5-day New Year Adventure In Turkmenistan
About this tour
Celebrate New Year in the heart of Central Asia with a unique 5-day journey through Turkmenistan. Discover the white-marble architecture of Ashgabat, enjoy festive celebrations, explore the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater under the stars, and experience the traditions of the legendary Akhal-Teke horses.
Highlights
- Celebrate New Year in Ashgabat with festive lights, concerts, and fireworks.
- Explore Ashgabat, the remarkable city of white marble.
- Visit the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell.”
- Spend a night in a traditional yurt camp in the Karakum Desert.
- Discover the famous Akhal-Teke horses and Turkmen equestrian traditions.
- Visit the impressive Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gokdepe.
- Experience authentic Turkmen hospitality, culture, and cuisine.
Welcome the New Year in one of Central Asia’s most fascinating and least-explored destinations. This journey combines the excitement of Ashgabat’s New Year celebrations with an unforgettable night in the Karakum Desert and encounters with Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage. From the glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater to the elegance of the Akhal-Teke horses, every day offers a different side of the country.
This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, culture lovers, photographers, couples, and small groups seeking an unusual New Year getaway. It is especially suited to travelers who want to go beyond conventional winter destinations and discover a country where ancient traditions, extraordinary landscapes, and modern architecture meet.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Международный аэропорт Ашхабада, Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Ashgabat, Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, meet your local representative and transfer to Sport Hotel for check-in. Begin exploring Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, famous for its magnificent white-marble architecture, monumental landmarks, and beautifully landscaped public spaces. Visit the Independence Monument, a symbol of the country’s sovereignty, and the distinctive Neutrality Monument, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Continue to Ylham Park, where peaceful pathways, monuments, and green spaces offer a glimpse into local city life. Throughout the tour, enjoy photo stops and learn about Turkmenistan’s history, culture, and modern development. Overnight: Sport Hotel, Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ашхабад, Туркменистан
After breakfast at Sport Hotel, discover Ashgabat’s festive atmosphere as the city prepares to welcome the New Year. Visit shopping centres and traditional bazaars, where you can browse dried fruits, local sweets, handmade crafts, Turkmen carpets, textiles, and traditional clothing while experiencing local holiday preparations. After lunch, head to the Älem Cultural and Entertainment Centre, the main gathering place for Ashgabat’s New Year celebrations. Admire the impressive holiday tree, beautifully illuminated decorations, and festive displays, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs. Depending on the official programme, enjoy live music, concerts, and public performances as the city comes alive with holiday excitement. As midnight approaches, join the celebrations to welcome the New Year amid music, festive lights, and crowds of locals and visitors. Subject to the official programme, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the night sky over Ashgabat. After the celebrations, return to Sport Hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight: Sport Hotel, Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Дарваза Гас Кратер, Дарваза, Туркменистан
After breakfast at Sport Hotel, depart Ashgabat in 4WD vehicles and journey into the vast Karakum Desert towards Darvaza. Enjoy the changing desert scenery and photo stops along the way before exploring the region’s three remarkable attractions: the Darvaza Gas Crater, famous for its dramatic flames and known as the Door to Hell, the bubbling Mud Crater, and the unusual Water Crater. As evening approaches, arrive at a traditional nomadic-style yurt camp and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a delicious dinner or desert barbecue beneath the open sky, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Karakum Desert. After dark, visit the designated viewing area to admire the glowing Gas Crater against the night sky and, weather permitting, enjoy stargazing and photography. This unforgettable desert experience combines extraordinary natural landscapes, adventure, and a glimpse into Turkmenistan’s nomadic heritage. Overnight: Nomadic-style yurt camp near Darvaza.
Day 4: Дарваза Гас Кратер, Дарваза, Туркменистан to Ашхабад, Туркменистан
After breakfast at the yurt camp, travel back towards Ashgabat through the Karakum Desert, with a stop in Gokdepe to discover Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage. Visit a private stable to meet the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, admire their distinctive beauty, and learn about their importance in Turkmen history. Enjoy an introductory horse-riding experience, subject to availability and safety arrangements. Continue with a traditional Turkmen lunch featuring local specialities and warm hospitality. Discover the country’s textile heritage by trying on traditional Turkmen clothing, admiring its colourful embroidery and distinctive designs, and taking memorable photographs. Later, visit the impressive Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, also known as the Gypjak Mosque, to admire its monumental architecture and learn about its significance. After the excursion, return to Ashgabat and check in at Sport Hotel, with the evening at leisure. Overnight: Sport Hotel, Ashgabat.
Day 5: Ашхабад, Туркменистан
After breakfast at Sport Hotel, enjoy your final morning in Ashgabat before transferring to Ashgabat International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Turkmenistan with unforgettable memories of the capital’s impressive white-marble architecture, vibrant New Year celebrations, the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, and authentic encounters with Turkmen culture and traditions. End of the tour.
What's included
- Turkmenistan visa - Airport pick-up and drop-off in Ashgabat - Accommodation at Sport Hotel in Ashgabat (3 nights) - One-night accommodation in a traditional yurt camp near Darvaza (1 night) - Daily breakfast at the hotel and yurt camp, where available - Transportation throughout the tour, including 4WD vehicles for the Karakum Desert excursion - Professional guide - Sightseeing tours in Ashgabat - Visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater, Mud Crater, and Water Crater - Traditional dinner or barbecue at the Darvaza yurt camp - Visit to a private Akhal-Teke horse stable - Introductory horse-riding experience, subject to availability and safety arrangements - Traditional Turkmen lunch - Traditional Turkmen clothing experience - Entrance fees to the attractions included in the itinerary, where applicable - Bottled drinking water (1.5 litres per person per day)
- International flights to and from Turkmenistan - Covid-19 testing fee - Personal expenses, including souvenirs, laundry, and minibar charges - Tips for the guide and driver - Any services or activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary - Additional expenses arising from flight changes, delays, or unforeseen circumstances
Languages spoken
What to know
Travelers should check the latest Turkmenistan e-visa requirements before departure and ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their entry date. December and January can be cold, especially in the Karakum Desert, so warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a windproof jacket are recommended. The desert excursion involves travel by 4WD vehicles over uneven terrain. Horse riding is subject to availability and safety arrangements. Please respect local customs and follow your guide’s instructions throughout the tour.
Route & locations
Международный аэропорт Ашхабада, Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Ashgabat, Ашхабад, Туркменистан