5-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Yangykala – Merv – Farap
This five-day journey across Turkmenistan begins in Ashgabat, the white-marble capital listed in the Guinness World Records, and heads deep into the Karakum Desert to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater for dinner, storytelling, and a night in a yurt. From there you travel west to the breathtaking Yangykala canyons and relax by the Caspian Sea in Turkmenbashi. Along the way you swim in the warm therapeutic waters of the Kow-Ata underground lake, discover the mountain village of Nokhur, and explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Merv before finishing at the Farap border.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater (overnight)
Arrive in Ashgabat and meet your guide for a first exploration of the gleaming white-marble capital, followed by lunch. In the afternoon you set off on the 260 km drive into the Karakum Desert toward the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell." Arrive at the famous burning crater and enjoy dinner at a nearby yurt camp, with a choice of beef, chicken, or vegetarian kebabs. Spend the evening beside the glowing crater listening to your guide's stories before an overnight stay in traditional yurts or tents.
Day 2 — Darvaza → Yangykala Canyon → Turkmenbashi (overnight)
After breakfast you leave Darvaza and stop en route at the striking Water Crater. The journey continues to the Yangykala Canyon, where layered cliffs reveal one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in Central Asia. You then drive on to the coastal city of Turkmenbashi on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 3 — Turkmenbashi → Kow-Ata → Nokhur → Ashgabat (overnight)
Begin with morning sightseeing along the Caspian Sea coast and local attractions in Turkmenbashi. Heading back toward Ashgabat, you stop at the Kow-Ata underground lake for a unique swim in its warm, mineral-rich waters. Continue to the traditional mountain village of Nokhur, with its distinctive culture and customs. Arrive in Ashgabat in the evening for a traditional dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 — Ashgabat Full City Tour (overnight)
Spend a full day discovering Ashgabat, holder of the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white-marble buildings. Visit the National Museum, the Carpet Museum, the city's grand monuments, and Independence Park. Explore the ancient Parthian capital of Nisa and the Anau archaeological site, then meet the celebrated Akhal-Teke horses at a local stud farm. Browse the lively Tolkuchka bazaar before dinner and an overnight stay in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat → Mary → Merv → Farap Border
Set off early for the 400 km drive to Mary and the ancient Silk Road city of Merv. Explore this legendary UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Gyz-Gala fortress, the Askhab mausoleums, and the Gyaur-Kala and Erk-Kala citadels. Tour the magnificent Sultan Sanjar mausoleum and other historical monuments. Afterwards you drive to the Farap border crossing, where the tour concludes on the Turkmenistan side of the border.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals and the yurt overnight at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time, and the itinerary 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 along the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
10 STOPS
- 01AshgabatDay 1
- 02Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 03Yangykala CanyonsDay 2
- 04TurkmenbashiDay 2
- 05Kow-Ata LakeDay 3
- 06NokhurDay 3
- 07AshgabatDay 3
- 08MaryDay 5
- 09Ancient MervDay 5
- 10Farab BorderDay 5
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
