6-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Darvaza, Turkmenbashi & Yangikala
This six-day journey blends history, nature, and culture across Turkmenistan. Travel west to the Caspian coast past Kow Ata underground lake and the mountain village of Nokhur, marvel at the colorful Yangikala canyons, and spend a night under the stars beside the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater. Explore Ashgabat's marble city, ancient Nisa, and the great Silk Road metropolis of Merv before departing.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) – Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi
We meet you at the Bajgiran border with Iran and transfer about 45 km (around one hour) to Ashgabat. After a brief look at the capital you continue west toward the Caspian coast and the port city of Turkmenbashi, crossing the Karakum and Balkan landscapes en route. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 2 — Turkmenbashi – Yangikala Canyons – Ashgabat
After breakfast, take an excursion to the spectacular Yangikala Canyons (about 142 km, 2 hours). Often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia, these dramatic, colorful cliffs offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Afterward, drive back to Ashgabat via Balkanabat, with dinner at a local restaurant on arrival.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
Enjoy free time to relax or explore Ashgabat in the morning. In the afternoon, depart for the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater (about 271 km, 4.5 hours), timing your arrival for sunset and after dark when the eternal flames create a magical atmosphere. Your guide shares the fascinating history of this unique phenomenon. Dinner is served under the stars at a nearby yurt camp.
Day 4 — Darvaza – Ashgabat (City Tour)
After breakfast at the camp, visit the lesser-known Water Crater and Mud Crater before returning to Ashgabat. The afternoon features a tour of the gleaming white-marble city, a Guinness World Record holder. Highlights include the National Museum of Turkmenistan, the Carpet Museum, the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nisa, the ruins of Anau, an Akhal-Teke horse farm, and the local bazaar.
Day 5 — Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat
Take a full-day excursion to the ancient Silk Road city of Merv (about 388 km, 4 hours each way). This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds impressive ruins from multiple civilizations, including the Gyz-Gala fortress, the Askhab mausoleums, the ancient citadels of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Return to Ashgabat in the evening for dinner.
Day 6 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast and any final sightseeing 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 at Darvaza and the yurt night stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, and accommodation
- All taxes
- The tour can be adjusted on the go where possible
- 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 (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (welcomed)
10 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03TurkmenbashiDay 1
- 04Yangykala CanyonsDay 2
- 05AshgabatDay 2
- 06Darvaza Gas CraterDay 3
- 07AshgabatDay 4
- 08Ancient MervDay 5
- 09AshgabatDay 6
- 10Bajgiran BorderDay 6
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
