7-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Merv, Ashgabat, Yangykala & Darvaza
This 7-day journey traces the Silk Road across Turkmenistan, from the Farab border to the Caspian Sea and back. Explore UNESCO-listed Merv, the white-marble capital of Ashgabat and ancient Nisa, the thermal lake of Kow Ata and the mountain village of Nokhur. Marvel at the colorful Yangykala canyons by the Caspian, then spend an unforgettable night beside the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, the famous "Gates of Hell."
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Farab Border – Merv – Mary
Our team meets you at the Farab border crossing with Uzbekistan and, after border formalities, we set off toward the ancient city of Merv. We drive to Mary, just 33 km from Merv, with lunch at a local restaurant near the site. In the afternoon we explore Merv, a key Silk Road city, visiting Gyz-Gala, the Askhab mausoleums, the ancient fortresses of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala, and the impressive Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum. Dinner is in Mary, the regional capital, where we spend the night.
Day 2 — Mary – Ashgabat
After breakfast at the hotel in Mary, we depart for Ashgabat, the gleaming capital of Turkmenistan. The drive covers about 388 km and takes around 4 hours on an excellent highway. We enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Ashgabat, then check into the hotel with free time to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. Dinner is at a traditional Ashgabat restaurant, with an overnight stay in the capital.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Balkanabat – Turkmenbashi
After breakfast we head west from Ashgabat, stopping at Kow Ata, a vast cave with a thermal lake 100 km from the city, and the picturesque village of Nokhur, 160 km away. We continue to Balkanabat (430 km, about 5 hours) and on to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast (150 km, roughly 1.5 hours), with lunch en route. Turkmenbashi is a beautiful seaside city, ideal for an overnight stay, with free time to relax or explore. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Day 4 — Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Ashgabat
After breakfast we drive from Turkmenbashi to the magnificent Yangykala Canyons (142 km, about 2 hours on a rough road), with time to explore and photograph their stunning, colorful landscapes. We then begin the long return journey toward Ashgabat, first to Balkanabat (147 km, about 2 hours) and on to the capital (430 km, about 5 hours) for a full day of travel, with lunch along the way. On arrival we check into the hotel, with free time in the evening and dinner at a restaurant, then overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
After breakfast we set off north to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Gates of Hell" (271 km, about 4.5 hours on a rough road). We time our arrival for just before sunset, when the crater ignites the desert night sky in a mesmerizing display, with free time to soak up the unique atmosphere. Dinner, typically delicious kebabs, is served at the nearby yurt camp, 400 meters away. Spend more time at the burning crater with your knowledgeable guide, who shares its captivating stories, before an overnight stay in traditional yurts or tents.
Day 6 — Darvaza – Ashgabat City Tour
After breakfast at the Darvaza camp we drive back toward Ashgabat (300 km, about 5 hours), stopping at the Water Crater and the Mud Crater and passing a desert village where herders keep goats and camels. After lunch in Ashgabat and check-in, we begin a comprehensive city tour of the capital, which holds a Guinness World Record for the most white-marble buildings in the world. We visit the National Museum, the Carpet Museum, various monuments, the ruins of Nisa, the first capital of the Parthian Empire, and the ruins of Anau, among other sights. Dinner is at a city restaurant, with an overnight stay in Ashgabat.
Day 7 — Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Farab Border
After breakfast at the hotel in Ashgabat, we begin our journey eastward toward the border with Uzbekistan. We drive to Turkmenabat, near the Farab crossing, a long route of about 639 km that takes around 8.5 hours, with lunch provided en route. Upon reaching the Farab border crossing point near Turkmenabat, your tour of Turkmenistan comes 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 expenses of the driver/guide, including fuel, meals and accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything 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)
- Entrance fees to museums and sites
12 STOPS
- 01Farab BorderDay 1
- 02Ancient MervDay 1
- 03MaryDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 2
- 05BalkanabatDay 3
- 06TurkmenbashiDay 3
- 07Yangykala CanyonsDay 4
- 08AshgabatDay 4
- 09Darvaza Gas CraterDay 5
- 10AshgabatDay 6
- 11TurkmenabatDay 7
- 12Farab BorderDay 7
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