5 Day Turkmenistan Tour

Our 5 Day Turkmenistan Tour will allow you to experience the beauty and mystery of this unique country. Begin your journey in Ashgabat, where we'll greet you upon arrival and whisk you to your hotel to rest up before the adventure begins. Over the next days, uncover the marvels of Ashgabat’s architectural gems, visit UNESCO sites, and venture into the Karakum Desert to witness the famed Darwaza Crater aka "Doors to Hell".

Day 1: Arrival at Ashgabat

• Departure to Ashgabat by FZ 731 (ETD 2355h, ETA 0325h+1) or TK 322 (ETD 2010h, ETA 0155h+1)
• Hotel transfer

Overnight: Hotel, Ashgabat

Day 2: City Tour of Ashgabat

• After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will kick off an exciting introductory city tour of Ashgabat.

The Stairs of Health are 36 km long

• You’ll visit Independence Park with its stunning monuments, the towering Neutrality Arch, and the impressive Monument of Constitution.

Independence Square

• Don’t miss the chance to ride the famous Alem Ferris Wheel, offering spectacular views of the city.

• We'll also pass through the Olympic Complex, a hub of Turkmenistan’s sporting achievements.

The Ruhnama Book was written by the Founding President of Turkmenistan

• For lunch, enjoy a delicious meal at Lezzet Restaurant, where you'll dine in air-conditioned yurts — a modern twist on traditional nomadic style.

• In the afternoon, continue exploring the city with visits to the vibrant Russian Bazaar, and iconic statues of Lenin and Pushkin.

• You’ll also have the chance to browse local literature and souvenirs at the University bookshop.

Overnight: Ashgabat (hotel)

Day 3: Ashgabat - Darwaza

Neutrality Monument, Ashgabat

• After a refreshing breakfast and city drive, we'll set off to explore the Nissa Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient Parthian city offers a comprehensive look into Turkmenistan’s deep historical roots, with its well-preserved ruins providing a glimpse into a civilization that once thrived here. The detailed excursion will take you through the fascinating remains of this once grand fortress, filled with stories of its past.

Nissa

• In the afternoon, we will embark on an exhilarating journey to the famous Darwaza Burning Gas Crater, often referred to as the "Gates of Hell." On the way, we’ll make stops at two other craters—one filled with bubbling mud and the other with tranquil water—both formed through the same geological phenomenon that created Darwaza.

Carpet making

• As we approach the last stretch of our journey, we’ll venture off-road into the Karakum Desert, navigating through rugged terrain to reach the Darwaza crater just before sunset. Watch as the fiery pit glows brighter against the backdrop of the desert dusk, creating a truly awe-inspiring view as day turns into night.

Karakum Desert

• We’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner near the crater, where the incredible setting will make for an unforgettable evening.

"The Gates of Hell" have been burning since 1971

• Afterward, settle in for the night in traditional yurts, surrounded by the vast desert landscape under the stars.

Overnight: Darwaza (yurt)

Day 4: Darwaza - Ashgabat

• After enjoying your filling breakfast in the desert, we’ll begin our drive back to Ashgabat.

• Along the way, we’ll stop at the lively Sunday Bazaar, one of the largest and most colourful markets in the region. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore local crafts, textiles, and exotic foods, offering an authentic glimpse into Turkmen culture and daily life.

• Upon our return to Ashgabat, we will visit a private Akhalteke Horse farm near Anau, where you can admire the graceful Akhalteke horses, renowned for their beauty and endurance. You’ll learn about their rich history, an integral part of Turkmenistan’s heritage.

• Later, we’ll continue our journey to the Anau Mosque and Fortress (also known as the Sheikh Jemaladdin Mosque), where we’ll take an excursion to explore this historic site. The mosque’s ruins, dating back to the 15th century, are a fascinating window into the past, with stunning architecture and rich historical significance.

Wedding Palace, Ashgabat

• After a full day of cultural exploration, we’ll return to the comfort of our hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Overnight: Ashgabat (hotel)

Day 5 - End of your 5 Day Turkmenistan Tour

• Transfer from hotel to airport. Departure by flights TK 323, ETD 0320h or FZ732, ETD 0455h.

Rates

Rates are based per person and based on the total number of travellers in your group and the hotel you stay at in Ashgabat.

Hotel / Number of People	1	2-3	4	5-6	7	8-9	10	Single Room Supplement
Ak Altyn 3*	€1270	€880	€800	€780	€770	€760	€740	€120
Sport 4*	€1340	€915	€830	€815	€800	€790	€770	€155
Archabil 5*	€1400	€945	€865	€845	€825	€820	€805	€215
Yyldyz 5*	€1600	€1030	€950	€930	€910	€900	€890	€245

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 shared hotel twin room and shared yurts, including breakfast
• BBQ dinner in Darwaza
• English-speaking guide-interpreter services
• Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the program
• Drinking bottled water 1.5 litres per person per day

Our Turkmenistan 5 Day Tour rates do not include:

• Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person, when obtained at Ashgabat airport (subject to change; nationality dependent)
• Turkmenistan migration tax 10+4 USD per person, to be paid at Ashgabat airport (subject to change)
• COVID-19 PCR tests by arrival 33 USD per person per test
• Photo/video fees at historical sites and museums
• Tips for local guide(s) and/or driver(s)
• Souvenirs and other personal items
• All other charges and services not mentioned under “Included”

Please go to our main Turkmenistan page to see other sample itineraries.