Introduction

Experience the best of Turkmenistan on this 7 day Turkmenistan tour, traveling only in comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicles no large buses, as they are inconvenient in desert conditions! During this week-long adventure, you’ll explore the country’s ancient traditions, warm hospitality, and breathtaking natural contrasts from the burning Darvaza Gas Crater and vast Karakum Desert to the emerald Caspian Sea, marble canyons, and thermal caves. Taste authentic Turkmen cuisine from shashlik grilled over saxaul wood at the Gates of Hell to fine dining in Ashgabat’s best restaurants. Visit UNESCO sites like Parthian Nisa and Merv, ride the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, swim in the Kow-Ata underground lake, and capture unreal photos at Yangikala Canyon. This 7 day Turkmenistan tour combines nature, culture, and adventur a journey through the true Land of Fire!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Shavat / Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza

Meeting point: 09:00 AM at Shavat/Dashoguz border.
To start comfortably, you have two options:
Arrive in Urgench on the same day, preferably before 07:00.
Arrive a day earlier if you prefer to rest before the journey. (We’ll recommend good hotels on request.)
Step-by-step plan:
After the group gathers and clears the border formalities, your 7-day adventure begins!
11:30 – Lunch in a national restaurant
First taste of Turkmen cuisine traditional plov, manty, and tea with sweets.
13:00 – Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO site)
Explore the medieval capital of Khorezm with its incredible monuments:
Kutlug-Timur Minaret (60 m) – one of Central Asia’s tallest
Turabek-Khanym Mausoleum – a gem of medieval architecture
Il-Arslan Mausoleum – resting place of a 12th-century ruler
15:30 – Drive to the Gates of Hell (300 km)
Scenic drive across the changing landscapes of the Karakum Desert in 4WD comfort.
19:30 – Arrival in Darvaza, yurt camp check-in
Stay in traditional yurts under the desert stars — a nomadic experience!
20:30 – Dinner by the fire
Shashlik grilled on saxaul wood, fresh tandoor bread, and local sweets.
22:00 – Visit the crater at night
An unforgettable sight — a burning pit of fire over 70 meters wide, glowing for over 50 years.
Overnight: Traditional yurts (bedding, blankets, pillows provided).
Day highlights:
Group meeting at Shavat/Dashoguz
Lunch in a local restaurant
Dinner by the fire under the stars
Overnight in yurts in the desert

Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat

05:00 – Sunrise at the crater
Breathtaking sunrise over the fiery crater — the highlight of the tour!
07:00 – Breakfast in the desert
Tea from a samovar, fresh bread, cheese, and jams.
08:00 – Drive to Ashgabat (350 km)
Crossing from desert to oasis landscapes with photo stops along the way.
12:00 – Check-in at 3★ hotel in Ashgabat
Rest after the desert experience.
13:00 – Lunch at a city restaurant
14:30 – Ancient Nisa (UNESCO)
Explore the ruins of the Parthian Empire — palaces, walls, and ancient treasures.
16:00 – National Museum of History
See Parthian gold, ivory rhytons, royal jewelry, and Silk Road artifacts.
18:00 – Gypjak Mosque (Turkmenbashi Mausoleum)
The largest mosque in Central Asia, made of white marble and gold domes.
19:00 – Optional: Mollanepes National Drama Theatre
19:30 – Dinner at a national restaurant
Enjoy authentic Turkmen dishes and a relaxing evening walk in the city.
Highlights:
Sunrise at Darvaza
Nisa ruins & National Museum
Gypjak Mosque visit
Hotel stay in central Ashgabat

Day 3: Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyon

07:00 – Breakfast and departure to the Caspian Sea
10:00 – Stop in Arkadag City
A modern architectural marvel — futuristic design, perfect roads, and parks.
13:00 – Lunch en route
17:00 – Yangikala Canyon (Golden Hour)
Mars-like landscapes with red and yellow cliffs glowing in the sunset. A photographer’s dream!
19:00 – Drive to Turkmenbashi (Caspian coast)
Transition from desert to sea.
20:00 – Dinner by the sea
Try Caspian fish and Turkmen-style sturgeon with ocean views.
22:00 – Hotel check-in on the Caspian shore
Highlights:
Arkadag city stop
Yangikala Canyon photo session
Dinner by the sea
Overnight at Caspian coast hotel

Day 4: Caspian Sea – Kow-Ata – Ashgabat

08:00 – Breakfast with sea view
Enjoy a peaceful morning by the Caspian Sea.
09:00 – Awaza Resort
Walk along the beautiful promenade lined with luxury hotels and parks.
11:00 – Drive through the Kopetdag mountains
Scenic mountain drive with photo stops.
15:00 – Nokhur Mountain Village
Discover ancient petroglyphs (3,000 years old), traditional homes, mosques, weaving workshops, and mountain springs.
17:00 – Kow-Ata Underground Lake
Swim in the 40°C thermal lake inside a vast cave! The mineral-rich waters have healing properties.
20:00 – Return to Ashgabat
21:00 – Dinner at a national restaurant
22:30 – Overnight at 3★ hotel in Ashgabat
Highlights:
Sea-view breakfast
Awaza resort walk
Nokhur mountain village
Thermal bath in Kow-Ata
Return to Ashgabat

Day 5: Ancient Merv – Ashgabat

06:00 – Early breakfast
07:00 – Drive to Mary / Merv (UNESCO)
Visit one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road.
10:30 – Merv site exploration
Guided by an archaeologist:
Erk-Kala fortress (3rd century BC)
Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (12th century)
Kyz-Kala fortresses
13:00 – Lunch in Mary
15:00 – Drive back to Ashgabat
19:00 – Dinner at a city restaurant
22:00 – Overnight at 3* hotel
Highlights:
Explore UNESCO-listed Merv
Guided archaeological tour
Lunch in Mary
Return to Ashgabat

Day 6: Free Day in Ashgabat

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 – Horseback riding (1 hour)
Ride the legendary Akhal-Teke horses — graceful and ancient symbols of Turkmenistan.
10:30 – Group voting in minibus: choose the day’s route
Options include:
Berkarar Mall + Tolkuchka Bazaar
Independence Park + Neutrality Monument
Carpet Museum + Jewelry Center
City viewpoints & modern areas
11:30 – Visits according to the group’s choice
13:00 – Lunch (restaurant chosen by travelers)
15:00 – Continue activities or shopping
18:00 – Free time
20:00 – Dinner with panoramic city view
Enjoy Ashgabat glowing in golden light.
Highlights:
Akhal-Teke horse riding
Group-voted sightseeing
Free time for shopping
Dinner with city panorama

Day 7: Ashgabat – Chuli – Airport Transfer

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
10:00 – Drive to Chuli village (70 km)
Scenic mountain road through Kopetdag with photo stops.
11:30 – Short hike in Kopetdag mountains
Breathtaking views, fresh air, and ancient rock carvings.
13:00 – Lunch at a mountain restaurant
Enjoy lamb kebabs, mountain pilaf, herbs, and aromatic tea.
15:00 – Free time for final photos and souvenirs
16:00 – Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport
Highlights:
Mountain hike
Lunch in Chuli
Airport transfer for flight to Moscow

Accommodation:

Comfort level: Good
Types: 3*–4* hotels, 1 night in desert yurts
Hotels: Yupek Yoly 4*, Bagt Kosgi 3*
Room options: Single, Double, Triple

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

Difficulty level:

Suitable for all fitness levels. Comfortable drives, short walks (1–2 hours).
Perfect for families with children (6+) and travelers up to 75 years old.

7 Day Tour: Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Yangikala – Turkmenbashi – Kow-Ata – Nokhur – Merv – Chuli – Ashgabat Airport