Turkmenistan 8 Day Tour

Futuristic White-Marble Empty Cities, Surreal Desert Wonders & Ancient Sites

Embark on a journey like no other, exploring the grandeur and mystique of Turkmenistan, a land where history, culture, and surreal modernity intertwine. This carefully curated tour will take you from the ancient ruins of UNESCO sites like Merv and Kunya Urgench to the marble-clad streets of Ashgabat, known for its vast, silent boulevards and striking futuristic architecture.

Take a domestic overnight train to the port city of Turkmenbashi, discover breathtaking natural wonders, such as the fiery Darwaza Gas Crater and the colourful Yangikala Canyons, while delving into the traditions of local villages like Nokhur.

Perfect for travellers captivated by unique systems and stark contrasts, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of Turkmenistan's unparalleled charm.

Day 1: BP Farap – Merv – Mary

Arrive at the border post Farap and complete migration formalities. Meet your guide and begin your journey to the UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv, an important Silk Road city that flourished as a centre of trade and culture. Discover its stunning remnants, including the monumental Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the ancient fortress of Erk Kala.

Transfer to your hotel in Mary, a lively city blending modernity with deep historical roots, for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Mary – Ashgabat

Start your day with a short city tour of Mary, visiting the serene Orthodox Church, the grand Juma Mosque, and the vibrant local bazaar, where traditional goods and produce abound.

Independence Monument

Travel to Ashgabat, the white-marble capital, known for its extraordinary architecture and expansive, quiet boulevards.

Building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ashgabat

Explore key landmarks, including Independence Park, a tribute to Turkmenistan's sovereignty, and the striking Neutrality Arch, symbolising the nation’s neutral stance in global politics.

Ministry of Health

Neutrality Arch

Wedding Palace

Day 3: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi

Continue your city tour with a visit to the National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts showcasing Turkmenistan’s rich history.

Carpet Museum, Ashgabat

Explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient Nissa, the ruins of a Parthian city offering a glimpse into one of the most powerful ancient empires.

Nissa

Visit the magnificent Turkmenbashi Mosque Mausoleum, the largest in Central Asia, and the Akhal-Teke horse stable, where you can admire or ride the world-renowned Akhal-Teke horses.

Turkmenbashi Mosque in Ashgabat

Akhal-Teke Horse in Ashgabat

In the evening, board the overnight train to Turkmenbashi.

Day 4: Turkmenbashi – Yangikala – Kyzylarbat

Arrive in Turkmenbashi, a port city on the Caspian Sea, and drive to the awe-inspiring Yangikala Canyons.

Turkmenbashi Harbour

Drive to the Yangikala Canyons

These colourful formations, sculpted by natural forces, are among Turkmenistan's most spectacular landscapes.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in this serene setting before visiting the sacred Gozli-Ata pilgrim site, a revered place of spiritual importance. Continue to Kyzylarbat for an overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse.

Day 5: Kyzylarbat – Nokhur – Kow-Ata – Ashgabat

Journey back to Ashgabat with stops at the remote Nokhur village, nestled in the Kopet Dag Mountains and known for its unique culture, including a tribal cemetery and the sacred Kyz-Bibi shrine. Visit the ancient Chinar tree, believed to be centuries old.

Tribal Cemetery, Nokhur

En route, relax at the Kow-Ata underground lake, a natural hot spring perfect for a refreshing swim. Arrive in Ashgabat and rest for the evening.

Kow-Ata Underground Lake

Day 6: Ashgabat – Darwaza

Spend a leisurely morning in Ashgabat before departing for the Darwaza Gas Crater.

Ladies in Traditional Turkmen Clothes

Known as the "Door to Hell," this fiery natural gas pit has burned continuously since 1971, creating an extraordinary sight in the middle of the Karakum Desert.

Enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars and stay overnight in a traditional yurt camp.

Day 7: Darwaza – Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz – Ashgabat

After breakfast, travel to Kunya Urgench, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city was once a prominent centre of learning and trade in the Islamic world. Explore its remarkable monuments, including the towering Kutlug Timur Minaret and the intricately designed Turabek Khanum Mausoleum.

Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum

Mausoleum of Il Arslan

The Kutlug Minaret and the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh

Continue to Dashoguz for your evening flight back to Ashgabat. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an Ashgabat-by-night tour or visit the modern Berkarar shopping mall.

Day 8: Ashgabat – Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure, reflecting on the unforgettable memories of Turkmenistan’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

End of your Turkmenistan 8 Day Tour

Rates of our Turkmenistan 8 Day Tour

Our Turkmenistan 8 Day Tour rates include:

• Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass)
• Road transport in private air-conditioned vehicles, regular or SUV/4WD
• Accommodation based on single or shared twin/double hotel room or double/twin room, including breakfast
• Accommodation based on private yurt (3 pax) (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow), including breakfast and BBQ dinner
• Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
• Dashoguz – Ashgabat flight (economy class)
• Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi overnight train tickets
• Tourist fee per night, charged in the hotels (not applicable for overnights in tents/pilgrim house) at departure: 2 USD per person per night
• English-speaking guide interpreter services
• Meals as per program (picnic lunch in Yangikala and Nokhur, breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza)
• Bottled water: 1.5 litres per person per day
• Porter services

Rates do not include:

• Turkmenistan visa: 85+4 USD per person, when obtained at the land border (subject to change; nationality dependent)
• Turkmenistan migration tax: 10+4 USD per person, to be paid at the land border (subject to change)
• PCR test: 33 USD
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Photo/video fees at historical parks and in museums
• Tips for local guide and driver
• Souvenirs and other personal items
• All other charges and services not mentioned under our "Rates Include" section