7-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Yangykala, Turkmenbashi, Darvaza & Merv
This balanced, family-friendly journey covers Turkmenistan's greatest highlights. Marvel at the dramatic Yangykala canyons and the Caspian Sea coast at Turkmenbashi, swim in the Kow Ata underground thermal lake, and wander the mountain village of Nokhur. Spend an unforgettable night beside the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater in traditional yurts, explore the marble capital Ashgabat, and discover the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Merv near Mary.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) – Ashgabat – Yangykala – Turkmenbashi
We meet you at the Bajgiran border with Iran and transfer about 45 km (around one hour) to Ashgabat. From here you travel west toward the Caspian, with the spectacular layered cliffs of the Yangykala Canyon a highlight of the journey before you reach the port city of Turkmenbashi. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 2 — Turkmenbashi – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Ashgabat
Visit the Kow Ata underground lake, a unique thermal lake set inside a cave. Continue to the mountain village of Nokhur in the Kopet Dag range to discover its traditions and scenery. Drive on to Ashgabat for an overnight stay.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
Enjoy free time in Ashgabat in the morning, then set off around noon for the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, a 271 km drive of roughly 4.5 hours. Arrive at the Door to Hell before sunset and enjoy a traditional dinner at the yurt camp. Watch the burning crater glow at night and stay overnight in traditional yurts at Darvaza.
Day 4 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
Have breakfast at Darvaza before driving back to Ashgabat, about five hours away. Check in to your hotel on arrival and enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat – Merv
Drive to ancient Merv via the city of Mary, a 388 km trip of around four hours on an excellent highway. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Merv, including the Gyz Gala fortress, the Askhab mausoleums, the ancient citadels of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Overnight in Mary.
Day 6 — Mary – Ashgabat City Tour
Return to Ashgabat, about four hours away, for a comprehensive city tour. Visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan, the Carpet Museum, the Independence and Neutrality monuments, and the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nisa. Browse the local bazaar before an overnight stay in Ashgabat.
Day 7 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you enjoy a final city tour of Ashgabat with time for souvenirs. 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 overnight yurt stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals and accommodation
- All taxes
- Visa and other border fees (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals ($3–8 per meal per person)
- Entrance fees to museums and sites (usually no more than $10 per day)
- Tips (welcomed but optional)
13 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Yangykala CanyonsDay 1
- 04TurkmenbashiDay 1
- 05Kow-Ata LakeDay 2
- 06NokhurDay 2
- 07AshgabatDay 2
- 08Darvaza Gas CraterDay 3
- 09AshgabatDay 4
- 10Ancient MervDay 5
- 11MaryDay 6
- 12AshgabatDay 6
- 13Bajgiran BorderDay 7
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- 7-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Yangykala, Turkmenbashi, Darvaza & Merv
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
