7-Day Tour: Turkmenbashi, Yangykala, Ashgabat, Merv, Darvaza & Kunya-Urgench
Cross Turkmenistan from the Caspian Sea to the Uzbek border on this unforgettable week-long journey. Marvel at the multicolored Yangykala Canyons, walk the Silk Road ruins of ancient Merv, watch the famous Darvaza gas crater blaze at night, and discover the UNESCO monuments of Kunya-Urgench. A complete overland adventure blending nature, history and living Turkmen traditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Arrival in Turkmenbashi
We meet you at Turkmenbashi port after the ferry arrives from Baku, then transfer you to a hotel on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Enjoy free time to rest and get acquainted with the city. Please note that the ferry usually arrives at night and border and port formalities can be lengthy, so this day is reserved as a buffer to make sure you arrive relaxed and ready. Overnight at a hotel in Turkmenbashi.
Day 2 — Turkmenbashi - Yangykala Canyons - Nohur - Kov Ata - Ashgabat
After breakfast we set off to the stunning Yangykala Canyons, famous for their multicolored rock formations. From there we drive toward the capital, Ashgabat, stopping at the underground thermal lake of Kov Ata and the picturesque mountain village of Nohur, two classic highlights along the route. We arrive in Ashgabat in the evening and check in to the hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat - Mary - Ancient Merv - Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy - Mary
We travel from Ashgabat to Mary along the excellent new highway and explore Ancient Merv, one of the great Silk Road cities of Central Asia, including Kyz Kala, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala, the impressive restored Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the Merv Ice House. After lunch we visit Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy, a cultural site where you can meet camels and Akhal-Teke horses, try on Turkmen national dress, meet Alabai dogs and enjoy the atmosphere of traditional yurts and hospitality. In the evening we drive to Mary for a short city walk and dinner. Overnight at Margush Hotel in Mary.
Day 4 — Mary - Ashgabat - City Experiences
After breakfast we return to Ashgabat for a flexible day tailored to your interests. You may explore the vast Altyn Asyr (Tolkuchka) Bazaar, one of Central Asia's largest open-air markets full of Turkmen rugs, textiles and jewelry, or walk a section of the famous Health Path (Saglyk Yoly) in the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains. Modern Ashgabat can also be discovered through its shopping malls, and your guide can take you to any other places you wish to see. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat Sightseeing - Darvaza Gas Crater
Enjoy a full day touring Ashgabat, the white-marble city, visiting the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum in Gypjak, the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa (UNESCO), an Akhal-Teke horse farm and the Carpet Museum, home to the world's largest handwoven carpet. After a national lunch with traditional dishes such as ishlekli or khan palaw, we drive about 4.5 hours to the Darvaza gas crater, arriving before sunset to see the flaming Gates of Hell. We enjoy a barbecue dinner under the desert sky, with an optional camel ride around the crater. Overnight in a Turkmen yurt camp near the crater.
Day 6 — Darvaza - Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO) - Shavat Border
After breakfast at Darvaza we drive to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the Mausoleum of Turabek-Khanym, the Tekesh and Il-Arslan Mausoleums, the Najm al-Din al-Kubra complex and more. We then continue to the Shavat border crossing with Uzbekistan near Khiva, where our services in Turkmenistan come to an end.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and the yurt overnight stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver and guide expenses, including fuel, meals and accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border and farewell at the border
- Entrance fees to museums and sites as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything that is possible within the available time, and the tour 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)
- Tips (welcomed but optional)
11 STOPS
- 01TurkmenbashiDay 1
- 02Yangykala CanyonsDay 2
- 03NokhurDay 2
- 04AshgabatDay 2
- 05MaryDay 3
- 06Ancient MervDay 3
- 07MaryDay 4
- 08AshgabatDay 4
- 09Darvaza Gas CraterDay 5
- 10Kunya-UrgenchDay 6
- 11Shavat BorderDay 6
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
