Present To Past Journey
About this tour
Ashgabat city tour, Nisa fortress, Darvaza Gas Crater, Kov-Ata Cave Underground Lake, YangiQala Grand Canyon, Ancient Merv
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 1: Ashgabat City Tour Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, guests are welcomed and transferred to the hotel for check-in and rest. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the capital’s main attractions, including the Independence Monument, Neutrality Arch, Memorial Complex, Constitution Monument, and the bustling Gulistan Bazaar, along with other iconic landmarks. Drive to Tunche Chay and savor traditional Turkmen cuisine in an authentic café. Continue to the Museum of Carpets, home to the largest collection of Turkmen carpets in the world. Discover carpets dating from medieval times to the 20th century, including over 1,000 pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, a meteorite that fell in Konya-Urgench in 1998, and many other cultural treasures. Visit the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel "Alem" (Universe), then take a night drive through Ashgabat’s main streets, with a stop near the Palace of Marriage for stunning evening views of the city. At the end of a wonderful day of exploration, we believe our guests deserve to return to their hotel.
Day 2: Old Nisa, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Darvaza Gas Crater, Derweze, Turkmenistan
Day 2: Ashgabat – Nisa – Darvaza 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. Following lunch, depart at 15:00 for northern Turkmenistan. Stop in the village of Bahardok to experience traditional Turkmen village life, explore local crafts, and try on national clothing. Continue the journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater, with a brief visit to a small nomadic settlement along the way. In the evening, marvel at the spectacular glow of the crater, enjoy a BBQ under the stars, capture unforgettable photos, and spend the night in authentic Turkmen yurts, embracing the nomadic lifestyle. When night falls, the desert transforms into a realm of mystery and quiet wonder. Under a vast velvet sky scattered with brilliant stars, we guide our guests on an unforgettable journey to the yurts — a passage into the magic of Central Asia and the spirit of the ancient Silk Road. Overnight at the traditional Yurt (campsite)
Day 3: Darvaza Gas Crater, Derweze, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 3: Darvaza – ASHGABAT After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat. Continue with visiting 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 Visiting the Turkmen Traditional Alabay dogs farm. Alabai is the true friend and pride of the Turkmen. Turkmen alabai is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs on Earth. Visit a Turkmen Antique Shop. Explore traditional jewelry, handicrafts, and try on local clothing. “Gypjak” Mosque and Mausoleum of the first President of Turkmenistan. Overnight at the hotel
Day 4: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan
Day 4: Kow-Ata Underground Lake – Nohur Village After breakfast, depart for Kow-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. The cave stretches 230 meters in length, reaches up to 20 meters in height, and spans 57 meters at its widest point. The cave floor is dotted with unique natural formations, creating a truly otherworldly atmosphere. Next, visit 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. Continue the journey to Turkmenbashi City. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan to Yangykala Canyon, Tersakkan, Turkmenistan
Day 5: Yangykala Canyon After breakfast, visit the Gozli-Ata pilgrimage site before heading to the breathtaking Yangykala Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” Marvel at its striking pink, white, and yellow sandstone cliffs, panoramic views, and the unique “Crocodile’s Mouth” rock formation. Continue the journey to the Caspian Sea, enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and take a leisurely walk along the coast. Finally, transfer to Turkmenbashi Airport for your flight to Ashgabat Transfer to hotel.
Day 6: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Merv, Turkmenistan
Day 6: Ashgabat - Ancient Merv After breakfast, drive to Mary and enjoy 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 that once rivaled cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus. 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. Visit Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy, where you can experience traditional Turkmen life, sample local cuisine, and enjoy horse riding. Conclude the day with a visit to the Museum of History, home to numerous artifacts excavated from Merv and the Margush region, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Mary, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 7: Farewell & Departure After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable drive back to Ashgabat, giving you time to reflect on the unforgettable moments of your journey. Upon arrival, guests will be transferred to Ashgabat International Airport for their onward international flight. Every detail of your departure is carefully arranged to ensure a smooth and relaxed ending to your trip. While this marks the official end of the tour, the feeling of Turkmenistan will stay with you. It’s a destination that lingers in your heart — inviting you to return, to discover more, and to relive the experience once again.
What's included
Tour package (LOI, register fee, permit fee) Hotel stay with Twin/DBL accommodation (6 nights), Yurt rent campsite (1 night) Transportation during the all route Guide during the all route Meal (BB) Breakfast at the hotel, (Dinner & Breakfast at Yurt tent included) All transfers Local flight tickets (Turkmenbashi-Ashgabat) 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
What to know
This tour is budget type (with 3 star hotels). It can be customized (include 4 or 5 star hotel). Please get in touch with me for more information.
Route & locations
Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan