Introduction
This 7 Day Turkmenistan Tour offers a balanced family-friendly journey through the country’s greatest highlights. Start with the stunning Yangikala canyons and relax by the Caspian Sea in Turkmenbashi before visiting Kow Ata underground lake and the legendary Nokhur mountain village. Spend a magical night at the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater in traditional yurts, then explore the marble capital Ashgabat with its museums, monuments, and bazaars. Continue east to UNESCO-listed Merv near Mary, where travelers can taste fresh Tamdyr-baked Turkmen samsa, before returning to Ashgabat for departure.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – Yangikala – Turkmenbashi
- Early morning arrival at Ashgabat International Airport and transfer
- Drive to Turkmenbashi and continue to Yangikala Canyons (approximately 2 hours drive)
- Explore the spectacular Yangikala Canyons, also known as the Grand Canyon of Central Asia
- Return to Turkmenbashi (approximately 2 hours drive)
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi
Day 2: Turkmenbashi – Kov-Ata – Nokhur – Ashgabat
- Visit Kov-Ata underground lake, a unique thermal lake in a cave
- Explore Nokhur village in the Kopet Dag mountains
- Return to Ashgabat
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Morning free time in Ashgabat
- Around noon, depart for the famous Darvaza Gas Crater (271 km, approximately 4.5 hours drive)
- Arrival at the Door to Hell before sunset
- Traditional dinner at yurt camp
- Experience the burning crater at night
- Overnight at Darvaza in traditional yurts
Day 4: Darvaza – Ashgabat
- Breakfast at Darvaza
- Drive back to Ashgabat (approximately 5 hours)
- Hotel check-in upon arrival
- Free time in Ashgabat
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 5: Ashgabat – Merv
- Drive to ancient Merv via Mary city (388 km, 4 hours on excellent highway)
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage site of Merv including:
- Gyz-Gala fortress
- Askhabi mausoleums
- Ancient castles of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala
- Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
- Overnight in Mary city
Day 6: Mary – Ashgabat City Tour
- Return to Ashgabat (4 hours drive)
- Comprehensive Ashgabat city tour including:
- National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Carpet Museum
- Independence Monument
- Neutrality Monument
- Ruins of Nisa UNESCO World Heritage site
- Local bazaar
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 7: Departure
- Early morning transfer to Ashgabat International Airport
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 – 3 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: Mary Hotel / Merv Hotel
Comfort: Margush Hotel