Introduction
This 8 days tour Turkmenistan showcases the country’s most iconic highlights, from desert craters to Silk Road cities and Caspian shores. Begin in Ashgabat with its marble avenues and museums before visiting the thermal lake of Kow Ata, the traditional village of Nokhur, and the spectacular Yangikala canyons. Relax at the Caspian coast in Turkmenbashi, explore the ancient ruins of Merv, and marvel at the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater. Conclude your journey at the medieval treasures of Kunya Urgench before exiting to Uzbekistan via Shavat.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Ashgabat
- Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
- Meet & greet with our professional guide
- Transfer to hotel in the city center
- Welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine
- Overnight at 4-star hotel in Ashgabat
Day 2 – Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyons
- Morning visit to Akhal-Teke horse farm to see the “golden horses” of Turkmenistan
- Explore Kow-Ata Underground Lake – a natural wonder with warm sulfur waters
- Drive to the spectacular Yangikala Canyons (3 hours)
- Set up camp and enjoy sunset over the colorful canyon formations
- Traditional campfire dinner under the stars
- Overnight camping at Yangikala Canyons
Day 3 – Yangikala – Turkmenbashi/Awaza
- Early morning photography session at the canyons
- Drive to Turkmenbashi port city on the Caspian Sea
- City tour including local bazaar and port facilities
- Continue to Awaza National Tourist Zone
- Check-in at luxury resort hotel
- Relax on the Caspian Sea beaches
- Overnight at Awaza resort
Day 4 – Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat
- Morning at leisure at the resort
- Drive back to Ashgabat with stops in:
- Balkanabat (former Nebit-Dag) – oil industry center
- Nokhur mountain village – traditional Turkmen village in the Kopet Dag mountains
- Return to Ashgabat in the evening
- Overnight at hotel in Ashgabat
Day 5 – Ashgabat – Ancient Merv (Mary)
- Early morning flight or drive to Mary (4 hours by road)
- Full day exploration of Ancient Merv UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the ruins of Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Great and Little Kyz Kala fortresses
- Learn about the Silk Road history at this ancient oasis city
- Overnight at hotel in Mary
Day 6 – Mary – Ashgabat
- Return journey to the capital
- Comprehensive Ashgabat city tour including:
- Independence Park and Monument
- National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Neutrality Arch
- Modern white marble buildings
- Local carpet weaving center
- Farewell dinner with traditional folklore show
- Overnight at hotel in Ashgabat
Day 7 – Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Morning free time for shopping at local markets
- Afternoon departure to the Karakum Desert
- Arrive at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater – “Gates of Hell”
- Witness the spectacular natural gas fire that has been burning since 1971
- Traditional desert camping experience
- Dinner around the campfire with views of the crater
- Overnight camping in the desert
Day 8 – Darvaza – Uzbekistan Border (Khiva)
- Early morning final views of the gas crater
- Drive north towards the Uzbekistan border
- Optional stop at Kunya-Urgench – medieval ruins and mausoleums
- Arrival at the border crossing point
- Tour ends with transfer to Uzbek border for onward journey to Khiva
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 – 2 nights
Standart: Beyik Yupek yoly / Nebitchi
Comfort: Carlak Hotel
Mary – 1 nights
Standart: Mary Hotel / Merv Hotel
Comfort: Margush Hotel