Introduction
This 5 day Turkmenistan tour begins in Ashgabat, the white-marble capital listed in the Guinness World Records, before heading deep into the Karakum desert to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater for dinner, storytelling, and a yurt overnight. Continue west to the stunning Yangikala canyons, famous for breathtaking sunsets, and relax by the Caspian Sea in Turkmenbashi. Swim in the warm therapeutic waters of Kow Ata underground lake, explore the ancient Nokhur mountain village linked to Alexander the Great, visit UNESCO-listed Merv, and finish at the Farab border.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat – Darvaza
- Arrive in Ashgabat and meet your guide
- City exploration and lunch in Ashgabat
- Journey to Darvaza Gas Crater (260 km) – “Door to Hell”
- Arrival at the famous burning crater
- Dinner at nearby yurt camp (kebabs: beef, chicken, or vegetarian options)
- Evening at the spectacular burning crater with guided storytelling
- Overnight in traditional yurts or tents at Darvaza
Day 2: Darvaza – Yangykala – Turkmenbashi
- Breakfast and departure from Darvaza
- En route visit to the Water Crater
- Journey to Yangykala Canyon for stunning desert landscape views
- Continue drive to Turkmenbashi (coastal city on Caspian Sea)
- Hotel check-in and dinner
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi
Day 3: Turkmenbashi – Kow-Ata – Nokhur – Ashgabat
- Morning sightseeing in Turkmenbashi (Caspian Sea coast, local attractions)
- Drive towards Ashgabat with fascinating stops
- Visit Kow-Ata underground lake for unique swimming experience
- Explore traditional Nokhur village in the mountains
- Arrival in Ashgabat, hotel check-in
- Traditional dinner and overnight in Ashgabat
Day 4: Ashgabat Full City Tour
- Complete day exploring this unique city with Guinness World Record for most white marble buildings
- Visit the National Museum, Carpet Museum, monuments and independence park
- Explore ancient Nisa ruins (first Parthian capital) and Anau archaeological site
- Visit Akhal-Teke horse farm (famous Turkmen horses)
- Shopping at local Tolkuchka bazaar
- Meals and overnight in Ashgabat
Day 5: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Farap Border
- Early departure to Mary and ancient Merv (400 km)
- Explore legendary Silk Road city of Merv
- Visit Gyz-Gala, Askhabi mausoleums, Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala castles
- Tour Sultan Sanjar mausoleum and other historical monuments
- Drive to Farap border crossing
- Tour ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border
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