunch in Turkmenbashi
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Depending on the restaurant's menu, you may choose traditional Turkmen cuisine or regional seafood specialities.
Journey Towards Yangykala Canyon
After lunch, leave the Caspian coast and travel inland through the remote landscapes of the Balkan region.
The route passes through open desert terrain, rocky hills and changing limestone formations.
The drive from Turkmenbashi towards Yangykala covers approximately 160 km, with the duration depending on the selected access road and off-road conditions.
Optional Gozli Ata Pilgrimage Site
If the schedule permits, a short visit to the Gozli Ata pilgrimage site may be possible.
Situated among striking rock formations, the site has special cultural and spiritual significance in Turkmenistan.
This stop is optional and depends on the time available for the canyon excursion.
Yangykala Canyon Expedition
Arrive at the spectacular Yangykala Canyon, one of western Turkmenistan's most remarkable natural attractions.
Discover an extraordinary landscape of layered limestone cliffs, colourful slopes and dramatic desert viewpoints.
The canyon is particularly celebrated for its shades of red, pink, orange and white, which create striking contrasts under changing sunlight.
Your guide will lead you to suitable viewpoints for photography and introduce you to the geological history of this ancient landscape.
Please note that the canyon excursion involves rough and uneven off-road sections.
Drive to Balkanabat
After exploring Yangykala, continue towards Balkanabat.
The journey generally takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions and the final sightseeing location.
Dinner in Balkanabat
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, with time to relax after your canyon expedition.
Overnight Train to Ashgabat
Transfer to Balkanabat Railway Station and board the overnight passenger train bound for Ashgabat.
The itinerary is based on an evening train departure, provisionally around 9:10 PM, subject to confirmation of the operating timetable.
Travel overnight through western Turkmenistan in an arranged sleeper compartment.
Overnight: Sleeper accommodation aboard the Balkanabat–Ashgabat train.
Day 4 — Arrival in Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Turkmen Ojagy → Mary
Arrival in Ashgabat by Overnight Train
Arrive at Ashgabat Railway Station in the early morning, provisionally around 6:15 AM, depending on the confirmed train service.
Meet your private driver and prepare for your journey east towards the historic Merv oasis.
Breakfast on the Way to Mary
Depart Ashgabat along the modern highway connecting the capital with Mary.
Stop at a suitable roadside restaurant for breakfast before continuing the journey.
The distance towards the Mary region is approximately 360 km, with an estimated driving time of 3.5–4.5 hours under suitable conditions.
Ancient Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover the extensive archaeological remains of Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's great historic Silk Road cities.
During your guided visit, explore the monuments and settlements that reveal the city's importance as a major centre of trade, culture and political influence over many centuries.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Admire one of the finest surviving monuments of the Great Seljuk period.
Built in the 12th century, this impressive mausoleum is renowned for its monumental proportions, elegant architectural design and historical importance.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
Visit the distinctive mud-brick structures of Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala.
Their remarkable corrugated exterior walls make them among the most recognisable architectural remains of Ancient Merv.
Learn about the development of these fortified residences and their place in the history of the Merv oasis.
Askhabs Mausoleums and Medieval Water Structures
Continue towards the historic Askhabs Mausoleums, associated with early Islamic traditions in the region.
Explore the surrounding archaeological features, including historic water-storage structures and other surviving remains that illustrate life in the medieval oasis.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Discover the impressive earthen fortifications of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, reflecting different stages in the long history of Merv.
From suitable viewpoints, appreciate the enormous scale of the archaeological landscape and the former urban settlements.
Additional monuments may be visited where time and access conditions permit.
Turkmen Ojagy Ethnographic Experience
Following your historical exploration, continue to the Turkmen Ojagy cultural complex for a closer introduction to traditional Turkmen hospitality and customs.
This experience combines regional food, cultural activities and opportunities to learn about everyday traditions.
Traditional Lunch
Enjoy a regional lunch in the atmosphere of the ethnographic complex.
Turkmen Alabay Dogs and Bactrian Camels
Discover two animals closely associated with Turkmen cultural heritage.
Learn about the renowned Turkmen Alabay dog and encounter Bactrian camels, long connected with the region's desert environment and historic caravan routes.
Traditional Turkmen Clothing Experience
Explore the beauty of Turkmen national dress.
Try on traditional garments, including the distinctive telpek sheepskin hat, and enjoy a memorable photo opportunity in an authentic cultural setting.
Traditional Bread-Baking Activity
Learn about the preparation of chorek, traditional Turkmen bread, using a tamdyr clay oven.
Where the activity is operating, take part in a hands-on introduction to this important culinary tradition.
Return to Mary and Hotel Check-in
Following the cultural programme, travel to Mary and check in to your hotel.
Dinner and Relaxation
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Mary and spend the evening relaxing after a full day of historical and cultural discovery.
Overnight: Margush Hotel in Mary.
Day 5 — Mary → Ashgabat → Airport Departure
Breakfast at the Hotel
Begin your final day with breakfast at Margush Hotel.
After breakfast, check out and meet your guide and driver for the return journey to Ashgabat.
Highway Journey to the Capital
Depart Mary and travel west along the modern Mary–Ashgabat highway.
The drive covers approximately 360 km, generally taking 3.5–4.5 hours depending on road and traffic conditions.
Enjoy the scenery as you cross the landscapes of southern Turkmenistan.
Farewell Lunch in Ashgabat
Upon reaching the capital, stop at a local restaurant for a farewell lunch.
This is an opportunity to enjoy one final taste of Turkmen cuisine and reflect on the memorable experiences of your five-day journey.
Optional Final Ashgabat Sightseeing
If your departure schedule permits, enjoy a short additional sightseeing programme in Ashgabat.
Your guide can arrange visits to selected monuments, architectural landmarks or cultural locations that were not covered earlier in the tour.
The final programme is adjusted according to your available time and international flight schedule.
Private Airport Transfer
At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
Arrive with sufficient time for airline check-in, security procedures and departure formalities.
Your remarkable five-day journey through Turkmenistan comes to an end.
End of Tour Services.
5-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,154
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Price includes:
- Visa support and registration: assistance with the e-Visa application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Domestic flight: one-way economy ticket from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi; the flight schedule is reconfirmed closer to the travel date.
- Overnight train: sleeper-train ticket from Balkanabat to Ashgabat.
- Hotel accommodation: one night at the 4-star Ak Altyn Hotel in Ashgabat and one night at the 4-star Margush Hotel in Mary, with breakfast, based on twin-room sharing according to guests’ gender unless another room arrangement is agreed.
- Darvaza accommodation: one night in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen and access to shower facilities.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the land itinerary, including suitable vehicles for the desert and canyon routes.
- Transfers: airport pick-up and drop-off at Ashgabat International Airport, airport and railway station transfers, and all intercity and sightseeing transfers.
- Meals: dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp, plus hotel breakfasts in Ashgabat and Mary.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided visits and entrance fees for sites included in the agreed programme, including Ashgabat, the Water and Mud Craters, Yangykala Canyon, Ancient Merv and Turkmen Ojagy.
- Medical insurance: coverage up to USD 64,000 per guest, subject to the policy terms.
- Driver and guide costs: fuel, meals, accommodation and other route-related expenses for the driver and guide.
- Taxes and organisation: applicable taxes, road fees and organisational costs for the included services.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to flight and train schedules, road conditions, weather, local access and the time available.
- Mobile internet: access to the guide’s portable Wi-Fi router where mobile network coverage is available, supporting up to 10 connected devices at a time.
Price doesn't include:
- e-Visa fee: paid by the traveller; the amount depends on nationality and processing time. We prepare and submit your application after the tour is confirmed.
- Arrival fees: about US$49 per person (migration registration and medical check), paid in cash at Ashgabat International Airport on arrival.
- International flights: flights to and from Ashgabat.
- Meals: lunches, dinners in Balkanabat and Mary, and any meals not listed under Price includes. Allow about USD 3–8 per person per meal; actual restaurant prices vary.
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, laundry, minibar and other personal purchases.
- Tips: for guides and drivers; optional and appreciated.
Accommodation
Ashgabat — 1 night
Ak Altyn Hotel 4*
Accommodation in Ashgabat is planned at Ak Altyn Hotel, a centrally located hotel with convenient access to the main sightseeing areas, restaurants and major city attractions.
The hotel is officially classified as a 4-star property, although it is an older-established hotel with a more traditional interior style compared with newer luxury hotels in Ashgabat. We use Ak Altyn because of its practical location, reliable service and easy access to the main places included in the city sightseeing programme.
Breakfast is included. Twin, double or single room arrangements can be provided according to the confirmed booking.
Darvaza — 1 night
Traditional Turkmen Yurt Camp
One night near the Darvaza Gas Crater. The stay includes bedding, dinner, breakfast and access to camp washing/shower facilities. Accommodation in the desert is simpler than a city hotel and is designed as part of the Karakum experience.
Mary — 1 night
Margush Hotel — Mary
Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at Margush Hotel, one of our preferred accommodation options in Mary. This well-appointed hotel offers double and twin-room arrangements, making it a convenient place to relax after visiting Ancient Merv. Breakfast is included, and rooms are arranged according to the confirmed booking.
Overnight Train — 1 night
Balkanabat–Ashgabat Overnight Sleeper Train
Travel overnight from Balkanabat to Ashgabat aboard a domestic passenger train. Accommodation is planned in a shared four-berth sleeper compartment with sleeping berths for the journey. This experience provides a practical and memorable way to travel across western Turkmenistan. Final train arrangements and timetable are confirmed before departure.
