Introduction

Discover Turkmenistan in all its diversity: the gleaming modern city of Ashgabat, ancient cities, vast deserts, mountain canyons, and the Caspian Sea coast. In just 8 days, you will explore the country’s key historical and cultural landmarks, visit unique natural sites, and truly feel the spirit of the land. An overnight stay in a yurt near the fiery gas crater will leave you with unforgettable memories, while the guidance of an experienced tour guide ensures comfort and safety throughout the journey. This tour is ideal for travelers who value comfort, authentic experiences, and a rich, well-designed itinerary that reveals Turkmenistan in all its beauty and variety.

Tour Itinerary

Meeting at the border, start of the journey

In the morning, you need to arrive at the border by 09:00 for the crossing. On the Turkmen side, your guide will be waiting for you and will assist with all border procedures. The process usually takes about 1–2 hours, during which you will receive your visa (if it has not been obtained in advance).
After crossing the border, you will travel to Dashoguz, the northernmost city of Turkmenistan, where lunch will be served at a local restaurant offering traditional cuisine. After lunch, together with your guide, you will visit a market to purchase food for dinner near the burning gas crater; the dinner menu will be arranged according to your preferences.
After that, you will continue to Old Urgench (93 km, approximately 1.5 hours).
Visit to the Old Urgench Historical and Cultural Reserve:
Mausoleum of Kutlug Timur (11th–12th centuries)
Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum (14th century)
Mausoleum of Tekesh (13th century)
Mausoleum of Il-Arslan (12th century)
Atabek Caravanserai (13th century) and other historical monuments
After the экскурсия in Old Urgench, you will head into the Karakum Desert for an overnight stay near the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, which has been burning for more than half a century. Along the way, you will enjoy desert landscapes and may encounter camels and other desert wildlife. There will be stops during the drive to rest, and depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to buy fresh fruits and berries along the road for snacks.
Upon arrival, accommodation will be arranged in traditional Turkmen yurts. You will take a guided walk to the crater, where the guide will provide detailed information about the crater and its surroundings. A night in the desert, combined with a star-filled sky and a delicious campfire dinner, creates truly unforgettable memories.
Day’s driving distance:
Dashoguz – Old Urgench: 93 km (approx. 1.5 hours)
Old Urgench – Darvaza: 300 km (approx. 4–5 hours)

From the desert to the Pearl of the East, Ashgabat

In the morning, after breakfast, you will depart for the city shining in white — Ashgabat, which has entered the Guinness World Records as the city with the highest concentration of marble buildings in the world. Every avenue and every street here is an architectural masterpiece made of white marble.
Upon arrival in the city, check-in at the hotel to freshen up after the desert journey, followed by lunch at a restaurant specializing in traditional Turkmen cuisine.
After lunch, enjoy a short sightseeing tour that includes visits to:
Old Nisa
The Akhal-Teke horse stables
Afterwards, you will head to dinner and then return to the hotel for rest and preparation for the busy day ahead.
Day’s driving distance: 270 km (approximately 3.5–4 hours)

Ashgabat the Heart of White Marble

Let’s begin the journey by immersing ourselves in the grandeur of Turkmenistan’s capital. We will start with a visit to the National Museum, where you will learn about the country’s history, culture, and art. Then we will stroll through Independence Park, take vibrant photos at the Arch of Neutrality, and be impressed by the scale of the Ruhnama Monument. For lunch, we will stop at a cozy restaurant to taste traditional Turkmen dishes, enjoy the aromas of Eastern cuisine, and recharge for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon, we will continue with a visit to the local market known as the Russian Bazaar — a place where you can buy souvenirs or simply take photos while trying on traditional Turkmen attire.
We will conclude the sightseeing tour with a visit to the elegant Wedding Palace (ZAGS), a symbol of modern urban architecture, as well as the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel.
In the evening, we will enjoy a drive through Ashgabat by night, when the city sparkles with lights and its white marble seems to come alive in the soft evening glow.
Dinner at a restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere and a variety of delicious international dishes. Overnight at the hotel.

Western Turkmenistan History and Lunar Landscapes

Today we travel to the western part of Turkmenistan, where history, nature, and otherworldly landscapes come together to create a truly unique experience. Our first stop is Gokdepe, located just 40–45 km from Ashgabat. This small town is linked to one of the most tragic and heroic chapters in the history of the Turkmen people. Here, you will feel the power of historical memory, see important monuments, and learn stories that shaped the national spirit.
Next, we visit the Kow-Ata Underground Lake, a remarkable natural wonder. You will enjoy the calm atmosphere of this subterranean lake, admire unusual stalactites and stalagmites, and take stunning photos unlike any typical landscape. Swimming in the lake is also possible; the water is rich in minerals and hydrogen sulfide, and its temperature remains around 33°C year-round.
For lunch, we will stop at a local eatery near the lake, where you can enjoy delicious shashlik and regain energy before continuing the journey.
After lunch, we head to the Lunar Mountains of Turkmenistan — surreal landscapes whose shapes and colors truly resemble the surface of the Moon or a distant planet. Every step here feels like a small adventure: rocky formations, unusual earth tones, and a unique atmosphere create the feeling of traveling to another world. This location is perfect for walking, photography, and appreciating the scale and beauty of nature.
In the evening, we drive to Gyzyl-Arbat, where you can relax after a full day, enjoy dinner at a cozy hotel, and share impressions with your guide and fellow travelers. Overnight at a hotel in Gyzyl-Arbat offers comfort and peace before the next stage of the journey.
This day combines historical discoveries, natural wonders, and extraordinary landscapes, leaving you with lasting impressions and a deep sense of awe.
Day’s driving distances:
Ashgabat – Gokdepe: 50 km (about 1 hour)
Gokdepe – Kow-Ata: 42 km (about 40–45 minutes)
Kow-Ata – Gyzyl-Arbat: 90 km (about 1–1.5 hours)

Balkanabat, Yangykala Canyons, and an Overnight Stay in Yurts

Today the journey takes us to the city of Balkanabat. In the morning, we will visit a local market where you can buy fresh products for dinner and experience the colors of everyday life in the region — bright displays, the aroma of spices, and lively trading rows create a truly authentic atmosphere.
Next, we head to the Yangykala Canyons, one of the most astonishing natural wonders of Turkmenistan. Scientists believe that millions of years ago this area was the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean and later part of the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Gulf. As the waters retreated, they revealed unique layers of sedimentary rock, forming dramatic cliffs, unusual shapes, and breathtaking landscapes that seem to belong to another planet.
After exploring the canyons, we travel to the pilgrimage site of Gozli-Ata, known for its intriguing history and spiritual atmosphere. Here, travelers can feel a deep connection to the traditions and culture of the region.
In the evening, dinner will be prepared by the guide and driver — delicious, heartfelt, and served in a warm, authentic setting. An overnight stay in air-conditioned yurts offers comfortable rest under a star-filled sky and the true feeling of a journey through Turkmenistan.
This day combines active sightseeing, natural wonders, and a unique overnight experience, leaving vivid impressions and a strong sense of immersion in the country.
Day’s driving distances:
Gyzyl-Arbat – Balkanabat: 184 km (about 3 hours)
Balkanabat – Yangykala: 165 km (about 2–2.5 hours)

Kemal-Ata and the Caspian Sea Coast

The morning begins with a visit to the pilgrimage site of Kemal-Ata, which attracts pilgrims from all over the country. This is a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual atmosphere of Turkmenistan, observe traditions and rituals preserved for centuries, and take beautiful photos surrounded by historical monuments.
Next, we travel to the city of Turkmenbashi, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Here, we will enjoy a walk along the seafront, where the fresh sea breeze, the sound of waves, and endless horizons create a sense of freedom and tranquility.
For lunch, we stop at a restaurant with panoramic sea views, where you can enjoy fresh Turkmen and seafood dishes while relaxing and admiring the scenic surroundings.
After lunch, we drive to Gyzyl-Arbat, where an overnight stay at a hotel awaits in the evening. This is a comfortable way to end a full day, allowing you to rest and prepare for the next adventures of the tour.
Day’s driving distances:
Yangykala – Turkmenbashi: 160 km (about 2–2.5 hours)
Turkmenbashi – Gyzyl-Arbat: 356 km (about 4 hours)

Nokhur — A Mountain Immersion into Traditions and Nature

Today we travel to Nokhur, a small settlement hidden among the Kopetdag Mountains, located about 120–130 km from Ashgabat. This region is famous for its picturesque flora, rich fauna, and the unique traditions of local residents who have preserved their way of life for centuries.
In Nokhur, visitors will explore local landmarks, including ancient cemeteries and colorful village streets, offering insight into the everyday life and culture of the community. A walk along mountain trails allows you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature, take stunning photographs, and truly feel the atmosphere of an authentic mountain village.
After a full day of exploration, we continue to Mary, where an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel awaits, along with dinner and time to discuss the day’s impressions with the guide. This day combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and light activity, creating unforgettable memories of Turkmenistan’s mountain regions.

Ancient Merv — Treasures of the Great Silk Road

Today we travel to ancient Merv, one of the largest cities of Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Merv was an important stop along the Great Silk Road and still preserves the mysteries of the ancient East. During the excursion, you will see historic monuments, the ruins of palaces and mosques, ancient city walls, and mausoleums that allow you to feel the grandeur of civilizations that existed here thousands of years ago.
After a rich morning program, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Turkmen cuisine and regain energy before continuing the journey.
In the afternoon, we travel to the Farap border crossing with Uzbekistan, where the tour concludes with the border crossing. Your guide will also assist you with all border procedures.

Price Includes:

All transfers: for 1–3 people by sedan-type vehicle, for 4–5 people by minivan;
Accommodation in double rooms, breakfast included;
Russian-speaking guide / guide-driver throughout Turkmenistan;
Sightseeing program along the entire route;
Entrance tickets to attractions according to the itinerary;
All necessary equipment for overnight camping near the Darvaza Gas Crater (sleeping bags, mats, pillows, dining table, chairs), including a camp-style dinner and breakfast;
Visa support for a Turkmenistan tourist visa (USD 90);
Personal travel insurance covering accidental incidents.

Not included:

Full board (lunches and dinners);
Hotel fees for additional services;
Consular fees for the Turkmenistan tourist visa and migration tax (USD 155);
Border taxes in the amount of USD 50;
Tips are not included but would be appreciated: USD 10 per person for each guide and driver separately.

8 Day Comprehensive Tour of Turkmenistan