6-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Darvaza, Turkmenbashi & Yangykala
This six-day journey across Turkmenistan combines the futuristic white-marble capital of Ashgabat with the country's most spectacular natural wonders. Watch the fiery glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset, swim in the underground thermal lake of Kow Ata, and stand before the otherworldly cliffs of the Yangykala Canyon above the Caspian coast. Along the way you will discover desert villages, mountain hamlets, and the diverse landscapes that make Turkmenistan so unforgettable.
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 white-marble capital and its illuminated monuments by evening, with dinner at a national restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
After breakfast in Ashgabat, enjoy free time in the morning to explore at your own pace or relax. In the afternoon, depart for the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Gates of Hell," on a drive of about 4.5 hours. Arrival is timed for just before sunset so you can see the fiery glow of the crater at its most spectacular, with time to explore around it. Dinner is served at a nearby yurt camp, and you spend the night in a yurt or tent at Darvaza.
Day 3 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast at the yurt camp in Darvaza, begin the drive back to Ashgabat. En route you have the chance to visit the water crater and the mud crater, and stop at a local village in the middle of the desert. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, check into your hotel again. The afternoon and evening are free at your leisure.
Day 4 — Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi
After breakfast in Ashgabat, head west toward Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast. Along the way, visit Kow Ata, a unique underground thermal lake, and Nokhur, a picturesque mountain village. These stops offer insight into Turkmenistan's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Upon arrival in Turkmenbashi, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 5 — Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Balkanabat – Ashgabat
After breakfast in Turkmenbashi, head to the stunning Yangykala Canyon, one of the most spectacular destinations of the trip. After exploring the canyon, the route continues through Balkanabat and back to Ashgabat. This scenic drive reveals Turkmenistan's diverse landscapes. Arrive in Ashgabat in the evening and check into your hotel for your final night.
Day 6 — Ashgabat – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you have a final morning in Ashgabat for shopping or any remaining sights. You are then 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 overnight yurt stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and parting with the guest 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; the itinerary can be adjusted on the go where feasible
- 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 along the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
11 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 04AshgabatDay 3
- 05Kow-Ata LakeDay 4
- 06NokhurDay 4
- 07TurkmenbashiDay 4
- 08Yangykala CanyonsDay 5
- 09BalkanabatDay 5
- 10AshgabatDay 5
- 11Bajgiran BorderDay 6
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
