7 Day Tour: Ashgabat – Merv – Darvaza – Yangykala – Turkmenbashi – Nokhur – Kunya-Urgench
This week-long grand tour takes you across the very best of Turkmenistan, from the marble capital of Ashgabat to the ancient Silk Road ruins of Merv and the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater known as the "Door to Hell." You will marvel at the layered cliffs of Yangykala Canyon, relax on the Caspian shore at Turkmenbashi, and discover the timeless mountain village of Nokhur. The journey ends with the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Kunya-Urgench, offering a complete portrait of the country's nature, history and modern cities.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) → Arrival in Ashgabat
We meet you at the Bajgiran border crossing with Iran and, after formalities, transfer about 45 km (roughly one hour) to Ashgabat. You settle into your hotel and enjoy a first orientation of the white-marble capital, with dinner at a national restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat → Merv → Ashgabat
An early departure takes you to Mary, a drive of about 3.5 to 4 hours. You explore the ancient city of Merv, one of the great Silk Road capitals, visiting the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala and Kiz Kala. In the evening you drive back to Ashgabat for the overnight.
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Darvaza → Arkadag
You leave Ashgabat around midday and head into the Karakum Desert, stopping at the Water Crater and the Mud Crater along the way. At sunset and after dark you visit the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Door to Hell," with dinner, sunset photography and a spectacular nighttime view that is best once it is fully dark. Afterwards you return to the city of Arkadag for the overnight.
Day 4 — Arkadag → Kow-Ata → Yangykala → Turkmenbashi
In the morning you drive to the Kow-Ata Underground Lake, where an optional swim in the warm sulphur waters is possible. You continue to Yangykala Canyon to explore its dramatic, multicoloured cliffs and enjoy the sunset views. From there you drive to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian coast, check in and have dinner. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 5 — Turkmenbashi → Nokhur → Arkadag
The day begins with a relaxed morning walk in the seaside resort of Awaza. You then drive to the mountain village of Nokhur to explore its unique traditions and scenery, before continuing on to Arkadag. After checking in at the Merkaw Hotel, you take an evening stroll through the modern city center. Overnight in Arkadag.
Day 6 — Arkadag → Ashgabat (Full-Day Ashgabat City Tour)
You drive back to Ashgabat for a full-day city tour. The program includes museums, monuments, parks, bazaars and panoramic viewpoints across the capital. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 7 — Ashgabat → Dashoguz → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat Border (Khiva)
You take an early morning flight from Ashgabat to Dashoguz, gateway to the north. Here you explore the UNESCO-listed monuments of Kunya-Urgench — the soaring Kutlug Timur Minaret and the mausoleums of this former Khorezm capital — with a stop at the Izmukshir fortress. In the afternoon you transfer the short distance to the Shavat border crossing and complete exit formalities into Uzbekistan, with Khiva waiting just beyond the frontier. End of services at the Shavat 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 expenses of the driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation and transfers to and from the border meeting point
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You see everything possible within the available time, and the program can be adjusted on the 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 as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
16 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Ancient MervDay 2
- 04AshgabatDay 3
- 05Darvaza Gas CraterDay 3
- 06ArkadagDay 3
- 07Kow-Ata LakeDay 4
- 08Yangykala CanyonsDay 4
- 09TurkmenbashiDay 4
- 10NokhurDay 5
- 11ArkadagDay 5
- 12AshgabatDay 6
- 13DashoguzDay 7
- 14Kunya-UrgenchDay 7
- 15Shavat BorderDay 7
- 16KhivaDay 7
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- 7 Day Tour: Ashgabat – Merv – Darvaza – Yangykala – Turkmenbashi – Nokhur – Kunya-Urgench
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
