Ancient Lands & Modern Wonders
Experience the best of Turkmenistan on a journey through ancient Silk Road cities, spectacular natural landscapes, the Caspian Sea, and the modern white-marble capital of Ashgabat. Discover the UNESCO-listed ancient cities of Nisa and Konye-Urgench, explore the archaeological treasures of Merv, meet the famous Akhal-Teke horses, witness the breathtaking Yangykala Canyons, and spend an unforgettable night beside the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport – Ashgabat
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Arrive in Ashgabat by morning flight and meet your guide. Begin your Ashgabat city tour and discover the impressive white-marble capital of Turkmenistan. Have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Carpet Museum and discovering Turkmenistan's famous carpet-making traditions. After the museum visit, transfer to the hotel and enjoy some free time. In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi (overnight train)
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Ancient Nisa, the Sanctuary of the Parthian Kings and one of Turkmenistan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Continue to Kipchak and visit the impressive Spiritual Mosque. Afterwards, visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm and see Turkmenistan's famous and beautiful national horses. Return to Ashgabat and have lunch. In the afternoon, have dinner and prepare for the overnight train journey to Turkmenbashi, departing at approximately 17:40 and arriving at 08:02 the next morning. Overnight on the train.
Turkmenbashi – Yangykala
Arrive in Turkmenbashi in the morning and have breakfast at a local café. Enjoy a short city tour of Turkmenbashi, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, including the Awaza tourist zone. After lunch, drive towards the spectacular Yangykala Canyons. Explore the dramatic cliffs and colourful rock formations of Yangykala and enjoy dinner surrounded by nature. Afterwards, continue to the Gozli Ata pilgrimage site. Overnight in yurt houses at Gozli Ata.
Yangykala – Ashgabat
Enjoy an early breakfast and drive back towards Ashgabat. Travel through the changing landscapes of western Turkmenistan and enjoy sightseeing stops along the way. Have lunch during the journey before continuing to Ashgabat. After arrival, enjoy an evening city tour and have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Dashoguz (morning flight) – Konye-Urgench – Darvaza
Early in the morning, check out from the hotel and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the morning flight to Dashoguz. After arrival, have breakfast and drive to Ancient Konye-Urgench, one of the most important historical cities along the Great Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit, have lunch and stop at a local bazaar to buy supplies for the desert. Continue towards the Karakum Desert and drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Arrive at Darvaza in the evening and enjoy dinner near the famous gas crater. Overnight in a yurt house near Darvaza.
Darvaza – Ashgabat – Mary
After breakfast in the desert, drive towards Ashgabat. On the way, visit the Water Crater and Yerbent Village. Continue to Ashgabat and have lunch upon arrival. After lunch, continue towards Mary. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time before dinner. Overnight at the hotel in Mary.
Mary – Merv – Mary – Ashgabat
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Ancient Merv, one of the most important cities along the Great Silk Road and one of the major archaeological sites in Central Asia. After the visit, return to Mary and have lunch at a local restaurant. Continue with a short city tour and visit the Russian Orthodox Church before driving back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Departure from Ashgabat International Airport
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight. End of the tour.
What's Included
- Turkmenistan visa
- Accommodations
- All in-country transportation (cars, train tickets, plane tickets)
- Local guide for the full duration of the program
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
- Bottled drinking water, 1.5 L per person per day
Not Included
- Turkmenistan migration tax
- PCR test
- Photo / video fees
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs and other personal items
- All other charges and services not mentioned under "Included"
Earliest start is 21 days from today, to allow time for bookings and visa processing.
Visa prepayment: 200 to 250 USD per person, paid online before the trip. Everything else is paid on arrival.
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