7 Days Tour To Turkmenistan
About this tour
Entry: TEMIRBABA/BEKDASH BORDER
Departure: DASHOGUZ/SHAVAT BORDER
Route: TEMIRBABA/BEKDASH – TURKMENBASHI – NOHUR VILLAGE – KOVATA – ASHGABAT – MERV – ASHGABAT – NISA – DARVAZA – KUNYA-URGENCH – DASHOGUZ/SHAVAT DEPARTURE
Activities included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Карабогаз, Туркменистан to Туркменбаши, Туркменистан
Activities: ➔ Morning pick up at the border point in Bekdash. ➔ Drive to the YangiQala Grand Canyon. ➔ Transfer to Turkmenbashi city. ➔ Check in the hotel in Turkmenbashi and rest. Accommodations & Notes Minivan: Check in – at the hotel in Turkmenbashi
Day 2: Туркменбаши, Туркменистан to Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Activities: ➔ After breakfast drive to Ashgabat with stop at Nohur Village, nestled in a small valley within the Kopetdag Mountains. The village is famous for its traditional stone houses, built from local boulders bound with mud, offering a glimpse into authentic Turkmen mountain life. ➔ Then visit Kov-Ata Underground Lake, located 107 km from Ashgabat. Known as the “Father of Caves,” this remarkable underground lake is set inside a massive cavern that resembles a natural auditorium. ➔ Next enjoy starry night in Ashgabat, driving along the main streets of Ashgabat making stop near Palace of Wedding for stunning evening views of the city. ➔ Check in at the hotel in Ashgabat and rest. Accommodations & Notes: Breakfast – at the hotel in Turkmenbashi Check in – at the hotel in Ashgabat
Day 3: Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Activities: ➔ After breakfast Ashgabat City Tour: visit main tourists’ attraction in the capital: Independence monument, Neutrality Arch, National Memorial Complex “Halk Hakydasy” with WWII and Earthquake memorials. Ertogrul Gazi mosque and Gulistan bazaar (Russian bazaar). Accommodations & Notes: Breakfast – at the hotel Check in and overnight – at the hotel in Ashgabat
Day 4: Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Мерв, Туркменистан
Activities: ➔ After breakfast drive to Mary. Upon arrival a brief city tour, including the local market, city center, and other notable sights. ➔ Continue to the Historical Park of Ancient Merv, a major hub on the Silk Road. Explore key landmarks with a guided tour, including Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Ashby, Yusup-Hamadani, and the Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. Conclude the day with a visit to the Museum of History. Accommodations & Notes: Breakfast – at the hotel Check in and overnight – at the hotel in Mary
Day 5: Мерв, Туркменистан to Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Activities: ➔ After breakfast drive back to Ashgabat city ➔ Upon arrival accommodate at the hotel Visit the Horse-farm for exploring the pride of the Turkmen people - Akhal-Teke horses. Traditional tea break, short Akhal-Teke horse show program and seeing the racks of horses ➔ Visit the Turkmen Traditional Alabay dogs farm. Accommodations & Notes: Breakfast – at the hotel Check in and overnight – at the hotel in Ashabat
Day 6: Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан
Activities: ➔ After breakfast, visit Old Nisa, the ancient sanctuary of the Parthian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage site, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. ➔ Then drive to Darvaza-Gas crater which is a huge flaming crater. On the way stop to see the village Bahardok observe the rural life of Turkmen people. Continue with moving to the Water, Clay and Gas Crater. In the evening camping, enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. Accommodations & Notes: Jeep 4x4/Minivan Breakfast – at the hotel Dinner – BBQ picnic style at Darvaza Overnight at the Yurt (campsite)
Day 7: Дарваза, Туркменистан to Дашогуз, Туркменистан
Activities: ➔ After breakfast drive to Konya Urgench, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, visit the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra TyurabekKhanum, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, the highest minaret in Central Asia KutlygTimur ➔ Then transfer to the Dashoguz/Shavat border, to cross to Uzbekistan. Accommodations & Notes: Jeep 4x4/Minivan Breakfast – at the Darvaza
What's included
Tour package (LOI, register fee, permit fee) Hotel stay with Twin/DBL accommodation (5 nights) -Yurt rent campsite (1 night) Transportation with A/C during the all route 2-5 pax Minivan, 6-8 pax Van, 10-14 Minibus 14 seat A/C, 12-16 pax Bus 26 seat Darvaza: Minivan/4WD SUV (3 person each vehicle) Guide during the all route Meal (BB) Breakfast at the hotel + Darvaza Dinner & Breakfast picnic style All Transfers All entry Tickets Daily water 1L bottles per day (per person)
Visa fee:70-85$ Migration tax:15$ PCR test: 31$ Early check in/Late check out Extra meal, private expenses Fee for using cameras on monuments Folklore show and concerts Insurance
Languages spoken
What to know
WHAT FOREIGN TOURISTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TURKMENISTAN? 1. Entry and documents Turkmenistan does not offer visa-free entry. A visa and an invitation letter (LOI) from a licensed tour operator are required. Entry border point in this tour is Temirbaba / Bekdash (Kazakhstan border). Exit border point is Dashoguz / Shavat (Uzbekistan border). At the border travelers may go through registration, migration fees, and document and itinerary checks. Independent travel is highly restricted or not allowed for most tourists. 2. Movement inside the country Tourists cannot travel freely without a guide and organized transport. Travel is only allowed with a licensed guide and organized vehicles such as minivan, 4x4, or bus. The route is fixed according to the program (Ashgabat, Merv, Darvaza, Nisa and others). Any changes to the itinerary usually require approval. 3. Safety and control The country is generally safe but has strict state control. Document checks may occur in some areas. Photography is not allowed of military sites, police, and border zones. In some monuments or museums a photo permit fee may be required. 4. Internet and communication Internet access is very limited. Many websites and social media platforms may be blocked. Mobile roaming can be unstable. It is recommended to download offline maps and save important contacts in advance. 5. Currency and payments The official currency is Turkmen manat. Foreign bank cards often do not work. Most payments are cash only, usually USD exchanged locally. Currency exchange is typically available only through official channels or guides. 6. Behavior and local rules Respect local customs and traditions. Modest clothing is required especially in religious sites. Do not photograph local people without permission. Behavior in official places should be calm and respectful. Alcohol availability is limited and not widely accessible. 7. Highlights of the itinerary Day 1 to 2 includes Bekdash, Turkmenbashi, Nohur, Kovata, and Ashgabat with desert landscapes, canyons, mountains, Nohur traditional village, and Kov-Ata underground lake. Ashgabat city tour includes Independence Monument, Neutrality Arch, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and local bazaars including the Russian Bazaar. Day 4 is Merv, an ancient Silk Road city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 5 includes Nisa and Darvaza. Nisa is an ancient Parthian capital and UNESCO site. Darvaza Gas Crater is known as the Door to Hell with overnight stay in yurts. Day 6 is Konye-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mausoleums and Silk Road monuments. 8. Accommodation and services Hotels are generally 3 to 5 star level, comfortable but not always identical to international standards. Darvaza includes a yurt camp experience with BBQ dinner. Included services are transport, guide, bottled water, breakfasts, and some meals. 9. Key takeaway Turkmenistan tourism is strictly organized and controlled. Travel is only possible with a guide. Internet access is limited. The country offers unique landscapes and world class historical sites including Darvaza, Merv, Nisa, and Konye-Urgench.
Route & locations
Карабогаз, Туркменистан to Туркменбаши, Туркменистан