8 Day Extensive Tour In Turkmenistan
About this tour
Kunya-Urgench, Darvaza, Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Yangikala, Nokhur, Kov-Ata, Merv, Turkmenabat
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Shabat border, Dashoguz Region, Turkmenistan to Darvaza, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan
🌅 Morning: Departure from Khiva & Border Crossing 07:00 – Early morning departure from Khiva. We travel by car towards the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan border, crossing from Uzbekistan into Turkmenistan. Border formalities, including passport and visa procedures, will be completed at both checkpoints. The guide will assist throughout the process to ensure a smooth and organized crossing. 11:00–12:00 – Arrival in Kunya Urgench, one of the most important historical cities of Central Asia. 🍽️ Lunch in Kunya Urgench Lunch at a traditional Turkmen restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste local cuisine and relax after the morning journey. 🏛️ Kunya Urgench – Museum-Reserve “Old Urgench” (UNESCO) After lunch, we begin our visit to the historical and cultural museum-reserve “Old Urgench”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Khorezm Empire. During the guided tour, you will visit: Kutlug Timur Mausoleum (11th–12th centuries) Turabek Khanum Mausoleum (14th century) Tekesh Mausoleum (13th century) Il-Arslan Mausoleum (12th century) Atabek Caravanserai (13th century) You will also enjoy a walk through the ancient city, exploring the ruins and learning about the Silk Road history, architecture and cultural significance of this once-great center of trade and learning. 🚙 Afternoon: Transfer to Darvaza Gas Crater 14:00–15:00 – Departure from Kunya Urgench towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, driving through the vast landscapes of the Karakum Desert. 🔥 Darvaza Gas Crater – “Hell’s Gate” Arrival at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Hell’s Gate” — a natural gas crater that has been burning continuously for decades. You will have time to: observe the crater from safe viewpoints, take photos, experience the unique atmosphere of the desert as night falls. 🏕️ Dinner & Overnight in the Karakum Desert Dinner is prepared near the crater. After dinner, overnight stay in a traditional yurt, offering a unique and authentic desert experience under the stars. Overnight: Yurt camp in the Karakum Desert
Day 2: Darvaza, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan
🌅 Morning: Departure from Darvaza & Arrival in Ashgabat In the morning, after breakfast near the Darvaza Gas Crater, we depart for Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Upon arrival in Ashgabat: Check-in at the hotel Time to rest and freshen up after the desert journey 🍽️ Lunch in Ashgabat Lunch at a local restaurant, offering traditional Turkmen dishes or international cuisine. 🏙️ Afternoon: Guided City Tour of Ashgabat After lunch, we begin our guided sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, a city famous for its grand white-marble architecture, wide avenues and monumental landmarks. 🌳 Independence Park Our first stop is Independence Park, one of the largest and most symbolic parks in the country. During a walk through the park, you will see: decorative fountains, sculptures and monuments, impressive government buildings and landscaped alleys. 📖 Ruhnama Monument Next, we visit the Ruhnama Monument, dedicated to the philosophical and cultural book written by the first President of Turkmenistan. The guide will explain its role in the country’s modern history and identity. 🕊️ Neutrality Arch Continue to the Neutrality Arch, one of Ashgabat’s most recognizable landmarks, symbolizing Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality. 🏛️ Lenin Monument Visit the Lenin Monument, located in the older part of the city, offering a glimpse into Ashgabat’s Soviet-era past and a strong contrast to its modern architecture. 🕌 Ertogrul Gazi Mosque The tour continues to the impressive Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, inspired by Ottoman architecture and one of the largest mosques in Ashgabat. You will have time to admire its exterior and learn about its architectural and cultural significance. 🌆 Evening: Free Time & Dinner In the evening, enjoy free time to relax, take a walk or explore the city independently. Dinner at a restaurant of your choice. 🛏️ Overnight Overnight stay in a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan to Yangykala, Balkan Region, Turkmenistan
🌄 Early Morning: Departure from Ashgabat 06:00 – Depart from Ashgabat for a unique day exploring western Turkmenistan’s natural wonders. 07:00 – Arrival at Turkmenbashi Airport for the journey toward Yangikala. 🏜️ Late Morning: Arrival at Yangikala Canyon 10:30 – Arrival at Yangikala Canyon, one of the most stunning geological formations in Turkmenistan. The canyon’s multicolored cliffs, shaped by wind and water over millennia, create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. 10:30–12:30 – Guided walk through the canyon: Explore viewpoints and hidden valleys Observe vibrant rock formations in reds, yellows and pinks Take photographs of dramatic desert landscapes 12:30 – Lunch break. You can enjoy packed sandwiches (bring your own or prepare in advance in Turkmenbashi to save time). Travel Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the canyon trails Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water Be prepared for some walking over uneven terrain 🌅 Afternoon & Evening: Transfer to Gozli Ata After exploring Yangikala, we transfer to the pilgrim village of Gozli Ata, a sacred site in Turkmenistan. Evening: Check-in at local guesthouses Dinner served at the guesthouse Free time to relax and enjoy the desert surroundings Optional / Flexible: If desired, lunch can be taken earlier from Turkmenbashi to save time at Yangikala. 🛏️ Overnight Overnight stay in guesthouses near Gozli Ata, surrounded by the calm and spiritual atmosphere of the desert.
Day 4: Yangykala, Balkan Region, Turkmenistan to Serdar, Balkan Region, Turkmenistan
🌄 Morning: Transfer to Turkmenbashi 08:00 – After breakfast at your guesthouse near Yangikala, depart for Turkmenbashi, a port city on the Caspian Sea. The drive takes you through striking desert landscapes, giving a final glimpse of the remote western regions of Turkmenistan. 10:30 – Arrival in Turkmenbashi and start of city sightseeing. 🏙️ Late Morning: Explore Turkmenbashi 11:00 – Visit the Central Market, where you can experience local life, see colorful produce, traditional crafts, and perhaps pick up souvenirs. 12:00 – Lunch at a café by the sea, enjoying fresh coastal air and views of the Caspian Sea. Spend your time in Turkmenbasy city and on Caspian seaside 🌆 Evening: Drive to Serdar 17:00 – Depart from Turkmenbashi toward Serdar (formerly Gyzylarbat). The drive passes through increasingly remote landscapes, offering a quiet and scenic journey across western Turkmenistan. 20:00 – Dinner at a local restaurant in Serdar. 21:00 – Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay. 🛏️ Overnight Hotel stay in Serdar, providing comfort after a full day of sightseeing and travel.
Day 5: Serdar, Balkan Region, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan
🌄 Morning: Departure from Serdar 11:00 – After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Serdar for Nokhur, a village known for its historical and spiritual significance. 🏛️ Visit Nokhur At Nokhur, you will explore: Tribal cemetery and pilgrimage site, an important spiritual location for local communities Silk weaving house, where traditional silk-making techniques are demonstrated by local artisans The guide will explain the cultural and historical significance of Nokhur, giving insight into Turkmenistan’s tribal heritage. 🍽️ Midday: Kov Ata Underground Lake 13:00 – Stop for lunch in a café in Kov Ata, a scenic area famous for its unique underground lake. Kov Ata Lake: This subterranean lake maintains a warm temperature of 36°C year-round, making it a remarkable natural phenomenon. Enjoy a short walk or photos around the lake before continuing the journey. 🚙 Afternoon: Return to Ashgabat 15:00 – Departure for Ashgabat, the white-marble capital of Turkmenistan. The drive passes through scenic landscapes, offering a last glimpse of rural and desert regions. 18:00 – Arrival in Ashgabat. Visit the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, one of the main religious shrines in the country, reflecting Turkmenistan’s architectural and spiritual heritage. 🌆 Evening: Dinner and Overnight 20:00 – Dinner at a restaurant in Ashgabat, enjoying local cuisine or international options. 23:00 – Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay. 🛏️ Overnight Hotel stay in Ashgabat, concluding a memorable journey through Turkmenistan’s deserts, canyons, cultural landmarks, and sacred sites.
Day 6: Ashgabat, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan
🌅 Morning: Breakfast & City Highlights 09:00 – Breakfast at the hotel to start the day. 09:30 – Visit the “Älem” Ferris Wheel, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest Ferris wheel in an enclosed space. Admire Ashgabat’s cityscape from above and take photos of its white-marble avenues and modern architecture. 11:00 – Continue to the Earthquake Monument, commemorating the devastating 1948 earthquake that reshaped Ashgabat. Walk around the landscaped memorial and learn about its historical significance from the guide. 🍽️ Midday: Lunch & Historical Sites 12:00 – Lunch at a local restaurant, offering traditional Turkmen or international dishes. 13:00 – Visit the Soviet War Memorial Complex, dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War II. Explore the monuments and learn about the region’s Soviet-era history. Historical Town of Nisa – Continue to Ancient Nisa (Kone-Nusay), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Parthian Empire (3rd century BCE – 3rd century CE). Explore the ruins of temples, fortifications, and royal buildings, and discover the city’s cultural and historical importance. 🏇 Afternoon: Equestrian Heritage & Local Markets 15:00 – Visit the Akhalteke Equestrian Complex, home to the famous Akhalteke horses, renowned for their speed, beauty, and endurance. Learn about this ancient horse breed and their role in Turkmen history. 17:00 – Stop at Tolkuchka Bazaar, Ashgabat’s largest traditional market. Explore stalls selling carpets, textiles, souvenirs, and local products, experiencing the vibrant everyday life of Turkmenistan. 🌆 Evening: Dinner & Overnight 19:00 – Dinner at a restaurant in Ashgabat, enjoying local flavors and international dishes. Overnight – Hotel in Ashgabat, concluding the full-day cultural and historical tour.
Day 7: Ashgabat, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan to Merv, Mary Region, Turkmenistan
🌄 Morning: Departure from Ashgabat 08:00 – After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Ashgabat by car toward Merv, one of the most historically significant cities of Central Asia. The drive takes approximately 4 hours, passing through vast desert landscapes and rural settlements, providing a glimpse of the diverse geography of Turkmenistan. 🍽️ Midday: Arrival in Merv & Lunch 12:00 – Arrival in Merv. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Turkmen cuisine before the afternoon exploration. 🏛️ Afternoon: Ancient Merv – UNESCO World Heritage Site 13:00 – Guided tour of the ruins of Ancient Merv, a former major center of trade, culture, and politics on the Silk Road. Explore key historical sites, including fortresses, palaces, mosques, and mausoleums. Learn about Merv’s significance during the Parthian, Seljuk, and Islamic periods, and its role as a hub of commerce and knowledge. Marvel at the scale and architectural remains of one of the largest cities of the medieval world. 🌆 Evening: Transfer to the Hotel Check in at the Hotel Dinner at the local restaurant, followed by overnight stay.
Day 8: Mary, Mary Region, Turkmenistan to Turkmenabat, Lebap Region, Turkmenistan
🌅 Morning: Breakfast & Departure 07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel in Turkmenabat, preparing for the final leg of your journey. 08:00 – Departure from Turkmenabat, heading toward the city center and the local bazaar. 🏙️ Late Morning: Turkmenabat Bazaar 10:00 – Arrival at the Turkmenabat Bazaar, the city’s bustling marketplace. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a local market: colorful stalls of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Interact with local vendors and see everyday life in eastern Turkmenistan. 12:30 – Lunch at one of the cafes inside the bazaar, enjoying authentic local dishes and the lively market ambiance. 🌍 Afternoon: Border Crossing to Uzbekistan 13:30 – Departure toward the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border. Go through passport, visa, and customs formalities at both checkpoints, assisted by your guide. After crossing the border, your tour concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Turkmenistan’s deserts, ancient cities, cultural landmarks, and local experiences.
What's included
Ä°ncluded services: All transfers: 1-3 people by sedan car, 4-6 people by minivan; Accommodation in double rooms, breakfasts included; English-speaking guide on Turkmenistan; Excursion program along the whole route Entrance tickets to the sights according to the route; Necessary equipment for accommodation in tents at Darvaz crater (sleeping bags, mats, pillows, dining table, chairs) with camping dinner and breakfast; Visa support for Turkmenistan tourist visa LOI ($90). Personal travel insurance
Excluded services: Full board (lunches and dinners); Hotel fees for additional services; Consular fees for tourist visas and Turkmenistan migration fee (110-130 USD); Tips are not included but will be appreciated;
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Shabat border, Dashoguz Region, Turkmenistan to Darvaza, Ahal Region, Turkmenistan