Turkmenistan: Silk Road, Canyons & Desert Flames
Discover the highlights of Turkmenistan on an unforgettable journey through ancient Silk Road cities, the vast Karakum Desert, dramatic canyons, the Caspian Sea, and the impressive capital of Ashgabat. Explore the ancient cities of Konye-Urgench, Merv and Nisa. Meet the famous Akhal-Teke horses, experience the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, and admire the breathtaking landscapes of Yangykala.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival on Dashoguz/Shavat border (Uzbekistan) – Konye-Urgench – Darvaza
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Meet your guide at the border in the morning and receive assistance with the border and visa process. 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 a late lunch before continuing towards the Karakum Desert. Pack dinner and breakfast 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 or tent camp near Darvaza.
Darvaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast in the desert, drive towards Ashgabat. On the way, visit the Water Crater and Yerbent Village. Continue to Ashgabat and have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. In the evening, enjoy a city tour of Ashgabat, continue to the Russian Bazaar and have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi (overnight train)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and 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, drive to an Akhal-Teke horse farm and see Turkmenistan's famous and beautiful national horses. Return to Ashgabat and have lunch. In the afternoon, pack dinner and prepare for the overnight train journey to Turkmenbashi, departing at around 17:40 and arriving at about 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 begin the drive back towards Ashgabat. Have lunch during the journey and enjoy sightseeing stops along the way. After arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy an evening city tour and have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Mary
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography and the Carpet Museum. Have lunch before visiting the Memorial Complex. After sightseeing, drive towards Mary. Upon arrival, have dinner and enjoy a short evening city tour. Overnight at the hotel in Mary.
Mary – Merv – Turkmenabat – Departure Farap/Alat border (Uzbekistan)
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, have lunch and continue towards Turkmenabat and the Farap/Alat border, where your guide assists you with the crossing formalities for your departure to Uzbekistan.
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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