Turkmenistan Odyssey - Epic Peaks And Canyons
About this tour
πΊοΈ Discover Turkmenistan: From Ashgabat to the Caspian Sea πΊοΈ
Begin your journey in the white-marble city of Ashgabat and immerse yourself in its unique architecture.
ποΈ Explore the Kopetdag Mountains β Stay overnight in the cozy mountain village of Nokhur and enjoy waterfalls, gorges, and mysterious stone pillars.
π Traverse the Lunar Mountains β Unique landscapes that will leave you in awe.
πͺ Visit the Yangykala Canyons β Admire the breathtaking views of Turkmenistan's "Grand Canyon" and the majestic formations of the landscape.
π End your journey on the shores of the Caspian Sea β Relax on the beach and enjoy the sea breeze.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Early morning arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Meet with your guide and transfer to the hotel. Leisure time. 12 PM Discover the capital of Turkmenistan β Ashgabat: - Memorial Complex "Halk Hakydasy" β dedicated to the victims of World War II and the 1948 earthquake; - Monument to Vladimir Lenin and a tour of Old Ashgabat, exploring the cityβs history; - National Museum of History. Tour of the modern part of the city, with its white-marble buildings listed in the Guinness World Records and more: - Arch of Neutrality (with a golden statue of the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, on top); - Independence Park and the Monument of Independence; - Wedding Palace "Bagt Koshgi"; - Giant Statue of Magtymguly β noble Turkmen poet; - Alem Ferris Wheel β recognized by the Guinness World Records on May 18, 2012, as the largest indoor Ferris wheel in the world. β’ Lunch: at local restaurant β’ Dinner: Welcome dinner at one of the best cityβs restaurants, with a panoramic view of the capital β’ Accommodation: Hotel Diwan *****
Day 2: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Nokhur, Turkmenistan
At 8:00 AM, we depart from Ashgabat to the Kopetdag Mountains, with stops along the way: - Church of St. Alexander Nevsky β one of the few buildings that survived the 1948 earthquake, now a state-protected architectural monument. - Old Nisa, an ancient Parthian city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Geokdepe β visit Akhal-teke horse farm (45 km from Ashgabat, 50 min drive). - Baharden β Kov-Ata Cave β a charming limestone cave (45 min drive). The underground lake in Kov-Ata Cave, filled with warm mineral water, offers a unique bathing experience. Its healing properties and stunning cave formations attract visitors seeking relaxation and natural beauty. - Murche β a Turkmen settlement from the 18th-19th centuries, known for its unique architecture, with fortified estates and several small mosques, including the Zengi Baba mausoleum. - Nokhur, is unique settlement with elements of pre-Islamic beliefs (140 km from Ashgabat). The name derives from two words: "Nokh," meaning "Nine," and "Hur," meaning "houri" or "heavenly maidens." Arrival and exploration of the traditional village, interaction with hospitable locals. β’ Lunch: at local restaurant β’ Dinner: at the guesthouse in Nokhur β’ Accommodation: guesthouse in Nokhur
Day 3: Nokhur, Turkmenistan to GYZYL-YMAM KUMMETI, Darydali, Turkmenistan
Today we continue exploring Nokhur, including a visit to the Kyz Bibi Shrine and the tribal cemetery with ram horns on the tombstones, preserving echoes of pre-Islamic beliefs. We'll meet a local family still making traditional keteni fabric, Turkmen silk. Next, we head to Kara-Kala, passing through a gorge and stopping at the Gochdemir Waterfall. Picnic in nature. Continue to the town of Kara-Kala (1.5 hours, 65 km), located in the western Kopetdag Mountains. - Here, the famous Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy was born and spent part of his life. Later we head to the Sumbar Valley (60 km, 1.5 hours). - Among the revered places in the valley is the ancient Kyzyl Imam cemetery with stone grave pillars and balbal steles. Nearby, in the village of Ak, weβll meet a local family and enjoy herbal tea with local dried fruits. β’ Lunch: local cafΓ© β’ Dinner: at the camp β’ Accommodation: mobile camp (basic facilities but reasonable)
Day 4: Serdar, Turkmenistan to Yangykala Canyon, Tersakkan, Turkmenistan
Morning breakfast in nature, then we drive to the Yangykala Canyons. Our route will take us along the Lunar Mountains. In the first half of the day, we visit the Paraw-Bibi pilgrimage site (26 km west of Kyzyl Arvat). - High on a cliff stands a small white shrine, named after the brave woman Paraw-Bibi. She is considered the patroness of motherhood. Women come here to pray and ask for a long-awaited firstborn. - Transfer to the lagoon: we head to the Kara-Bogaz-Gol lagoon, to the place called Yangi Suv, known for its picturesque views and unique natural beauty. - Visit Yangykala, a geological masterpiece with stunning red and gold cliffs. Explore the unique canyon landscapes, capturing amazing photos at every turn. The Yangykala Canyons were formed by centuries of erosion and are unique natural formations. Overnight in tents: In the evening, we will set up camp in the Yangykala Canyons, where an overnight stay under the open sky will allow you to enjoy the magnificent starry sky and the tranquility of nature. β’ Lunch: picnic lunch β’ Dinner: at the camp β’ Accommodation: mobile camp (basic facilities but reasonable)
Day 5: Yangykala Canyon, Tersakkan, Turkmenistan to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan
Breakfast in nature. - Explore Kemal-Ata, where you will discover mysterious spheroidal formations resembling giant stone balls. These formations, reminiscent of alien structures, have a mystical aura and are associated with ancient local legends. Transfer to Turkmenbashi. The city was founded by a detachment of Russian troops under the command of Colonel N.G. Stoletov in November 1869 as a military fortification Krasnovodsk, serving as a strategic point on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. You will visit: - Seafood market: In Turkmenbashi, you will visit the fish market, where you can not only try fresh seafood but also the famous black caviar, true delicacies brought straight from the Caspian Sea. Hotel check-in. - City Tour of Turkmenbashi: After lunch, we will conduct a brief city-tour. Turkmenbashi, one of the largest port cities in the country, has an interesting history and architecture reflecting the influence of various cultures. - Kusht-Depdi Dance: In the evening, you will participate in a master class on the Kusht-Depdi dance, an important part of the cultural heritage of the Yomut tribe. This dance symbolizes the connection between man, nature, and ancestral spirits and was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list for its uniqueness and significance. β’ Lunch: at local restaurant in Turkmenbashi β’ Dinner: at local restaurant in Turkmenbashi β’ Accommodation: Hotel Charlak ****
Day 6: Turkmenbashi International Airport, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
The morning begins with meditation on the Caspian Seashore. Here, with the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze, you can restore your inner balance and prepare for the upcoming adventures. Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ashgabat, flight T5-248 at 08:30. Arrival in Ashgabat, transfer, and hotel check-in, free time for leisure. Independent exploration of the city WITHOUT a guide and transportation provided by the company. β’ Lunch: not included β’ Dinner: not included β’ Accommodation: Hotel Diwan *****
Day 7: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Early check-out. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. Departure. End of services.
What's included
- Visa support (LOI β Letter of Invitation) - Comfortable AC transportation (minibus/minivan/sedan and 4X4 for deserts and off-road) - Accommodation in 5* hotel (in Ashgabat) and 4* hotel (in Turkmenbashi) - Accommodation at the guesthouse in Nokhur - Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags) - Full board; Meals during camping (excluding beverages) - Water during the trip - Entrance fees to sites - Bilingual Tour-guide - Domestic flight Turkmenbashi-Ashgabat - Tourist tax
- Visa to Turkmenistan: $50-155 (paid in cash upon arrival) - PCR test cost: $31, paid upon arrival - Migration fee: $14 per person, paid at the border upon arrival - Additional hotel services - Lunch and dinner on the final day - Tips to the guide and driver (recommended) - Personal expenses and modifications of the tour program - Photo and video camera fees at sites/museums - International flights - Single room supplement
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan