7-Day Tour: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Nokhur – Kow Ata – Merv – Darvaza
A week-long journey across the most striking landscapes and ancient sites of Turkmenistan. From the multicolored Yangykala Canyons on the Caspian coast to the mountain village of Nokhur, the thermal lake of Kow Ata, the UNESCO ruins of Ancient Merv and the famous burning Darvaza gas crater. The tour combines deserts, canyons, history and the glittering white-marble capital of Ashgabat, with an overnight train ride and a night in a desert yurt camp.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Caspian Ferry Arrival at Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyons
Your guide meets you on arrival of the Caspian Sea ferry from Baku at the port of Turkmenbashi. After formalities you set out along the dramatic, multicoloured cliffs of the Yangykala Canyon, one of Turkmenistan's most spectacular natural sights, before returning to the coast. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 2 — Turkmenbashi – Nokhur Village – Kow Ata – Ashgabat
After breakfast at the hotel, you visit the picturesque mountain village of Nokhur, known for its unique culture and traditions. Next you explore the Kow Ata underground thermal lake, with an optional swim in its warm mineral waters. You then drive back to Ashgabat and enjoy dinner at a local Turkmen restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – overnight train
After breakfast you drive to the Mary region to visit Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You explore its historical landmarks, including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Gyaur Kala fortress and other archaeological sites. After a dinner of traditional Turkmen cuisine in Mary, you board the overnight train from Mary to Ashgabat. Overnight on the train.
Day 4 — Arrival in Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
You arrive in Ashgabat in the early morning and have breakfast at a local restaurant, followed by a short city tour. In the afternoon you drive north into the Karakum Desert toward the Darvaza Gas Crater, reaching the burning crater before sunset to witness the spectacular view at dusk. Dinner with traditional Turkmen food is served at the yurt camp. Overnight in yurts at Darvaza.
Day 5 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
You begin with a sunrise viewing of the crater, followed by breakfast at the camp. You then visit the nearby Water and Mud Craters before driving back to Ashgabat. Back in the city, you continue the tour of its main landmarks, including the Independence Monument and the Turkmenbashi Mosque, with a traditional Turkmen lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 6 — Ashgabat city exploration
After breakfast you enjoy a full-day tour of Ashgabat, including the National Museum of History, the Neutrality Monument and the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. You also visit a local bazaar for souvenirs and a traditional carpet-weaving workshop, sampling Turkmen cuisine throughout the day. There is free time for shopping or relaxation. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 7 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you complete any final city exploration in Ashgabat. 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 an overnight yurt stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All expenses of the driver/guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation and transfers to 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 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 as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
12 STOPS
- 01AwazaDay 1
- 02TurkmenbashiDay 1
- 03Yangykala CanyonsDay 1
- 04TurkmenbashiDay 2
- 05NokhurDay 2
- 06Kow-Ata LakeDay 2
- 07AshgabatDay 2
- 08Ancient MervDay 3
- 09AshgabatDay 4
- 10Darvaza Gas CraterDay 4
- 11AshgabatDay 5
- 12Bajgiran BorderDay 7
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- 7-Day Tour: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Nokhur – Kow Ata – Merv – Darvaza
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
