Introduction
This 7 day Turkmenistan tour is crafted for travelers who want to experience everything from the sea to the sands, the desert to the mountains, and the heart of Turkmen culture. You’ll meet the legendary Akhal Teke horses, enjoy a traditional pilaf cooking master-class in Yangikala, and witness the breathtaking colors of its canyons. Spend a magical night under the stars by the Darvaza Gas Crater, ride camels through the Karakum Desert, and visit UNESCO heritage sites like Merv and Kunya-Urgench. From the modern capital Ashgabat to the tranquil coast of Awaza, this 7 day Turkmenistan tour offers an authentic and complete journey through the most stunning and diverse landscapes of Turkmenistan.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat – Yangikala (via Akhal-Teke Horse Farm)
- Meet at Ashgabat International Airport. After a warm welcome and short briefing, we begin our journey toward the stunning Yangikala Canyons (about 600 km).
- On the way, we will visit the famous Akhal-Teke Horse Farm, home to Turkmenistan’s most prized horses legendary Akhal-Teke stallions, multiple winners of international competitions. Here you will have a chance to see the horses up close and even enjoy a short ride.
- After visiting the horse farm, we’ll make a quick stop at a local market to pick up lunch boxes for all participants lunch will be enjoyed on the road, without long stops.
- We continue our drive directly to Yangikala Canyon to arrive in time for the sunset.
- Around 18:20 we reach Yangikala, one of Turkmenistan’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Enjoy a short trek between the colorful rock formations and take in the beautiful desert panorama.
- Dinner will be served outdoors delicious chicken shashlik and traditional pilaf, freshly cooked over the fire.
- Overnight in yurts at Gozli Ata, near the base of Yangikala Canyon.
Day 2: Yangikala – Turkmenbashi (Krasnovodsk) – Awaza
- After breakfast in Gozli Ata, drive toward Turkmenbashi (Krasnovodsk) — the first city on the Caspian Sea founded by the Russian Empire.
- Upon arrival, start a sightseeing tour of Turkmenbashi: the old port, local landmarks, and city center.
- Lunch at Tolkun Restaurant, located on a seaside terrace overlooking the Caspian — enjoy fresh fish and traditional local dishes.
- After lunch, we continue to Awaza (20 km), the modern resort area on the Caspian coast. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the promenade and take in the tranquil seaside atmosphere.
- Dinner at a restaurant in Awaza.
- Overnight at Charlak Hotel, Turkmenbashi.
Day 3: Turkmenbashi – Balkanabat – Nokhur – Kow-Ata – Ashgabat
- Breakfast at the Charlak Hotel, then depart toward Ashgabat.
- Stop in Balkanabat for lunch at a local restaurant.
- After lunch, continue to the mountain village of Nokhur, famous for its ancient traditions and stone-built homes. The people of Nokhur have preserved a unique mountain culture reminiscent of Afghanistan’s remote settlements — a fascinating glimpse into Turkmen heritage.
- After exploring Nokhur, visit the Kow-Ata Underground Lake, where you can swim in its warm, mineral-rich waters.
- Evening arrival in Ashgabat, dinner at a national restaurant.
- Overnight at Bagt Kosgi Hotel, Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ashgabat – Merv (Mary)
- After breakfast, drive to the ancient city of Merv (about 400 km, 5 hours).
- Lunch near the Merv ruins.
- Sightseeing at Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
- Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
- Erk Kala
- Gyaur Kala
- Kyz Kala (Small and Large)
- Askhab Mausoleums
- Evening arrival in Mary, dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight at Margush Hotel, Mary.
Day 5: Mary – Ashgabat (City Tour)
- After breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat (350 km, 5 hours) along the newly built modern highway — the best in Turkmenistan.
- Upon arrival, lunch followed by a city tour of Ashgabat:
- Nisa (UNESCO) — ruins of the first capital of the Parthian Empire
- Ashgabat Olympic City — a modern sports complex built for the 2017 Asian Games
- Neutrality Arch, Monument of Independence, and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Evening dinner at a restaurant.
- Overnight at Bagt Kosgi Hotel, Ashgabat.
Day 6: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Breakfast at the hotel, then free time until lunch.
- In the afternoon, visit:
- Tolkuchka (Altyn Asyr) Bazaar — Central Asia’s largest open-air market
- National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Turkmen Carpet Museum — showcasing the art and history of Turkmen carpets
- Modern shopping centers such as Berkarar or Ashgabat Mall
- After lunch, drive toward the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell.”
- Along the way, stop for photos of Karakum Desert landscapes, local villages, and camel herds.
- Arrival at the crater around 18:30–19:00, just in time to watch the sunset. Enjoy the glowing fire pit and take a camel ride around the desert, recreating the feeling of the ancient Silk Road.
- Dinner cooked on-site — grilled meat and tea under the stars.
- Overnight in yurts at Darvaza Yurt Camp.
Day 7: Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Khiva (Uzbekistan)
- Early wake-up to watch the sunrise over the burning crater.
- After breakfast, drive toward Dashoguz (about 6–7 hours).
- Lunch in Dashoguz, then visit Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
- Kutlug-Timur Minaret
- Turabek Khanum Mausoleum
- Najm al-Din al-Kubra Mausoleum
- Kyrk Molla Fortress and other historical monuments
- By 17:00, arrival at the Uzbekistan border near Khiva.
- Assistance with border crossing.
- End of the Tour.
- Thank you for traveling with Darvaza Tour!
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
Gozli Ata – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request