Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Turkmenbashi

Ferry arrival: Meeting at Turkmenbashi port after arrival of the ferry from Baku.
Transfer to hotel: Transfer to hotel in Turkmenbashi city, located on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
Free time: Free time for rest and getting acquainted with the city.
Night: At hotel in Turkmenbashi.
Important note about ferry arrival: Usually the ferry arrives at night, and sometimes the border/port formalities can take a long time. In some cases, travelers wait around 20 hours inside the ferry/port area until all checks are completed and the visa is issued. This is exactly why we plan Day 1 in Turkmenbashi — once everything is finished, we immediately transfer you to the best hotel in Turkmenbashi for rest.

Morning: After breakfast, depart to the stunning Yangikala Canyons, known for their multicolored rock formations.
Note: Yangikala Canyons must be included if Turkmenbashi is included.
Journey to Ashgabat: From Yangikala, drive to the capital city Ashgabat.
On the way: Visit the underground thermal lake Kov Ata and the picturesque mountain village of Nohur — classic stops between Yangikala and Ashgabat.
Evening: Arrival in Ashgabat, check-in at hotel.
Night: At hotel in Ashgabat.

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Ashgabat towards Mary. We will travel on the new highway (toll road / autobahn) built recently — the road quality is excellent. We recommend keeping water with you during the drive.
Late Morning: Arrival to Mary / Merv area approximately around 11:00 (depending on departure time).
Sightseeing: Begin visiting the highlights of Ancient Merv, one of the most important Silk Road cities in Central Asia. We will explore the main historical sites, including:
Kyz Kala (Gyz-Gala)
Gyaur Kala
Erk Kala
Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (recently restored and very impressive)
Merv Ice House
Small local museum / souvenir area (if available)
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant / in the Merv area.
Afternoon (Cultural Experience): Visit Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy — a special cultural place created for travelers to experience real Turkmen traditions. Here you can:
See camels and (if available) enjoy a camel ride (Silk Road caravan experience)
See Akhal-Teke horses and learn about them (horse riding may be available upon request)
Try on Turkmen national clothes and take memorable photos
Meet Alabai dogs and interact with local people
Enjoy the atmosphere of Turkmen yurts, traditional life, and hospitality
Instagram: @gadymy_turkmen_ojagy
Evening: Drive to Mary city. Short city walk / photo stops. Dinner at a good restaurant in Mary.
Overnight: Overnight at Margush Hotel (Mary).

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. This day is flexible and can be tailored to your interests in Ashgabat. We suggest:
Tolkuchka Bazaar (Altyn Asyr Bazaar): Experience one of Central Asia’s largest and most vibrant open-air markets. Here, you can find everything from traditional Turkmen rugs, textiles, and jewelry to livestock and everyday goods. It’s a fantastic place to absorb the local culture and do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Health Path (Saglyk Yoly): For those interested in a unique experience and a bit of activity, we can visit a section of the famous “Health Path” along the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains. This concrete pathway offers scenic views and is a testament to the country’s focus on health.
Shopping Malls: Discover modern Ashgabat by visiting one of its prominent shopping malls like Berkarar Shopping and Entertainment Center or Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Center. These offer a stark contrast to the traditional bazaars, with international brands, cafes, and entertainment options.
Optional: If time permits and you’re interested, your guide can take you to other specific places of interest you might have in mind within Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, start your full-day sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the “White-Marble City.”
Visit the impressive Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum in Gypjak, the resting place of the first president of Turkmenistan. Continue to Nisa, the ancient Parthian fortress and UNESCO site.
Next, stop at the Akhal-Teke horse farm to see the legendary Turkmen horses — known worldwide for their beauty and speed. Then visit the Carpet Museum, one of the most popular museums in Turkmenistan, where you can see the world’s largest handwoven carpet (listed by UNESCO).
Enjoy lunch at a national restaurant, where you will taste traditional dishes such as ishlekli or khan palaw — a royal-style Turkmen pilaf.
In the afternoon, drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (approx. 4.5 hours).
Arrive before sunset and watch the incredible view of the flaming crater, known as the “Gates of Hell.”
Enjoy a BBQ dinner with shashlyk under the desert sky and take an optional camel ride around the crater area — a special new experience offered by Darvaza Tour.
Overnight in a Turkmen yurt camp near the crater.

Breakfast at Darvaza.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Visit Kutlug-Timur Minaret, Mausoleum of Turabek-Khanym, Tekesh Mausoleum, Il-Arslan Mausoleum, Najm al-Din al-Kubra complex, and more.
Continue to Shavat border crossing with Uzbekistan (near Khiva).
End of services in Turkmenistan.

– 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.
– Entrance fees to Museums and others as per the tour. roughly not more 10$ per day if any.
– 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.

– Visa and other fees at the border. (Usually costs not more than $110, per person)
– Meals ($3-8/ 1meal/ 1person)
– Tips. Tips are welcomed

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

Mary – 1 nights

Standart: Margus / Mary / Merv