Distant Horizons of Turkmenistan
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Turkmenistan on this 11-day journey. From the white-marble capital of Ashgabat and the dramatic Yangykala Canyons to the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, and the remote Koytendag Mountains, this tour combines cultural discoveries, archaeological treasures, and unforgettable natural scenery.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport – Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi (overnight train)
Arrive in Ashgabat on a morning flight and begin exploring Turkmenistan's capital. Known as the White Marble City, Ashgabat is famous for its impressive white-marble buildings and monumental architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Carpet Museum and continuing to the railway station. In the evening, board the overnight train to Turkmenbashi, departing at 17:40 and arriving at 08:02 the following morning. Overnight on the train.
Turkmenbashi – Yangykala
Arrive in Turkmenbashi at 08:02. After breakfast at a local café, enjoy a city tour of this Caspian Sea port city. Following lunch, drive to the spectacular Yangykala Canyons, famous for their dramatic cliffs and striking natural colors. Enjoy time exploring the canyon landscapes and have dinner surrounded by nature before continuing to the Gozli Ata pilgrimage site. Overnight in yurt houses at Gozli Ata.
Yangykala – Nohur village
After breakfast, depart for Nohur, a traditional village nestled in the Kopetdag Mountains. Enjoy the scenic drive, with sightseeing and lunch along the way. Upon arrival, explore the village and discover its distinctive traditions, local lifestyle, and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy dinner and experience the hospitality of a local guesthouse. Overnight at a guesthouse in Nohur village.
Nohur – Ashgabat
Begin the day with an early breakfast before driving to Kow-Ata Underground Lake. Visitors can enjoy a swim in this unique natural setting. Continue to an Akhal-Teke horse farm. Enjoy lunch before visiting Ancient Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as an important center of the Parthian Empire. Finish the sightseeing with a visit to Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, also known as the Spiritual Mosque, in Kipchak. Then return to Ashgabat for dinner and hotel accommodation. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Darvaza
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and visit the Memorial Complex. Continue to local shopping centers, where you can purchase souvenirs and personal items. Pick up dinner and breakfast for the desert camp. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive north toward the famous Darvaza Gas Crater. Stop at the nearby Water Crater before arriving at Darvaza. After arrival, walk to the edge of the crater, then enjoy dinner at the camp and spend the night in a traditional yurt or tent.
Darvaza – Ashgabat
Enjoy breakfast at the desert camp before driving back to Ashgabat. After lunch, visit the National Museum to learn more about Turkmenistan's history, culture, and archaeological heritage. The remainder of the day is reserved for check-in and free time. Enjoy dinner and relax at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Mary
After breakfast, check out and drive to Mary. Following lunch, continue to Ancient Merv, one of the most important historical centers along the Great Silk Road. After the tour, return to Mary for dinner and hotel accommodation. Overnight at the hotel in Mary.
Mary – Kerki (overnight train)
After breakfast, prepare a packed lunch and travel to Gonur Depe, the ancient center of the Margush civilization. Spend the day exploring this important archaeological site before returning to Mary. Enjoy a city tour featuring the Russian Church, a local mosque, the library, and the bazaar. After dinner, transfer to the railway station and board the overnight train to Kerki, departing at 22:30. Overnight on the train.
Kerki – Koytendag
Arrive in Kerki at 06:53. After breakfast, drive toward the Koytendag Mountains, with lunch along the way. Visit the Kyrkgyz pilgrimage caves, where visitors come to make wishes and seek blessings. Continue into the mountains for a hike near the famous dinosaur footprints, one of the region's most remarkable natural and paleontological attractions. The day also includes a visit to Koytendag's unique 'massaging goats'. After dinner, settle into a local guesthouse. Overnight at the guesthouse in Koytendag.
Koytendag – Turkmenabat – Ashgabat (evening flight)
After breakfast, depart for Turkmenabat. On the way, visit Gaynarbaba Lake, known for its fish. Visitors can feed the fish, which are considered sacred by local people. Continue to Turkmenabat for lunch and an early dinner before transferring to the airport for the flight to Ashgabat, scheduled to depart at 20:00 and arrive at 20:50. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for the final night of the tour. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Departure from Ashgabat International Airport
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight.
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
- 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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