5-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Caspian Coast & Darvaza Crater
This five-day journey across Turkmenistan begins in Ashgabat and heads west to the Caspian Sea. Swim in the warm underground lake of Kov Ata, discover the traditional mountain village of Nohur, and relax at the Awaza resort near Turkmenbashi. Marvel at the multicolored Yangykala Canyons before witnessing the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset with a yurt overnight. The tour finishes with a full city tour of marble-white Ashgabat.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) – Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi
We meet you at the Bajgiran border with Iran and transfer about 45 km (around one hour) to Ashgabat. From here you head west, stopping at the underground thermal lake of Kow Ata and the mountain village of Nokhur with its distinctive traditions, before continuing to the Caspian port city of Turkmenbashi. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 2 — Awaza – Yangykala Canyon – Ashgabat
Today you head to the Caspian Sea coast to visit the Awaza resort. From there you travel to the impressive Yangykala Canyons, known for their multicolored rock formations and dramatic desert scenery. After exploring the canyons, you return to Ashgabat via the Balkanabat route for an overnight stay.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Darvaza
After breakfast you have free time or can begin a city tour of Ashgabat until the afternoon departure to Darvaza. You then drive to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Gates of Hell, timed to arrive shortly before sunset. Enjoy the magnificent glow of the crater at dusk and night, with plenty of free time to explore this unique place before an overnight in yurts or tents.
Day 4 — Darvaza – Ashgabat City Tour
After breakfast in Darvaza you return to Ashgabat for a comprehensive city tour of Turkmenistan's capital, listed in the Guinness Book of Records for its white marble buildings. You see the main attractions including the National Museum, the Carpet Museum, various monuments, and the ancient ruins of Nisa and Anau. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you enjoy a final morning in Ashgabat with time for souvenirs at the Tolkuchka Bazaar or 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 yurt overnight at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses including fuel, meals and accommodation
- All taxes
- Tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- 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 sights (roughly up to $10 per day if any)
- Tips (welcomed but optional)
11 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Kow-Ata LakeDay 1
- 04NokhurDay 1
- 05TurkmenbashiDay 1
- 06AwazaDay 2
- 07Yangykala CanyonsDay 2
- 08AshgabatDay 2
- 09Darvaza Gas CraterDay 3
- 10AshgabatDay 4
- 11Bajgiran BorderDay 5
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
