Turkmenistan 5 day tour begins at the border with Uzbekistan in the Shavat area and takes you through some of the most impressive natural wonders of the country. You will head north to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Darvaza gas crater, known as the “Gates of Hell.” Then your path will continue west to the stunning Yangikala canyons, offering unforgettable landscapes. To complete the journey, you will head to the south of the country and cross the border with Iran at Bajgiran (also called Howdan). This tour offers a concentrated introduction to the dramatic nature of Turkmenistan.

Tour Itinerary

  • Meet you at the Uzbekistan border (Shavat border) near Khiva.
  • After lunch at a restaurant in Dashoguz, begin the journey to Darvaza (approximately 300km, 7-hour drive). The road takes time to pass through as it is under repair.
  • Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell,” before sunset. Enjoy free time around the crater.
  • Dinner at a nearby yurt camp (about 400 meters away).
  • Spend more time at the burning crater of Darvaza with your guide, where you can hear stories about Darvaza.
  • Overnight in a yurt or tent in Darvaza.

  • After breakfast in Darvaza, continue the journey to Ashgabat (approximately 271km, 4.5-hour drive). En route, visit the Water Crater and Mud Crater. Also, stop at a village in the desert where goats and camels are raised.
  • Lunch at a restaurant in Ashgabat.
  • After lunch, begin a city tour of Ashgabat, one of the world’s most unusual cities. This city holds the Guinness World Record for having the most white marble buildings.
  • Tour the main attractions of Ashgabat including the National Museum, Carpet Museum, various monuments, the ruins of Nisa (the first capital of the Parthian Empire), and the ruins of Anau.
  • Check in at your hotel in Ashgabat after the city tour.
  • Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Ashgabat.
  • Overnight in Ashgabat.

  • After breakfast at the hotel, depart early in the morning for Turkmenbashi (approximately 430km from Ashgabat to Balkanabat, and about 150km from Balkanabat to Turkmenbashi, totaling about 580km and 6.5 hours of travel).
  • En route, visit Kow-Ata, a huge cave with a thermal lake at the bottom, located about 100km west of Ashgabat along the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highway.
  • Also visit Nokhur Village, situated in the mountainous area along the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highway, about 160km west of Ashgabat.
  • Continue the journey to Turkmenbashi, located on the Caspian Sea coast.
  • Check in at your hotel in Turkmenbashi.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant in Turkmenbashi.
  • Overnight in Turkmenbashi.

  • After breakfast at the hotel, travel from Turkmenbashi to Yangikala Canyon (approximately 142km, 2-hour drive).
  • After exploring Yangikala Canyon, head to Balkanabat (approximately 147km, 2-hour drive).
  • Continue the journey to Ashgabat (approximately 430km, 5-hour drive).
  • Check in at your hotel in Ashgabat.
  • Overnight in Ashgabat.

  • After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time in Ashgabat.
  • During the day, head to the Howdan border checkpoint (also called Bajgiran) between Ashgabat city and the Iranian town of Bajgiran.
  • Tour ends at the Howdan border checkpoint.

  • – 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.

  • – 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

For solo travelers or those planning to visit Turkmenistan with a small group we recommend considering our Group tour of Turkmenistan. Joining a small group of travelers significantly increases your chances of successfully obtaining a Visa to Turkmenistan.