7-day Journey Across Turkmenistan
About this tour
• Discover the ancient ruins of Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO)
• Witness the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater — the “Gates of Hell”
• Swim in the warm waters of Kow-Ata Underground Lake (33–36 °C)
• Admire the colorful Yangykala Canyons at sunset
• Enjoy the Caspian coast and Turkmenbashi seaside views
• Explore white-marble Ashgabat and Ancient Nisa (UNESCO)
• Visit the legendary Ancient Merv (UNESCO)
• Experience Turkmen hospitality, nomadic life, and local cuisine
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Dashoguz, Turkmenistan to Darvaza Gas Crater, Derweze, Turkmenistan
• Meet your Turkmen guide at the Dashoguz border and pass customs. • Drive to Konye-Urgench (approx. 105 km). Arrive at Konye-Urgench and marvel at its huge complex with its many ruins and monuments. Learn about how the city once fought back against Genghis Khan's army and learn why this place is still holy for Muslims. • Drive through the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater. • Arrive at Darvaza, admire the “Gates of Hell”, and enjoy Barbecue dinner near the glowing crater. • Overnight stay in a yurt camp under the desert stars.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater, Derweze, Turkmenistan to Balkanabat, Turkmenistan
• Breakfast at the Darvaza Gas Crater. • Drive to Kow-Ata Underground Lake (~5 hrs). • Upon arrival, enjoy swimming in the warm, mineral-rich waters — the temperature remains • 33–36 °C (91–97 °F) all year round. • Picnic in nature near the lake. • Continue to Balkanabat, check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Balkanabat, Turkmenistan to Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan
• After breakfast, a short city tour of Balkanabat and a visit to the local market. • Drive to the spectacular Yangykala Canyons (~4 hrs). • Picnic in the open air surrounded by the colorful rock formations. • Enjoy the magnificent sunset, as the canyon walls glow in shades of red, pink, and gold. • Continue to Turkmenbashi, check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan
• Visit the Historical Museum, then travel to Gyzyl-Su Island — the only island settlement in • Turkmenistan. Boat or catamaran trip around the island. • Explore beautiful seaside spots of Turkmenbashi: beaches, coastal walks, and scenic views of the Caspian Sea. • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Drive to Ashgabat (~6 hrs). • En route, short stop at Geokdepe Fortress, museum, and mosque. • Evening city tour upon arrival: visit the Yyldyz Hotel viewpoint and the Palace of Happiness for panoramic views and photo opportunities. • Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 6: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Mary, Turkmenistan
• Saparmurat Rukhy Mosque, • Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, • Ancient Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), former Parthian royal residence, • Ashgabat Hippodrome — chance to see and ride the famous Akhal-Teke horses. Drive to Mary, overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Mary, Turkmenistan to Farap, Turkmenistan
• Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, • Gyz Gala Fortress, • Erk Gala Citadel, • other historic monuments. Visit the local market, then drive to the Farap Border Checkpoint for departure.
What's included
• Invitation letter for visa • English-speaking guide • Accommodation (twin/double) • Camping gear & yurt overnight • Comfortable transport • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) • Entrance fees to all sites • All transfers & logistics
• Turkmen visa fee (USD 70–100) • PCR test (USD 35–40, if required) • Travel insurance • Photo/video fees at historical sites • Personal expenses not mentioned above
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Dashoguz, Turkmenistan to Darvaza Gas Crater, Derweze, Turkmenistan