5-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Darvaza, Nisa & Desert Adventure
This 5-day journey blends the comfort of Ashgabat's marble city with the wild beauty of the Karakum Desert. Explore the capital's monuments, museums and grand mosques, then spend an unforgettable night in a traditional yurt beside the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater. Discover the UNESCO ruins of Ancient Nisa and meet the legendary Akhal-Teke horses before your departure.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) – Arrival & Ashgabat City Tour
We welcome you at the Bajgiran border with Iran and, after formalities, transfer about 45 km (around one hour) to Ashgabat. You spend the day discovering the white-marble capital — Old Nisa Fortress, the Neutrality and Independence monuments, the National Museum and the Russian Bazaar — with lunch at a national restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Mosque Visits & Darvaza
After breakfast, visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia, and the elegant Ottoman-style Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. In the afternoon, drive into the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater, arriving before sunset for spectacular views. Spend the night in traditional yurts beside the burning crater.
Day 3 — Darvaza to Ashgabat
Enjoy breakfast at Darvaza before the return journey to Ashgabat. Stop en route at the Water Crater and Mud Crater. In the afternoon, experience the traditional Tolkuchka Bazaar, then take an evening stroll through the White City district, including the Olympic Village and older neighborhoods. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Cultural Exploration
After breakfast, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Nisa. Continue to an Akhal-Teke horse farm for a demonstration and a one-hour riding experience. Explore the Carpet Museum showcasing traditional Turkmen craftsmanship, then visit local shopping centers and savor authentic Turkmen cuisine. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you have free time in Ashgabat for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. 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 driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals and accommodation, and transfers to and from the meeting point at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the itinerary can be adjusted as you go
- 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 (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
5 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 04AshgabatDay 3
- 05Bajgiran BorderDay 5
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
