Upon arrival in Ashgabat, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. This day allows you to rest after your journey and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel.
Begin your day with a visit to the Sunday market (Tolkuchka), if it coincides with your visit. Afterward, embark on a guided city tour of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, renowned for its record-breaking white marble buildings. The tour includes visits to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Old Nisa, the grand Spiritual Mosque, the National Museum of History, and other significant landmarks such as the Monument of Neutrality and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. You will also explore Independence Park and make a stop at the Akhalteke horse stables and Lenin Monument. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, take a morning flight to Mary. Upon arrival, you will explore the city’s key sites, including the Gurbanguly-Hadji Mosque, the Central Bazaar, and the Russian Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, visit the ancient city of Merv, a critical hub on the historic Silk Road. Here, you’ll explore the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the remains of Kyz Kala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, and the Keshk Fortress. End the day with a visit to the regional History Museum before returning to Mary for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Spend the morning visiting the archaeological site of Gonur, the ancient capital of the Margush country. Explore the ruins of the palace, temples dedicated to fire and water, and the royal necropolis. After your exploration, return to Mary and take a late afternoon flight back to Ashgabat. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
In the morning, depart Ashgabat for an overnight adventure in the Karakum Desert. After traveling on a paved road for two hours, switch to an off-road route leading to the semi-nomadic settlement of Damla. Continue off-road to the Darvaza gas crater, a stunning natural phenomenon in the middle of the desert. Upon arrival, set up camp near the burning crater and enjoy a fire-cooked dinner under the stars. Spend the night in a traditional yurt camp.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, head towards Dashoguz, stopping en route to explore the UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench historical sites. Here, visit the mausoleums of Turabek Khanum, Sultan Tekesh, and Sultan Il-Arslan, as well as the iconic Kutlug-Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla Hill. Continue to Dashoguz for your evening flight back to Ashgabat, where you’ll spend the night at your hotel.
Catch a morning flight to Turkmenbashi, located on the Caspian Sea. From here, embark on a road trip to the stunning Yangikala Canyon, known for their vibrant red and white rock formations. The journey will take you through diverse landscapes, including stretches of paved and gravel roads. Settle in for the night in a tent within the canyons or stay at the nearby pilgrim house at Gozli Ata.
Today, embark on a day trip to the remote village of Nohur, nestled in the Kopet Dag Mountains. Visit the village’s tribal cemetery, pilgrim sites, and homes where traditional silk weaving still takes place. On your return journey to Ashgabat, stop to see the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum and the Gokdepe Mosque. Arrive back in Ashgabat for your final overnight stay at the hotel.
On the final day of your journey, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your incredible Turkmenistan adventure.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist * | $4500 | $3050 | $3000 | $2700 | $2500 |
* — based on 4* hotel accommodation
All transportation throughout the tour English speaking tour leader Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights 9 nights hotel/yurt accommodation (shared double/twin room) Needed equipment to stay in the yurt camps (beds, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs) Camp style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater Meals as per itinerary Economy class ticket for flights Ashgabat-Mary-Ashgabat, Dashoguz-Ashgabat, Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi-Ashgabat Visa support for Turkmenistan tourist visa
Full board (lunches and dinners) Round-trip tickets for flight Tashkent-Nukus-Tashkent Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa and Turkmenistan migration tax (14 USD
The Discover Turkmenistan Tour exceeded all my expectations. From the ancient ruins of Nisa to the surreal experience of standing next to the burning Darvaza Crater, every moment was captivating. The guide was knowledgeable and provided rich historical context that made each site come alive. The visit to Merv, a Silk Road treasure, was a particular highlight, as was the peacefulness of Nohur village. The tour was well-organized, and the accommodations were comfortable, even in the desert. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore Turkmenistan’s diverse landscapes and deep history.
Turkmenistan had always been a mystery to me, and this tour provided the perfect introduction. The sites we visited were incredible, particularly the Darvaza Crater and the ancient ruins of Nisa. The guide’s knowledge was impressive, and I learned so much about the history and culture of the region. The overnight stay in the Karakum Desert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the crater’s glow lighting up the night. The tour was well-paced, and I never felt rushed. If you’re looking to explore a truly unique destination, this tour is a must.
The Discover Turkmenistan Tour was an unforgettable experience. The balance between cultural heritage sites like Gonur and Kunya-Urgench and the natural beauty of places like the Karakum Desert and Yangikala Canyons was perfect. The tour provided a deep dive into Turkmenistan’s rich history, especially the visit to Nisa and Merv, which were fascinating. The logistics were handled smoothly, and the accommodations were surprisingly comfortable, especially given the remote locations we visited. I came away with a deep appreciation for Turkmenistan’s unique culture and landscapes. Highly recommended!
This tour was an adventure of a lifetime! The itinerary was packed with incredible sights, from the ancient city of Merv to the eerie beauty of the Yangikala Canyons. I was amazed by the mix of history and natural wonders Turkmenistan has to offer. The highlight for me was the night spent near the Darvaza Crater, watching the flames dance under a starry sky. Our guide was fantastic, providing detailed insights and making sure we were comfortable throughout the journey. This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the real Turkmenistan.