9 Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat – Koytendag – Kerki – Yangykala – Turkmenbashi – Avaza – Chuli Gorge
This nine-day journey is the ultimate family adventure across Turkmenistan, combining natural wonders, history and leisure. Begin in Ashgabat before flying east to the Koytendag Mountains, where children and adults alike marvel at the world-famous dinosaur footprints, waterfalls and Lake Gaynarbaba. Travel back west to explore the vibrant Yangykala canyons, relax on the Caspian coast at Turkmenbashi and Avaza, and swim in the warm underground lake of Kow Ata. Round off the trip with cultural days in Ashgabat, Akhal-Teke horse riding and a picnic at Chuli Gorge.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) – Arrival in Ashgabat
We meet you at the Bajgiran border with Iran and, after formalities, transfer about 45 km (around one hour) to Ashgabat. After settling into your hotel you enjoy a first orientation of the marble capital, with dinner at a national restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat to the Koytendag Mountains
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Kerki at 10:00. On arrival you drive towards the Koytendag Mountains, stopping at the Zeyit Water Reserve along the way. Continue into the Koytendag area to visit the Koytendag Nature Reserve and explore the warm spring-fed Lake Gaynarbaba. Overnight at a camp in Koytendag.
Day 3 — Koytendag Mountain Adventures
After breakfast at the camp, set out to discover the highlights of the Koytendag range. Visit the Kyrkgyz attraction and the famous site of prehistoric dinosaur footprints, then hike to the Umbardere waterfall. Enjoy further nature walks and local attractions before driving back to Kerki for the night. Overnight in a hotel in Kerki.
Day 4 — Kerki – Turkmenabat – Ashgabat
Drive from Kerki to Turkmenabat, with free time for shopping in the city. Enjoy some local entertainment with a karaoke and disco evening. In the evening you take the 20:00 flight back to Ashgabat. Overnight in a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi via the Yangykala Canyons
Transfer to the car terminal for a scenic drive across western Turkmenistan, with a stop at the spectacular Yangykala Canyons. Explore the colorful rock formations and dramatic layered landscapes that glow at sunset. Continue on to the Caspian port city of Turkmenbashi. Overnight in a hotel, or optionally in tents near the canyons.
Day 6 — Turkmenbashi (Avaza) to Ashgabat via Kow Ata
Visit the Avaza resort area on the shores of the Caspian Sea for some beach relaxation and coastal activities. Afterwards begin the drive back towards Ashgabat, stopping to swim in the warm underground sulfur lake of Kow Ata and to see the village of Nokhur. Check in to your hotel and rest in the evening. Overnight in a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 7 — Ashgabat Cultural and Shopping Day
Spend a full day discovering the social life of Ashgabat. Shop at lively local markets and modern shopping centers, and visit cultural sites, monuments and parks. Take a relaxed tour through the city and soak up the local café culture. Overnight in a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 8 — Chuli Gorge and Akhal-Teke Experience
Set off on a sightseeing excursion to the scenic Chuli Gorge. Enjoy a one-hour traditional Akhal-Teke horse riding experience on Turkmenistan's celebrated golden horses. Stop at cafés or restaurants in the gorge, with optional swimming, for a full day of leisure and cultural immersion. Overnight in a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 9 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast and a final morning in Ashgabat, you are 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 and yurt overnight stay where included
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, accommodation and transfers to and from the meeting point
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals (around $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)
14 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03KoytendagDay 2
- 04KerkiDay 4
- 05TurkmenabatDay 4
- 06AshgabatDay 4
- 07TurkmenbashiDay 5
- 08Yangykala CanyonsDay 5
- 09TurkmenbashiDay 6
- 10AwazaDay 6
- 11AshgabatDay 6
- 12Kow-Ata LakeDay 6
- 13AshgabatDay 7
- 14Bajgiran BorderDay 9
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
