11-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Merv, Gonur Depe, Yangykala and Awaza
This 11-day journey is made for travelers who want to truly live in Turkmenistan, comfortably and in depth. Trace history at UNESCO-listed Merv and the Bronze Age ruins of Gonur Depe, then settle into Ashgabat for several full days of white-marble architecture, museums, bazaars, and even gym and skatepark time. Head west to the Caspian Sea at Turkmenbashi, camp under the stars at the colorful Yangykala canyons, and discover Kow Ata, Nokhur, Gokdepe, and the futuristic city of Arkadag.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) – Ashgabat – Mary (Ancient Merv)
We meet you at the Bajgiran border with Iran and transfer about 45 km (around one hour) to Ashgabat for a brief introduction to the marble capital. You then travel east to Mary — by a short internal flight or by road across the Karakum — to reach the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Merv, one of the great centres of the Silk Road. Overnight in Mary.
Day 2 — Mary – Gonur Depe – Ashgabat
After breakfast, drive to the Gonur Depe archaeological site (about 100 km, 2 hours) to explore the ruins of the ancient Margush (Margiana) civilization. Then return to Ashgabat (about 400 km, 4 hours), check in to your hotel, and enjoy some free time. A traditional dinner and overnight in Ashgabat round off the day.
Day 3 — Ashgabat architecture and city tour
Spend a full day exploring the white-marble architecture of Ashgabat. Visit the National Museum, the Carpet Museum, and the Independence Monument, then see the ancient ruins of Nisa, the first Parthian capital, and the ruins of Anau. There is also time to locate the city's skatepark and gym facilities. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Ashgabat – Yangykala canyons – Turkmenbashi
Set off on a scenic drive to the Yangykala canyons, often called the Grand Canyon of Turkmenistan, where dramatic red, pink, and white cliffs stretch to the horizon. Continue on to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 5 — Turkmenbashi and Awaza resort
Make a special attempt to visit the Awaza resort complex through local contacts. As an alternative, spend a full day exploring Turkmenbashi and the Caspian coastline. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 6 — Turkmenbashi – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Ashgabat
Begin the return journey toward Ashgabat. Along the way, visit the underground thermal lake inside the Kow Ata cave, then stop at the traditional mountain village of Nokhur to experience its unique customs. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 7 — Personal day in Ashgabat
Enjoy a flexible day at your own pace. Start with a morning gym session at a local fitness facility, then go skateboarding at a city skatepark in the afternoon. The evening is free for architecture exploration and meeting locals, and you can also check for any cultural events or opening ceremonies. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 8 — Arkadag city excursion
Take a full-day excursion to Arkadag, the modern planned city that is Turkmenistan's newest architectural marvel. Explore its striking buildings and forward-looking urban design before returning to Ashgabat in the evening. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 9 — Cultural day in Ashgabat
Another personal day for the gym, skatepark, and local exploration. Coordinate with your guide to take part in any available cultural events, opening ceremonies, or public celebrations happening in the capital. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 10 — Gokdepe and Akhal-Teke horses
Visit Gokdepe and the famous Akhal-Teke horse farms, home to one of the world's oldest and most beautiful horse breeds, with an optional ride. Return to Ashgabat for your final evening and a farewell dinner featuring local cuisine. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 11 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you enjoy a final morning in Ashgabat with time for last souvenirs. 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
- All breakfasts
- All expenses of the driver/guide, including fuel, meals, and accommodation
- All taxes
- Flexible itinerary that can be adjusted as you go to see as much as possible
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals (about $3–8 per meal per person)
- Entrance fees to museums and other sites (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (always welcome)
19 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03MaryDay 1
- 04Ancient MervDay 1
- 05MaryDay 2
- 06Gonur DepeDay 2
- 07AshgabatDay 2
- 08Yangykala CanyonsDay 4
- 09TurkmenbashiDay 4
- 10AwazaDay 5
- 11TurkmenbashiDay 6
- 12Kow-Ata LakeDay 6
- 13NokhurDay 6
- 14AshgabatDay 6
- 15ArkadagDay 8
- 16AshgabatDay 9
- 17GokdepeDay 10
- 18AshgabatDay 11
- 19Bajgiran BorderDay 11
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
