6-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Shavat – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Merv – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala
This six-day journey through Turkmenistan covers the country's most iconic highlights, from desert wonders to Silk Road history and the Caspian Sea. Begin at the Shavat border and witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater with dinner and an overnight stay in yurts. Continue to the white-marble capital of Ashgabat, explore ancient Merv, and marvel at the colorful Yangykala canyons before departing from Ashgabat.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat Border – Darvaza
Meet at the Shavat border crossing with Uzbekistan, near Khiva and Urgench. After border formalities, drive to Dashoguz for lunch, then continue roughly 300 km (about 7 hours) to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Gates of Hell. Enjoy free time around the crater before dinner at a nearby yurt camp. Overnight in yurts or tents at Darvaza.
Day 2 — Darvaza – Ashgabat (City Tour)
After breakfast, drive about 300 km (roughly 5 hours) towards Ashgabat, stopping to see the Water Crater and the Mud Crater, as well as a desert village where goats and camels are kept. After lunch, enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, famed for its Guinness World Record number of white-marble buildings, which may include the National Museum, the Carpet Museum, and various monuments. Dinner at a traditional restaurant and overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Merv – Ashgabat
After breakfast, set out on a full-day trip to ancient Merv, one of the great cities of the Silk Road from the Persian and Islamic periods, about 388 km (around 4 hours) along an excellent highway. After lunch near Mary, explore the highlights of Merv, including Gyz-Gala, the Askhab mausoleums, the ancient fortresses of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Drive back to Ashgabat for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 — Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi
After breakfast, drive northwest from Ashgabat towards Turkmenbashi, about 430 km to Balkanabat and a further 150 km to the coast, on good roads. Along the way, visit the underground thermal lake of Kow Ata and the mountain village of Nokhur. On arrival in Turkmenbashi, a beautiful city on the Caspian Sea, check into your hotel. Free time and dinner at a local restaurant, with overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 5 — Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Ashgabat
After breakfast, drive about 142 km (around 2 hours) to the stunning Yangykala Canyons, over a rough road. Enjoy time for sightseeing and the spectacular canyon views. Continue the same day via Balkanabat to Ashgabat without returning to Turkmenbashi. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 6 — Ashgabat – International Airport
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time in Ashgabat before your transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. International flights from Ashgabat typically depart at night, often after midnight.
- 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, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the itinerary can be adjusted on the go as 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)
8 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 03AshgabatDay 2
- 04Ancient MervDay 3
- 05AshgabatDay 4
- 06TurkmenbashiDay 4
- 07Yangykala CanyonsDay 5
- 08AshgabatDay 5
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
