7-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Dashoguz – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Yangykala – Kow-Ata
Experience the best of Turkmenistan on this week-long journey, traveling only in comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicles rather than large buses, which are impractical in the desert. From the burning Darvaza Gas Crater and the vast Karakum Desert to the emerald Caspian Sea, the Mars-like Yangykala Canyon and warm thermal caves, you will discover the country's natural contrasts, ancient traditions and warm hospitality. Visit UNESCO sites such as Parthian Nisa and Merv, ride the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, swim in the underground Kow-Ata lake and taste authentic Turkmen cuisine from shashlik grilled over saxaul wood to fine dining in Ashgabat. This is a journey through the true Land of Fire.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat / Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza
Meet your group at 09:00 at the Shavat/Dashoguz border and, after clearing the formalities, begin your adventure with lunch at a national restaurant and a first taste of Turkmen plov, manty and tea with sweets. Explore the UNESCO site of Kunya-Urgench, the medieval capital of Khorezm, with its Kutlug-Timur Minaret (60 m), the Turabek-Khanym Mausoleum and the Il-Arslan Mausoleum. In the afternoon drive about 300 km across the changing landscapes of the Karakum Desert to Darvaza. Check into a traditional yurt camp, enjoy a dinner of shashlik grilled on saxaul wood by the fire, and visit the burning gas crater at night, glowing over 70 meters wide. Overnight in traditional yurts under the desert stars.
Day 2 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
Rise early to watch a breathtaking sunrise over the fiery crater, then enjoy breakfast in the desert with tea from a samovar, fresh bread, cheese and jams. Drive about 350 km to Ashgabat, crossing from desert to oasis landscapes with photo stops along the way, and check in to a 3-star hotel. After lunch, explore the UNESCO ruins of ancient Nisa, the capital of the Parthian Empire, then visit the National Museum of History to see Parthian gold, ivory rhytons and Silk Road artifacts. Admire the white-marble Gypjak Mosque, the largest in Central Asia, before dinner at a national restaurant and an evening walk through the city.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Yangykala Canyon – Turkmenbashi
After breakfast, depart toward the Caspian Sea, stopping in the futuristic Arkadag City with its modern architecture, perfect roads and parks. Continue with lunch en route and arrive at Yangykala Canyon for the golden hour, when its Mars-like red and yellow cliffs glow in the sunset, a true photographer's dream. In the evening drive to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian coast and enjoy a seaside dinner of Caspian fish and Turkmen-style sturgeon. Overnight at a hotel on the Caspian shore.
Day 4 — Caspian Sea – Nokhur – Kow-Ata – Ashgabat
Enjoy a peaceful breakfast with sea views, then stroll along the Awaza resort promenade lined with luxury hotels and parks. Drive through the scenic Kopetdag mountains with photo stops to the mountain village of Nokhur, where you discover 3,000-year-old petroglyphs, traditional homes, mosques, weaving workshops and mountain springs. Continue to the Kow-Ata underground lake to swim in its warm 40 degrees Celsius mineral-rich thermal waters inside a vast cave. Return to Ashgabat for dinner at a national restaurant and an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel.
Day 5 — Ancient Merv – Ashgabat
After an early breakfast, drive to Mary to visit Merv, a UNESCO site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. Guided by an archaeologist, explore the Erk-Kala fortress (3rd century BC), the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (12th century) and the Kyz-Kala fortresses. Enjoy lunch in Mary before driving back to Ashgabat for dinner at a city restaurant and an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel.
Day 6 — Free Day in Ashgabat
After breakfast, ride the legendary Akhal-Teke horses for an hour, the graceful and ancient symbols of Turkmenistan. The group then votes on the day's route, choosing from options such as Berkarar Mall and Tolkuchka Bazaar, Independence Park and the Neutrality Monument, the Carpet Museum and Jewelry Center, or city viewpoints and modern districts. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant chosen by the travelers, continue with sightseeing or shopping, and have free time in the afternoon. End the day with dinner overlooking Ashgabat glowing in golden light.
Day 7 — Ashgabat – Chuli – Airport Transfer
After breakfast, drive about 70 km along a scenic mountain road through the Kopetdag to Chuli village, with photo stops along the way. Take a short hike in the mountains to enjoy breathtaking views, fresh air and ancient rock carvings, then have lunch at a mountain restaurant with lamb kebabs, mountain pilaf, herbs and aromatic tea. After some free time for final photos and souvenirs, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight.
- 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 driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals and accommodation, plus transfer to the meeting point at the border and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- Tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the itinerary may be adjusted on the go as needed
- 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 (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
13 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02DashoguzDay 1
- 03Kunya-UrgenchDay 1
- 04Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 05AshgabatDay 2
- 06Yangykala CanyonsDay 3
- 07TurkmenbashiDay 3
- 08AwazaDay 4
- 09NokhurDay 4
- 10Kow-Ata LakeDay 4
- 11AshgabatDay 4
- 12Ancient MervDay 5
- 13AshgabatDay 5
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
