9-Day Itinerary
This 9-day journey offers one of the most comprehensive ways to experience Turkmenistan, combining remote natural landscapes, ancient Silk Road history, traditional culture and the country’s most famous landmarks. Travel from Ashgabat to Yangykala Canyon, cross the country to the Koytendag Mountains and dinosaur footprints, explore Ancient Merv, and finish with an unforgettable night at the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Ashgabat → Ashgabat
Ashgabat → Kow-Ata → Nohur → Yangykala → Balkanabat → Kerki → Gaynarbaba → Koytendag → Turkmenabat → Merv → Mary → Ashgabat → Darvaza → Ashgabat
Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport, where your professional English-speaking guide will welcome you and assist with the necessary arrival, passport and visa formalities.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, transfer to your hotel and check in. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day may be used for rest, a light orientation around the city, or free time before beginning the main sightseeing programme the following day.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 2 — Ashgabat → Kow-Ata → Nohur → Yangykala
After breakfast, leave Ashgabat and travel towards the foothills of the Kopet Dag Mountains.
Visit Kow-Ata Underground Lake, located deep inside a natural cave and famous for its naturally warm water. Continue to Nohur, a traditional mountain village known for its distinctive customs, remote location and beautiful surroundings.
After exploring Nohur, continue west through remote landscapes towards Yangykala Canyon. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy the extraordinary layered cliffs and dramatic colours of the canyon around sunset.
In the evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner in the open air near the canyon.
Overnight: Traditional yurt camp near Yangykala Canyon
Day 3 — Yangykala → Balkanabat → Kerki → Gaynarbaba → Koytendag
After breakfast, leave Yangykala and drive to Balkanabat Airport.
Take a domestic flight from Balkanabat to Kerki, allowing you to cross from western to eastern Turkmenistan without spending an entire day on the road.
After arrival in Kerki, continue towards the Koytendag region. On the way, visit Gaynarbaba, a natural spring surrounded by the distinctive landscapes of eastern Turkmenistan.
Continue into the Koytendag Mountains and arrive in the evening.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Koytendag
Please note: Domestic flight schedules may change and must be reconfirmed closer to the travel date.
Day 4 — Full-Day Exploration of Koytendag
Spend the day exploring one of Turkmenistan’s most remote and spectacular natural regions.
Visit the famous Dinosaur Plateau near Khojapil, where numerous fossilised dinosaur footprints are preserved on a huge limestone surface.
Continue to Umbar Dere Gorge and Waterfall, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Depending on weather, road and access conditions, you may also visit Kyrk Gyz Gorge and Grotto, a place connected with one of the region’s best-known local legends.
Throughout the day, enjoy short walks, photography stops and the unique scenery of the Koytendag Mountains.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Koytendag
Day 5 — Koytendag → Turkmenabat
After breakfast, leave Koytendag and travel towards Turkmenabat, the main city of eastern Turkmenistan.
The journey takes you through the landscapes of the Lebap Region and offers another opportunity to experience a part of the country far from the main tourist routes.
Arrive in Turkmenabat in the afternoon or early evening. Depending on timing, a short orientation drive through the city can also be arranged.
Overnight: Turkmenabat
Day 6 — Turkmenabat → Ancient Merv → Mary
Travel west from Turkmenabat towards Mary and the ancient city of Merv, one of the most important historical centres of the Silk Road.
Explore the archaeological park and visit major monuments such as Erk Kala, Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.
Your guide will introduce you to the different civilisations that shaped Merv and explain its importance as a major centre on the ancient caravan routes of Central Asia.
After sightseeing, continue to Mary and check in at your hotel.
Overnight: Mary
Day 7 — Mary → Gadymy Türkmen Ojagy → Ashgabat
After breakfast, visit Gadymy Türkmen Ojagy for an introduction to traditional Turkmen culture and hospitality.
See traditional yurts, Akhal-Teke horses, Turkmen Alabai dogs and camels, and learn more about national clothing, customs and everyday traditions.
After the visit, drive to Ashgabat. Depending on your arrival time, begin an evening city tour and experience the capital’s illuminated white-marble architecture, wide avenues and major monuments.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 8 — Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater
Spend the morning at leisure or continue sightseeing in Ashgabat, depending on the final programme.
Later, leave the capital and drive north through the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Arrive while there is still daylight and experience the changing desert landscape as sunset approaches. As darkness falls, the flames inside the crater become increasingly dramatic.
Enjoy a barbecue dinner at the camp and spend more time beside the crater under the night sky.
Overnight: Yurt camp near the Darvaza Gas Crater
Day 9 — Darvaza → Ashgabat → Airport
Wake up early to experience sunrise at the Darvaza Gas Crater before returning to the camp for breakfast.
On the drive back to Ashgabat, visit the Mud Crater and Water Crater, two other unusual geological sites in the Karakum Desert.
After arriving in Ashgabat, continue with an extensive city tour. Depending on timing and opening hours, visits may include the Independence Monument, Monument of Neutrality, Wedding Palace, Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre, Constitution Monument and Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to Ashgabat International Airport for departure.
End of the tour.
9-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 3,027
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 2,493
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,866
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,698
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Please note that the prices shown above are indicative and may vary depending on the final itinerary, travel dates, accommodation and overnight arrangements, room configuration, optional services, and other individual requirements. We will always confirm the final tour price with you before booking.
What’s Included
- Visa support. Full assistance with the electronic visa (e-Visa) application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Accommodation. Hotel accommodation in Ashgabat, Turkmenabat and Mary, guesthouse accommodation in Koytendag, and overnight stays according to the itinerary.
- Yurt camp stays. Overnight in a traditional yurt camp near Yangykala Canyon and at the Darvaza Gas Crater.
- Domestic flight. Domestic flight from Balkanabat to Kerki according to the itinerary. Flight schedules are subject to reconfirmation closer to the travel date.
- Transport. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the tour, including suitable transportation for remote desert and mountain routes.
- Transfers. Airport pick-up and drop-off, city-to-city transfers, sightseeing transfers, and all transfers required according to the itinerary.
- Meals. Breakfasts according to the itinerary, barbecue dinner near Yangykala Canyon, dinner and breakfast at Darvaza, and farewell dinner in Ashgabat.
- Guide. Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the route.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees. Sightseeing included in the itinerary and any required entrance fees are included.
- Medical insurance. Insurance coverage up to 64,000 USD per guest.
- Driver and guide expenses. Gasoline, meals, accommodation, and all route-related expenses for the driver and guide are included.
- Taxes and organization. All taxes, road fees, parking fees, and organizational expenses are included.
- Airport-to-airport service. The tour starts with your arrival at Ashgabat International Airport and ends with your transfer back to Ashgabat International Airport.
- Flexible program. You will see everything possible within the available time. The tour can be adjusted on the go depending on flight schedules, time, logistics, road conditions, weather, and local circumstances.
Not Included
- Visa & border fees. Paid separately upon arrival; the amount may vary depending on nationality and entry point.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, SIM cards, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Tips. Not included, but welcome.
