Introduction
This Turkmenistan 6 day tour offers an unforgettable mix of history, nature, and culture. Begin in Ashgabat, then travel west to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian coast with stops at Kow Ata underground lake and Nokhur mountain village. Discover the colorful Yangikala canyons before heading to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater for a night in yurts. Explore Ashgabat’s museums, bazaars, and UNESCO-listed Nisa, then journey to ancient Merv, one of the Silk Road’s greatest cities. The tour ends with your departure from Ashgabat.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi
- Upon your early morning arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, our professional guide and driver will welcome you.
- We’ll begin our scenic journey west toward the Caspian Sea city of Turkmenbashi (600 km, ~7 hours on good roads). En route, we’ll visit:
- Kow Ata underground thermal lake (100 km from Ashgabat)
- Traditional mountain village of Nokhur with its unique culture and architecture
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Turkmenbashi with time to relax before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant featuring Turkmen cuisine.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Turkmenbashi
Day 2: Turkmenbashi – Yangikala Canyons – Ashgabat
- After breakfast, we’ll embark on an excursion to the spectacular Yangikala Canyons (142 km, ~2 hours). Often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” these dramatic colorful cliffs offer breathtaking photo opportunities. Following our exploration, we’ll journey back to Ashgabat via Balkanabat (total drive: 577 km).
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Ashgabat.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Morning: Free time to relax or explore Ashgabat at your leisure.
- Afternoon: Depart for the highlight of your trip the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater (271 km, ~4.5 hours). We’ll time our arrival to witness the crater at sunset and after dark when the eternal flames create a truly magical atmosphere. Your guide will share the fascinating history of this unique phenomenon.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner under the stars at a nearby yurt camp.
- Accommodation: Traditional yurt/tent camping experience at Darvaza.
Day 4: Darvaza – Ashgabat (City Tour)
- After breakfast at the camp, we’ll visit the lesser-known Water Crater and Mud Crater before returning to Ashgabat. The afternoon features a comprehensive tour of Ashgabat the gleaming white marble city that holds a Guinness World Record. Highlights include:
- National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Museum of Carpets
- Ancient ruins of Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Ruins of Anau
- Akhal Teke horse farm (featuring Turkmenistan’s national treasure)
- Local bazaar and shopping opportunities
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in Ashgabat.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 5: Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat
- Full-day excursion to the ancient Silk Road city of Merv (388 km, ~4 hours each way on good highway). This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains impressive ruins spanning multiple civilizations, including:
- Gyz-Gala fortress
- Askhabi mausoleums
- Ancient castles of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala
- Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
- Evening: Return to Ashgabat for dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 6: Departure from Ashgabat
Morning transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight (timing based on your flight schedule).
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 – 3 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