Introduction
This Turkmenistan 5 day tour takes you from the Shavat border across the country’s highlights before exiting through Farab. Begin with a long desert drive to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, where dinner, kebabs, and a night in yurts await under the stars. Explore Ashgabat’s marble monuments, museums, and lively bazaars before traveling west to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian coast, with stops at Kow Ata and Nokhur village. Discover the colorful Yangikala canyons and finish with ancient Merv, a UNESCO Silk Road city.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Shavat – Dashoguz – Darvaza
- * Upon arrival, you will be met at the Uzbekistan border, near Shavat and Khiva. After completing customs and border formalities, we will proceed to Dashoguz for lunch.
- * After lunch, we begin our journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater (approximately 300 km, 7 hours drive). Road conditions may be challenging.
- * Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell,” shortly before sunset. You will have free time to explore the surroundings of the burning crater.
- * Enjoy dinner at the nearby yurt camp.
- * Spend more time at the burning Darvaza crater to witness its spectacular display under the night sky.
- * Overnight at Darvaza in traditional yurts or tents.
Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat
- * After breakfast at Darvaza, we continue our journey to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan (approximately 271 km, 4.5 hours drive).
- * Along the way, we will make stops to visit two more interesting craters: the Water Crater and the Mud Crater. We will also pass through a village in the middle of the desert.
- * Upon arrival in Ashgabat, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
- * In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. Explore the stunning white marble city, famous for holding the Guinness World Record for the most white marble-clad buildings in the world. We will visit key landmarks and monuments.
- * Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ashgabat restaurant.
- * Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat – Kov-Ata – Nohur Village – Turkmenbashi
- * After breakfast, we depart from Ashgabat for a scenic drive towards Turkmenbashi (approximately 600 km, 7 hours drive).
- * En route, we will visit Kov-Ata, a unique underground thermal lake located in a massive cave. You can even refresh yourself in its mineral-rich waters.
- * We continue to Nohur village, a traditional mountain village known for its distinctive culture and architecture. You will have the opportunity to experience local life.
- * Arrival in Turkmenbashi, a beautiful city located on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
- * Check into hotel and dinner in Turkmenbashi.
- * Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 4: Turkmenbashi – Yangikala Canyons – Balkanabat – Ashgabat
- * After breakfast, we will head to the breathtaking Yangikala Canyons (approximately 142 km, 2 hours drive), known for their vibrant, multi-colored rock formations resembling a Martian landscape.
- * Spend time exploring and photographing the stunning canyons.
- * From Yangikala, we continue our journey towards Ashgabat, passing through Balkanabat (approximately 147 km to Balkanabat, 2 hours drive; then 430 km to Ashgabat, 5 hours drive). This will be a long but incredibly scenic journey.
- * Arrival in Ashgabat in the evening and dinner at a local restaurant.
- * Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5: Ashgabat – Merv – Farab Border Crossing
- * After breakfast, we will travel to the ancient city of Merv (approximately 388 km, 4 hours drive), a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cities of the ancient Silk Road.
- * Upon arrival, we will explore the historical ruins of Merv, including sites such as Gyz-Kala, the Askhabi mausoleums, the ancient fortresses of Gyaur-Kala and Erk-Kala, and the impressive Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. We will also visit the nearby city of Mary, the regional center.
- * Enjoy lunch near Merv.
- * After sightseeing, we continue our journey to the Farab border crossing with Uzbekistan (approximately 291 km, 5 hours drive from Merv, including passage through Turkmenbabad).
- * The tour concludes upon your arrival at the Farab border point.
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