Turkmenistan Best Itinerary Ashgabat 7 Days 6 Nights
About this tour
This 7-day journey offers the ultimate exploration of Turkmenistan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Begin in Ashgabat, the white-marble capital, before heading east to the ancient city of Merv, a Silk Road gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then journey into the desert to witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, camping under the stars.
Return to explore the sacred Gökdepe Horse Farm, home of the famous Akhal-Teke horses, followed by a visit to the serene mountain village of Nokhur, rich in folklore and nature. Take a dip in the warm, underground waters of Kow Ata Lake, then head west to discover the breathtaking Yangykala Canyon, Turkmenistan’s “Grand Canyon.”
Conclude your journey in Ashgabat and fly back home, filled with unforgettable memories and true Central Asian hospitality.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport our guide will greet you and assist with hotel check-in. Highlights of the day: • Check-in at Hotel • Visit to the impressive “Alem” Cultural and Entertainment Center (home to the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel) • Drive by the Constitution Monument and Monument of Neutrality • Explore the Carpet Museum (world’s largest handmade carpet collection) • Visit the towering Turkmenistan National Flagpole and National Museum • Lunch at a traditional Turkmen restaurant • Afternoon visit to Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque (largest mosque in Central Asia) • Explore the ancient Parthian city of Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) • Stop at the Seyit Jemal ad-Din Mosque & Memorial Complex Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 2: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Merv Archaeological Park Administration, Merv, Turkmenistan
Morning: • Breakfast at the hotel • Drive east to Mary, the cultural gateway to ancient Merv o Lunch at a local restaurant • Guided tour of Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site): o Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum o Gyz Gala (Large & Small) o Muhammed ibn Zaid Mausoleum o Ancient Keshk Fortress ruins Drive back to Ashgabat Dinner at a local restaurant Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 3: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Door to Hell, Derweze, Turkmenistan
Morning: • Breakfast at the hotel • Free time till noon Afternoon: • Hotel check-out and drive to Darvaza burning Gas Crater (275km, 4h) which is one of the top international tourist destinations. The area is rich in natural gas. Burning for more than 50 years, Darvaza Gas Crater shines like a pearl in the middle of the Karakum desert. Besides Darvaza Gas Crater, you will also see water craters. One of the most vivid and addictive features of this trip is the fresh air of the desert and experiencing the nomadic life in person. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater hits the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape in the world will fascinate you and you will want to come again. Overnight: Tent or Yurt in Darvaza
Day 4: Derweze, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Morning: • Early morning picnic style breakfast at Gas Crater. • Drive to Gokdepe Fortress and Mosque Afternoon Tour: • Lunch at a local restaurant • Day trip to Gökdepe Fortress – site of a historic battle between the Turkmen and Russian Empire • Visit the Gökdepe Mosque and the adjacent Museum of History and Battle of Gökdepe • Horse farm, Akhal-teke Horse stable (ridding opportunity) in traditional style. Evening: Free time to relax or explore Ashgabat Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 5: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Köw Ata Underground Lake, Akdepe, Turkmenistan
Day 5: Day Trip to Nohur & Kow-Ata Underground Lake After breakfast at the hotel: • Hotel check out • Drive to Kow-Ata Underground Lake: a naturally warm (+36°C) subterranean lake known for its therapeutic waters and high mineral content • Discover the bat colony, the largest in the CIS region • Hot-spring swim opportunity in Kow-Ata Cave • Drive to Soygi Dagy (Mountain of Love) near Nohur Village – an untouched mountain village rich in tradition and mysticism • Visit Nohur Cemetery, adorned with ram horn tombstones, and local silk weavers • Lunch • Drive to Nebitdag • Hotel check in Overnight: Hotel in Nebitdag
Day 6: Balkanabat, Turkmenistan to Yangykala Canyon, Tersakkan, Turkmenistan
Day 6: Nebitdag – Yankala canyon - Ashgabat Morning: • Breakfast at the hotel • Hotel check out • Day trip to Yankala canyon • Lunch • Drive back to capital city Ashgabat Evening: • Return to the hotel • Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 7: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 7: Ashgabat – Market Morning: • Breakfast at the hotel • Visit Gulistan Bazaar for souvenirs and local flavor • Shopping stop at Berkarar Shopping Center • Dinner • Optional visit to Arkaç Shopping Mall Evening: • Return to the hotel for rest and packing • Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for departure Safe Travels! PAX Per Person on USD Tot
What's included
Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass) • Accommodation in single room –5 night hotel • Yurt Camp – 1 night (incl sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light) • Escort English-speaking guide service • Private air-conditioned transportation • Entrance fee: per program • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • 1.5 L still water per person per day • Travel tax
International flights Cost of Turkmen visa w/border fees (70 – 130 USD) PCR test Photo/video fees at historical parks and in museums Tips for guide and driver Medical insurance Meals not mentioned in the program Souvenirs and other personal items All other charges and services not mentioned under “Included”
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan