10-Day Grand Tour of Turkmenistan: Ashgabat – Merv – Darvaza – Yangykala – Koytendag
This comprehensive ten-day journey takes you across the highlights of Turkmenistan, from the marble capital of Ashgabat to the ancient ruins of Merv and the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater. You will marvel at the layered cliffs of Yangykala Canyon, swim in the warm underground Kov-Ata Lake, walk among dinosaur footprints in remote Koytendag, and discover the modern city of Arkadag. With a mix of flights and scenic drives, this is the ultimate adventure for travelers who want to see the very best of the country.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) → Arrival in Ashgabat
We meet you at the Bajgiran border crossing with Iran and, after formalities, transfer about 45 km (roughly one hour) to Ashgabat. You settle into your hotel and enjoy a first orientation of the white-marble capital, with dinner at a national restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat → Merv → Ashgabat
Early departure for Mary, a drive of about 3.5 to 4 hours. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv, including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala and the impressive Kiz Kala fortress. Return to Ashgabat for the night.
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater
After breakfast at the hotel you have free time for an optional short city tour, shopping or rest. Around midday you depart for Darvaza, stopping en route at the Water Crater and the Mud Crater. You reach the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Door to Hell," for a spectacular sunset and nighttime visit when it is best seen and photographed. Overnight at the crater campsite in a traditional yurt.
Day 4 — Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Dashoguz → Ashgabat
After breakfast, drive to the historical complex of Kunya-Urgench, then continue to Dashoguz. Visit the lively Gurbansoltan Bazaar, ideal for local color, dried fruits, traditional clothes and crafts, and stroll through the Central Park and its fountains. There is an optional visit to the Regional History Museum before an evening flight back to Ashgabat. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat → Kov-Ata → Yangykala → Turkmenbashi
A morning drive brings you to the Kov-Ata Underground Lake, where you can take an optional swim in the warm sulfur water. Continue to the breathtaking Yangykala Canyon to explore its colorful cliffs and enjoy the sunset. Drive on to Turkmenbashi for check-in and dinner, with an overnight stay in the city by the Caspian Sea.
Day 6 — Turkmenbashi → Nokhur → Arkadag
Begin with a relaxed morning walk in the Awaza resort area. Drive to the mountain village of Nokhur to explore its unique cemetery and traditional way of life, then continue to Arkadag, Turkmenistan's newest city. Check in at the Merkew Hotel and take an evening stroll through the modern city center. Overnight in Arkadag.
Day 7 — Ashgabat → Kerki → Koytendag
Take the 10:00 flight from Ashgabat to Kerki, followed by a transfer to Koytendag of about two hours. Check in to your hotel in the Koyten Oba area. In the afternoon enjoy a light excursion, choosing either an easy scenic walk in the Umbar Dere Canyon or a stroll around Koytendag village with an optional viewpoint drive. Dinner and overnight in Koytendag.
Day 8 — Dinosaur Plateau & "Goat Massage" → Kerki
After breakfast at 07:30, visit the Dinosaur Plateau with its more than 300 fossilized dinosaur tracks, reached by a 30 to 45 minute hike to the top. Experience the unusual local "goat massage" tradition at the Koytendag Nature Reserve, with an option to add the Kyrk Gyz Plateau. After a picnic lunch or a stop at a local café, transfer back to Kerki, check in and spend the evening walking along the Amu Darya riverfront. Overnight in Kerki.
Day 9 — Kerki → Ashgabat (City Tour & Nowruz)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Kerki, with an optional river walk or tea at a traditional chaykhana. Take the 12:00 flight from Kerki to Ashgabat and spend the afternoon on a city tour of museums, monuments, parks, bazaars and panoramic viewpoints. If your visit coincides with Nowruz around March 21, we arrange visits to local celebrations, traditional music and dance performances, Nowruz markets and festive gatherings in parks and squares. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 10 — Ashgabat → Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you enjoy a final morning in Ashgabat with time for souvenirs and any remaining sights. You are then transferred about 45 km (roughly one hour) to the Bajgiran border crossing for exit formalities into Iran. End of services at the Bajgiran border.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and overnight yurt stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All expenses of the driver/guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and parting with the guest at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the program can be adjusted on the go where feasible
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals ($3–8 per meal per person)
- Entrance fees to museums and other sites as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
18 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Ancient MervDay 2
- 04AshgabatDay 3
- 05Darvaza Gas CraterDay 3
- 06Kunya-UrgenchDay 4
- 07DashoguzDay 4
- 08AshgabatDay 4
- 09Yangykala CanyonsDay 5
- 10TurkmenbashiDay 5
- 11NokhurDay 6
- 12ArkadagDay 6
- 13AshgabatDay 7
- 14KerkiDay 7
- 15KoytendagDay 7
- 16KerkiDay 8
- 17AshgabatDay 9
- 18Bajgiran BorderDay 10
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
