8-Day Tour: Ashgabat – Yangykala – Turkmenbashi – Merv – Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench
This 8-day journey across Turkmenistan brings together the country's most iconic sights, from desert craters to Silk Road cities and Caspian shores. Begin in the marble capital of Ashgabat, soak in the thermal Kow-Ata lake, and stand on the rim of the spectacular Yangykala canyons. Relax on the Caspian coast, walk among the ancient ruins of Merv, and watch the Darvaza Gas Crater blaze through the night. The adventure ends at the medieval treasures of Kunya-Urgench before crossing into Uzbekistan via Shavat.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport, where our professional guide will meet and greet you. Transfer to a 4-star hotel in the city center. The day ends with a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine, followed by an overnight stay in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat – Yangykala Canyons
Begin with a morning visit to an Akhal-Teke horse farm to see Turkmenistan's famous 'golden horses'. Explore the Kow-Ata Underground Lake, a natural wonder of warm sulfur waters, then drive three hours to the spectacular Yangykala Canyons. Set up camp and enjoy the sunset over the colorful rock formations, followed by a campfire dinner under the stars and overnight camping.
Day 3 — Yangykala – Turkmenbashi / Awaza
Start with an early-morning photography session at the canyons before driving to the Caspian port city of Turkmenbashi. Enjoy a city tour including the local bazaar and port, then continue to the Awaza National Tourist Zone. Check in at a luxury resort hotel, relax on the Caspian Sea beaches, and stay overnight at Awaza.
Day 4 — Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat
Spend the morning at leisure at the resort, then drive back to Ashgabat with scenic stops along the way. Pause in Balkanabat (former Nebit-Dag), an oil-industry center, and in the traditional Nokhur mountain village set in the Kopet Dag mountains. Return to Ashgabat in the evening for an overnight hotel stay.
Day 5 — Ashgabat – Ancient Merv (Mary)
Travel to Mary by early-morning flight or a four-hour drive for a full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv. Visit the ruins of the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the Great and Little Kyz Kala fortresses. Discover the Silk Road history of this ancient oasis city before an overnight stay in Mary.
Day 6 — Mary – Ashgabat
Return to the capital and enjoy a comprehensive Ashgabat city tour. Visit Independence Park and Monument, the National Museum of Turkmenistan, the Neutrality Arch, the modern white-marble buildings, and a local carpet-weaving center. The day concludes with a farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional folklore show and an overnight hotel stay.
Day 7 — Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
Enjoy free time in the morning for shopping at local markets, then depart in the afternoon for the Karakum Desert. Arrive at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the 'Gates of Hell', and witness the natural gas fire that has been burning since 1971. Settle into a traditional desert camp, dine around the campfire with views of the glowing crater, and spend the night camping in the desert.
Day 8 — Darvaza – Uzbekistan Border (Khiva)
Take a final early-morning look at the gas crater before driving north toward the Uzbekistan border. Make an optional stop at Kunya-Urgench to see its medieval ruins and mausoleums. Arrive at the border crossing, where the tour ends with a transfer to the Uzbek side for your onward journey to Khiva.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and a yurt overnight stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time, and the tour can 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 on the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
11 STOPS
- 01AshgabatDay 1
- 02Yangykala CanyonsDay 2
- 03TurkmenbashiDay 3
- 04AwazaDay 3
- 05TurkmenbashiDay 4
- 06AshgabatDay 4
- 07Ancient MervDay 5
- 08MaryDay 5
- 09AshgabatDay 6
- 10Darvaza Gas CraterDay 7
- 11KhivaDay 8
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- 8-Day Tour: Ashgabat – Yangykala – Turkmenbashi – Merv – Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
