The Grand Tour of Turkmenistan
Discover the extraordinary diversity of Turkmenistan on an unforgettable expedition through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient Silk Road cities, dramatic canyons, sacred pilgrimage sites, underground lakes, mountain landscapes, and vast desert wilderness. From the Caspian Sea to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater and the remote Koytendag Mountains, this grand journey unveils the country's fascinating history, rich traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport — Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi (overnight train)
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Meet your guide on arrival and explore the white-marble city of Ashgabat, visiting its famous landmarks and the Carpet Museum. In the evening, transfer to the railway station for the overnight Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi train (17:40–08:02).
Turkmenbashi – Yangykala
Arrive in Turkmenbashi and, after breakfast, explore the Caspian Sea port city. Continue to the spectacular Yangykala canyons, one of Turkmenistan's most stunning natural sights. Enjoy dinner among the colourful cliffs and overnight near the sacred Gozli Ata pilgrimage site.
Yangykala – Garrygala
After breakfast, travel to the ancient site of Dehistan, where ruins of medieval cities, mosques and mausoleums recall the Silk Road era. Continue through scenic landscapes to Garrygala for an overnight stay at a local hotel.
Garrygala – Nohur
Travel through the picturesque Kopetdag Mountains, visiting the sacred Shibli Baba pilgrimage site. Continue to Nohur village, famous for its unique traditions, mountain scenery and distinctive culture. Overnight at a guesthouse in Nohur village.
Nohur – Ashgabat
Visit the famous Kow-Ata underground lake and swim in its naturally warm mineral waters inside a spectacular cave. Continue to an Akhal-Teke horse farm, then the UNESCO-listed Nisa Fortress and the impressive Türkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque. Return to Ashgabat for the night.
Ashgabat – Darvaza
After breakfast, visit the Memorial Complex and enjoy free time for shopping and souvenirs. Continue through the Karakum desert to the legendary Darvaza gas crater, stopping at the nearby water crater. Enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and an unforgettable overnight stay in a yurt beneath the stars.
Darvaza – Dashoguz
Watch the sunrise over the Darvaza gas crater, then drive north through the Karakum desert to Dashoguz, enjoying desert scenery along the way. Evening city tour and overnight in Dashoguz.
Dashoguz – Koneurgench – Ashgabat (evening flight)
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konye-Urgench, once one of Central Asia's greatest Silk Road cities, and explore its magnificent monuments. Return to Dashoguz for the evening flight to Ashgabat (19:50–20:40). Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Mary – Serhetabat (overnight train)
Drive to Mary and visit Ancient Merv, one of the most important archaeological sites on the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its fortresses and mausoleums. In the evening, board the overnight Mary–Serhetabat train (23:58–08:13).
Serhetabat – Mary
Arrive in the morning and continue to the remarkable Yekegowak caves, an ancient complex carved into the cliffs above the Murgab River. After exploring the site, drive back to Mary for the night.
Mary – Gonur Depe – Kerki (overnight train)
Journey into the Karakum desert to Gonur Depe, the ancient capital of the Margush civilisation. Return to Mary for a short city tour before boarding the overnight Mary–Kerki train (20:57–06:53).
Kerki – Koytendag
Drive to the spectacular Koytendag Mountains. Visit the sacred Kyrkgyz pilgrimage cave, then hike to the world-famous dinosaur footprints. Explore the mountains and meet the unique 'massaging goats' before spending the night in a local guesthouse.
Koytendag – Turkmenabat
Return to Turkmenabat, stopping at the sacred Gaynar Baba lake, home to hundreds of protected fish that locals believe bring good fortune. Continue to Turkmenabat for dinner and an overnight stay.
Turkmenabat – Dayahatyn Caravanserai – Ashgabat (evening flight)
Enjoy a morning city tour and visit the Turkmenabat history museum. Travel to the Dayahatyn Caravanserai, one of the finest surviving Silk Road caravanserais in Central Asia, then take the evening flight to Ashgabat (20:00–20:50). Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Turkmenistan's remarkable landscapes, ancient civilisations and warm hospitality.
What's Included
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass)
- 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 visa fee
- 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.
Select a start date to book
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