Introduction
This 5-day Turkmenistan tour takes you from Bukhara across the Farab border into the historical and natural heart of Central Asia. You will cross the legendary Amu Darya River — the greatest river of Central Asia — and enjoy lunch in Turkmenabat, often called the food capital of Turkmenistan. Continue with ancient Merv, once one of the greatest cities of the Islamic world, before reaching Ashgabat, the famous white-marble capital known for its unique architecture and Guinness World Record landmarks. From here, the journey heads west toward the Caspian Sea, visiting the Kow Ata underground lake, the Akhal-Teke horse farm, and the remote mountain village of Nokhur, which has an atmosphere completely different from the rest of the country.
In Turkmenbashi, you will explore the Caspian coastline and the Awaza resort, with an opportunity to try local fish such as beluga and even caviar. The route then continues toward one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes: the Yangikala Canyons, often described as otherworldly due to their vivid colors and massive cliffs. Similar canyons exist in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other regions of Turkmenistan, but Yangikala is considered the most breathtaking. I often tell travelers that these canyons are among the most beautiful in the world — and I genuinely believe it. The journey then returns to Ashgabat and turns north toward the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, where an overnight stay in yurts creates one of the most unforgettable and authentic experiences in Turkmenistan.
On the final day, continue to Dashoguz and return to Uzbekistan via Khiva or Urgench. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to explore the highlights of the entire country in one organized journey. Group and customized options are available for those seeking a more affordable experience.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Bukhara-Merv-Ashgabat
- We will meet at Farab, the border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
- Travel to Turkmenabat city.
- Lunch at a restaurant in Turkmenabat.
- Drive to Merv. Merv is an ancient city of Turkmenistan and one of the greatest cities in the Islamic world and ancient Persia. (220km, 5 hours)
- Arrive at Merv ruins and begin sightseeing.
- After dinner, head to Ashgabat. (370km, 6 hours)
- After arriving in Ashgabat, check in at the hotel.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi
- 09:00, After breakfast, head to Turkmenbashi city facing the Caspian Sea. It was the first Russian city in Central Asia. Formerly known as Krasnovodsk. Along the way, visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, Kow Ata underground lake and hot springs in a huge cave, and the romantic mountain village of Nokhur. Lunch will be at one of these locations (600km, 10 hours)
- 19:00, After arriving at the Caspian Sea, tour by car. Visit Awaza, the newest resort on the Caspian Sea. Or, tour Turkmenbashi city.
- 21:00, After dinner, check in at the hotel.
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi city.
Day 3: Turkmenbashi-Yangikala-Ashgabat
- 08:00, After breakfast, head to Yangikala Canyon. It’s the most beautiful place in Turkmenistan. The scenery is like from another planet. (150km, 3 hours)
- 11:00, Arrive at Yangikala Canyon and spend 3 hours there.
- 14:00, Head to Ashgabat, with lunch on the way.
- 21:00, Arrive in Ashgabat and have dinner at a restaurant.
- 22:00, Check in at the hotel.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ashgabat-Darvaza
- 08:00, After breakfast, city tour of Ashgabat.
- 14:00, After lunch, head to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also called the “Gates of Hell”. (300km, 5 hours)
- 19:00, After arriving at Darvaza, visit the burning crater.
- 20:00, Dinner at Darvaza prepared by locals and guides.
- Take a walk around Darvaza with a guide.
- Overnight in a yurt at Darvaza.
Day 5: Darvaza-Khiva
- 07:00, After breakfast at Darvaza, head to Dashoguz city en route to Khiva. (300km, 7 hours, road under repair)
- 14:00, Arrive in Dashoguz. Lunch at a restaurant.
- 16:00, Head to the border and 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 – 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