Tour Overview
An 8-day Turkmenistan tour from Ashgabat is the perfect opportunity to experience the country's remarkable landscapes, ancient Silk Road heritage and unique cultural traditions in one unforgettable journey.
Begin in the white-marble capital before boarding an overnight train to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea. Explore the spectacular red and pink formations of Yangykala Canyon, discover traditional mountain life in Nokhur village and visit the naturally warm underground lake of Kow Ata. Continue east to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its extraordinary archaeological monuments and Silk Road history. Your adventure reaches another highlight with an overnight stay in a traditional desert yurt near the famous Darvaza Gas Crater.
Travel with experienced local guides, comfortable private transportation and carefully arranged accommodation. Starting and finishing at Ashgabat International Airport, this eight-day itinerary offers an exceptional introduction to Turkmenistan's history, natural beauty and hospitality.
8-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport & Hotel Transfer
✈️ Welcome to Turkmenistan
Your eight-day journey begins upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), the main international gateway to Turkmenistan.
After landing, complete the required passport control, customs and immigration formalities before meeting your local Darvaza Tour representative.
🛂 Airport Meet & Greet
Your professional guide or driver will welcome you outside the arrivals area and assist with your luggage.
Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Ashgabat.
During the journey, receive a brief introduction to the capital and the exciting destinations you will explore over the coming days.
🏨 Hotel Check-in & Rest
Upon arrival at your hotel, complete the check-in procedure and settle into your accommodation.
The programme will be coordinated with your international flight schedule to ensure a comfortable arrival.
If your flight arrives late at night, you will be transferred directly to the hotel for rest. Early check-in, when required, can be arranged in advance according to hotel availability.
🌙 Evening at Leisure
Relax after your international journey and prepare for the following day's sightseeing and overnight train adventure.
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat City Tour → Overnight Train to Turkmenbashi
🍽️ Breakfast & Morning Departure
Begin your first full day in Turkmenistan with breakfast at your hotel.
After checking out, meet your experienced local guide for a fascinating introduction to Ashgabat, a city celebrated for its extraordinary white-marble architecture and striking urban landscapes.
🏛️ Ashgabat — The White Marble Capital
Explore the broad avenues, beautifully landscaped squares and monumental landmarks that make Turkmenistan's capital so distinctive.
Your sightseeing programme will be personalized according to your interests, available time and your guide's recommendations.
Possible highlights include:
Independence Monument: Admire one of the most recognisable symbols of modern Turkmenistan, surrounded by landscaped gardens and ceremonial spaces.
Neutrality Monument: Discover an important architectural landmark associated with Turkmenistan's internationally recognised policy of permanent neutrality.
Ertogrul Gazi Mosque: Visit a beautiful mosque inspired by classical Ottoman architecture.
Local Markets & Cultural Attractions: Experience a more traditional side of the capital while exploring local products, handicrafts and everyday life.
Your guide will introduce the history and cultural meaning behind the city's distinctive monuments.
🍽️ Lunch in Ashgabat
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Turkmen or Central Asian cuisine.
🏛️ Afternoon Sightseeing
Continue exploring selected city landmarks, stopping for photographs and discovering more about Ashgabat's modern development.
The programme remains flexible, allowing you to enjoy the city without unnecessary rushing.
🥪 Early Evening Meal & Train Preparation
As the evening approaches, prepare for the overnight railway journey toward the Caspian Sea.
Because the train is scheduled to depart in the early evening, your guide will help you purchase freshly prepared takeaway food, fruit, drinks and snacks for the journey.
🚆 Overnight Sleeper Train to Turkmenbashi
Transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station and board the overnight sleeper train travelling west toward Turkmenbashi.
The planned departure is approximately 17:50, subject to the official railway timetable and ticket availability.
Travel in a four-berth sleeper compartment equipped with sleeping berths and bedding.
For couples or individual travellers, a private compartment may be arranged when availability and the confirmed package permit.
Enjoy the unique experience of crossing Turkmenistan by rail as the train travels through the night toward the Caspian coast.
🌃 Overnight: Sleeper train from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi.
Day 3 — Turkmenbashi → Caspian Sea → Yangykala Canyon → Balkan Region
🚆 08:05 AM — Arrival in Turkmenbashi
Arrive at Turkmenbashi Railway Station in the morning and meet your private driver.
Today you will discover a completely different side of Turkmenistan, where the Caspian coastline gives way to remote desert plateaus and extraordinary colourful rock formations.
🌊 Turkmenbashi & Caspian Coast Discovery
Begin with a guided orientation drive through Turkmenbashi, the country's important Caspian port city.
Discover its maritime heritage, historical buildings and architectural reminders of earlier periods.
Stop to admire the distinctive nineteenth-century railway station, known for its elegant design and historical character.
Enjoy scenic viewpoints along the Caspian coast and photograph the surrounding seaside landscapes.
Optional Awaza Resort Visit: If access and timing allow, a visit to the modern Awaza coastal resort area can be arranged upon request.
🍽️ Lunch in Turkmenbashi
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before setting off toward Yangykala.
Depending on the available menu, try freshly prepared fish dishes or traditional Turkmen cuisine.
🚙 Scenic Drive toward Yangykala Canyon
Leave the Caspian coast and travel east through the vast landscapes of western Turkmenistan.
The journey to the canyon area covers approximately 160 kilometres and normally takes around three hours, depending on road conditions and the selected route.
The scenery gradually changes from coastal plains to an extraordinary desert environment dominated by limestone cliffs and colourful geological layers.
Certain sections of the approach involve rough and unpaved roads.
🏜️ Explore Yangykala Canyon
Arrive at Yangykala Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in Turkmenistan.
The canyon is famous for its dramatic formations in shades of red, pink, orange, cream and white.
Over millions of years, geological processes shaped these impressive cliffs, which preserve traces of the region's ancient marine environment.
Walk with your guide to suitable viewpoints and admire the extraordinary scale of the canyon.
Enjoy photography opportunities across the desert plateau, where changing sunlight brings out different colours in the rock formations.
🌅 Sunset Views at Yangykala
When the day's schedule and road conditions permit, remain at the canyon to experience the remarkable evening light.
As the sun moves toward the horizon, the colourful rock layers create a memorable landscape for photography.
🍽️ Dinner in the Canyon Region
Depending on the season, weather and travel schedule, enjoy a packed picnic meal in a scenic location or dinner at a restaurant near your overnight destination.
🚗 Transfer to the Balkan Region
After visiting the canyon, continue toward Balkanabat or another suitable hotel location in the Balkan Region.
The journey from the canyon area to the nearest accommodation hub may take approximately 2–2.5 hours.
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Balkanabat or the surrounding Balkan Region.
Day 4 — Balkan Region → Nokhur Mountain Village → Kow Ata Underground Lake → Ashgabat
🍽️ 08:30 AM — Breakfast & Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, begin the journey east toward the Kopetdag Mountains.
Today's adventure offers a beautiful contrast to the previous day's desert scenery, combining traditional mountain culture with one of Turkmenistan's most unusual underground attractions.
🚗 Drive along the Kopetdag Foothills
Follow the highway across the Balkan Region, with impressive views of the mountain range stretching along southern Turkmenistan.
Admire the changing landscapes as you approach the road leading into Nokhur village.
🏔️ Explore Nokhur Mountain Village
Travel along scenic mountain roads toward Nokhur, a traditional settlement known for its distinctive heritage and cultural identity.
Surrounded by rugged mountain scenery, Nokhur offers visitors an opportunity to discover rural Turkmen traditions away from the country's major cities.
Explore the village with your guide and learn about the customs preserved by generations of local residents.
Nokhur Cemetery: Visit the remarkable local cemetery, where many graves are decorated with the horns of mountain goats.
Your guide will explain the cultural traditions associated with this distinctive local practice.
Village Life & Handicrafts: Learn about traditional village lifestyles, local crafts and regional customs while enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
🍽️ Traditional Lunch in Nokhur
Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family or at a suitable village restaurant, depending on the arrangements.
Discover authentic regional dishes and experience Turkmen hospitality in a traditional mountain setting.
Please note that mountain roads can be steep and winding. Visits depend on suitable weather and road conditions.
♨️ Kow Ata Underground Lake
Continue toward the famous Kow Ata Underground Lake, situated inside the Bakharden limestone cave.
Descend by a series of steps into a remarkable underground environment containing naturally warm, mineral-rich water.
The lake is known for its temperature of approximately 35°C, creating a distinctive atmosphere inside the cave.
If swimming is permitted and local conditions are suitable, you may enjoy a relaxing swim in the thermal waters.
Swimming is optional, and visitors should be comfortable negotiating the cave stairs.
🚗 Return Journey to Ashgabat
After the cave visit, continue toward Ashgabat, approximately 100 kilometres away.
Enjoy the final mountain scenery before returning to the modern capital.
🍽️ Dinner in Ashgabat
Spend the evening enjoying dinner at a local restaurant and relaxing after an exciting day exploring traditional village life and natural attractions.
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat → Ancient Merv (UNESCO) → Ashgabat
🍽️ 07:30 AM — Departure from Ashgabat
Following breakfast, depart for an unforgettable full-day excursion to Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's most important historical sites.
Travel east along the Ashgabat–Mary motorway, approximately 360 kilometres, with an estimated driving time of around 3.5–4 hours each way under suitable road conditions.
Watch the landscape change as you approach the historic Merv oasis.
🍽️ Traditional Lunch in the Mary Region
Stop at a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly and enjoy a traditional meal before or after the archaeological visit, depending on the timing.
🏛️ Discover Ancient Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the remarkable archaeological remains of Ancient Merv, once a major political, commercial and intellectual centre along the Great Silk Road.
The historical complex contains the remains of settlements belonging to different periods, providing extraordinary insight into the civilizations that flourished in this important oasis.
Your private guided tour includes the following principal monuments:
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Admire the monumental twelfth-century mausoleum associated with Sultan Ahmad Sanjar, one of the most powerful rulers of the Seljuk Empire.
Its impressive dome and magnificent brickwork demonstrate the architectural sophistication of medieval Merv.
Greater & Lesser Kyz Kala
Discover two remarkable historic mud-brick structures, famous for their deeply corrugated exterior walls.
These impressive remains are among the most recognisable features of the Ancient Merv archaeological landscape.
Askhabs Mausoleums
Visit the historic religious complex traditionally associated with companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Learn about the site's importance as a place of pilgrimage and cultural memory.
Ancient Sardoba & Hammam
Explore remnants of medieval water-storage facilities and bathing structures that illustrate how residents managed water and daily life in the oasis.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala
Discover the surviving fortifications of important ancient settlements, revealing the remarkable scale and historical development of the Merv complex.
Enjoy selected viewpoints across the archaeological landscape.
Depending on the available time and access conditions, additional minor historical sites may be included.
🚗 Return to Ashgabat
After completing the archaeological tour, begin the return journey west along the motorway toward Ashgabat.
Enjoy views of the surrounding desert and countryside as the day comes to an end.
🌙 Evening Arrival & Rest
Arrive in the capital in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
Relax after a rewarding day discovering the extraordinary Silk Road heritage of Turkmenistan.
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 6 — Ashgabat → Water & Mud Craters → Darvaza Gas Crater
🍽️ Breakfast & Morning in Ashgabat
Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel.
The morning provides additional time to explore the capital before embarking on one of the most memorable adventures of your Turkmenistan journey.
🏛️ Flexible Ashgabat City Discovery
Enjoy a private sightseeing programme adapted to your interests and available time.
Your guide can arrange visits to selected monuments, local bazaars or cultural landmarks you have not yet explored.
This is also an excellent opportunity to purchase traditional souvenirs and snacks for the desert expedition.
🍽️ Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Before leaving Ashgabat, enjoy a traditional lunch and prepare for the drive into the Karakum Desert.
🚙 Journey into the Karakum Desert
Depart Ashgabat and travel north toward Darvaza Gas Crater, approximately 270 kilometres from the capital.
The drive generally takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on road conditions and planned stops.
As you travel farther from the city, the scenery changes into the expansive open landscapes of the Karakum Desert.
Certain road sections are rough and uneven, so expect some bumpy driving during this desert expedition.
💧 Water Crater & Mud Crater
Make short stops at the unusual Water and Mud Craters, two geological attractions along the Darvaza route.
Observe their distinctive appearance and enjoy opportunities to photograph these lesser-known features of the Karakum Desert.
🔥 Darvaza Gas Crater — Door to Hell
Arrive at the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, one of Turkmenistan's most famous tourist attractions.
Located in the heart of the Karakum Desert, the crater is internationally known for its unusual industrial history and burning natural gas.
Explore the designated viewing areas and photograph the surrounding desert scenery.
The atmosphere becomes particularly memorable after sunset, when visible flames and glowing sections of the crater stand out against the dark landscape. Flame intensity can vary.
🍢 Traditional Desert BBQ Dinner
Continue to the nearby campsite, where your local team will prepare a traditional open-air barbecue dinner.
Enjoy freshly prepared food and the peaceful atmosphere of the desert.
🌌 Night Photography & Desert Experience
After dinner, spend time enjoying the night landscape.
Take memorable photographs of the crater, admire the desert sky and experience a night far from the lights and noise of the city.
⛺ Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt or comfortable tent campsite near Darvaza Gas Crater.
Day 7 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Karakum Desert → Ashgabat
🌅 Optional Sunrise Visit to Darvaza
Early risers may enjoy one final visit to a designated crater viewpoint before sunrise.
Experience the quiet atmosphere of the Karakum Desert in the soft morning light and capture additional photographs before leaving the campsite.
🍽️ Breakfast at the Desert Camp
Return to the campsite for a freshly prepared breakfast.
After breakfast, pack your belongings and prepare for the return journey to Ashgabat.
🚙 Drive Back to Ashgabat
Travel approximately 270 kilometres south through the Karakum Desert toward the capital.
The journey typically takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on the road surface, weather and traffic conditions.
Enjoy the vast desert scenery along the way as you complete the adventurous portion of your eight-day tour.
🍽️ Lunch in Ashgabat
Upon arrival in the capital, stop at a local restaurant for a well-deserved lunch and refreshments.
🏛️ Afternoon Ashgabat Sightseeing
Spend the afternoon discovering additional city attractions that may not have been included earlier in the itinerary.
Depending on your preferences, visit selected monuments, museums, cultural sites or local bazaars.
Your guide will personalize the programme to your interests, providing time for photography, shopping and cultural experiences.
🛍️ Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
If desired, explore local handicrafts and traditional products, including textiles and souvenirs to remember your journey through Turkmenistan.
🏨 Hotel Check-in & Relaxation
Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing final evening in Ashgabat.
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 8 — Ashgabat → Ashgabat International Airport Departure
🍽️ Breakfast & Hotel Check-out
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, depending on your international departure time.
After breakfast, prepare your luggage and complete hotel check-out.
🚗 Private Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport
At the arranged time, your driver will meet you at the hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
Your transfer will be scheduled according to your confirmed international flight, allowing appropriate time for airport check-in and departure procedures.
✈️ Departure from Turkmenistan
After eight unforgettable days, your journey through Turkmenistan comes to an end.
From the white-marble architecture of Ashgabat and the remarkable ancient ruins of Merv to the colourful landscapes of Yangykala Canyon and the atmospheric Darvaza Gas Crater, your adventure has showcased some of the country's most memorable destinations.
Thank you for choosing Darvaza Tour. We hope you leave Turkmenistan with wonderful memories, unforgettable photographs and a deeper appreciation of its history, landscapes and hospitality.
End of Tour Services — Thank you for travelling with Darvaza Tour!
8-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,154
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Price includes:
- Visa support and registration: assistance with the e-visa application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- E-visa fee: the electronic visa fee is included in the tour price.
- Hotel accommodation: one night in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Ashgabat with breakfast, based on twin-room sharing according to guests’ gender unless another room arrangement is agreed.
- Darvaza accommodation: one night in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen and access to shower facilities.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the land itinerary.
- Transfers: pick-up on the Turkmenistan side of the Shavat border, intercity road transfers, sightseeing transfers and the confirmed final transfer to Haudan border or Ashgabat International Airport.
- Meals: breakfasts, plus dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided city tours and entrance fees for museums and sites included in the agreed programme.
- Medical insurance: coverage up to USD 64,000 per guest, subject to the policy terms.
- Driver and guide costs: fuel, meals, accommodation and other route-related expenses for the driver and guide.
- Taxes and organisation: applicable taxes, road fees and organisational costs for the included services.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to border processing, road conditions, local access, flight timing and the time available.
- Mobile internet: access to the guide’s portable Wi-Fi router where mobile network coverage is available, supporting up to 10 connected devices at a time.
- Happ VPN: the guide will provide an access key after arrival in Turkmenistan.
Price doesn't include:
- Meals not expressly listed as included. Allow approximately USD 3–8 per person per meal as an indicative budget; actual restaurant prices vary.
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, laundry, minibar purchases, additional hotel services and other personal purchases.
- Tips for guides and drivers, which are optional and appreciated.
- Onward transport and services after crossing into Iran, unless separately agreed.
- International flights departing from Ashgabat, unless specifically stated in the quotation.
Accommodation
Darvaza — 1 night
Traditional Turkmen Yurt Camp
One night near the Darvaza Gas Crater. The stay includes bedding, dinner, breakfast and access to camp washing/shower facilities. Accommodation in the desert is simpler than a city hotel and is designed as part of the Karakum experience.
Overnight Train — 1 night
Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi Sleeper Train
Travel overnight from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi, a coastal city on the Caspian Sea, in a comfortable 4-berth sleeper compartment.
Even for solo travellers or couples, Darvaza Tour will arrange a full 4-berth compartment exclusively for your booking whenever availability allows, providing additional privacy, comfort and personal space throughout the journey.
The sleeper compartment is designed for overnight travel and includes comfortable sleeping berths, clean bedding and pillows, allowing you to relax and enjoy a restful night while travelling across the landscapes of western Turkmenistan.
The overnight train offers a practical and authentic way to experience Turkmenistan's railway system while travelling from the capital to the Caspian coast.
The exact train departure and arrival times, compartment arrangements and carriage allocation will be reconfirmed before travel according to the official railway schedule and ticket availability.
Balkan Region — 1 Night
Hotel accommodation in Balkanabat or another suitable location in the Balkan Region, selected according to the confirmed route and availability.
Ashgabat — 4 night
Ak Altyn Hotel 4*
Accommodation in Ashgabat is planned at Ak Altyn Hotel, a centrally located hotel with convenient access to the main sightseeing areas, restaurants and major city attractions.
The hotel is officially classified as a 4-star property, although it is an older-established hotel with a more traditional interior style compared with newer luxury hotels in Ashgabat. We use Ak Altyn because of its practical location, reliable service and easy access to the main places included in the city sightseeing programme.
Breakfast is included. Twin, double or single room arrangements can be provided according to the confirmed booking.
