Discover the heart of Central Asia

Itinerary

Experience Turkmenistan’s rich history and natural wonders, from the

ancient Silk Road hub of Merv to the modern wonders of Ashgabat. Marvel at the

fiery canyons of Yangi Kala and pay your respects to the sacred Mausoleum of the

Eyed Ancestor. Explore the journey to the Karakum Desert to witness the

fascinating Darvaza burning crater. Explore the UNESCO-listed Kone-Urgench

and its historical treasures before completing your adventure.

Day 1: Explore Mary City and Ancient Merv

• 9:00-10:00 – Meet tourists at the Farab Border, passing through customs formalities. Travel to the city of Mary
• Upon arrival, take an excursion to Ancient Merv. Merv, located on the former banks of the Murghab River, was the most important Silk Road center in the region, especially as the regional capital under the Seljuk governor Sanjar. Merv is the name of five urban centers that existed under different names from the 6th century BC to the 18th century AD
• Return to the city of Mary and visit the Museum
• Transportation is constantly by bus/sedan car
• Lunch and dinner are at a local restaurant
• Overnight is at a hotel in Mary will be 3 stars or similar

Day 2: Reach and Explore Ashgabat City

• Stories, rest, and overnight at the hotel
• Morning breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to Ashgabat
• Upon arrival, check-in and take some time to rest
• Then, embark on a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, including a visit to the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque in honor of Ertogrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman empire

• Visit Independence Park, a landmark of the city that embodies the spirit of modern Turkmenistan

• See the Arch of Neutrality with its observation deck and the National Museum, which opened in 1998 and houses the main collection of the country’s artifacts discovered at various excavations in Turkmenistan

• Visit Nisa Historical Park on a natural high platform at the foot of the Kopet Dag Mountains. Nisa is important to the early Parthian rulers who took control of the area in the 3rd century BC

• You will also visit the “Rukhi” mosque and the Mausoleum of Turkmenbashi in Kipchak. Dinner will include a folk performance

• Transportation by bus/sedan car
• Lunch and dinner will be at a local restaurant
• Overnight at a hotel Grand or similar

Day 3: Visit Kov-ata, Nokhur village and Balkanabat City

• Today’s journey takes you from the depths of a thermal cave to the high-altitude stone villages of the Kopet Dag range.

Highlights:

• Kov-Ata Underground Lake: Located 107 km from Ashgabat, “Kow-Ata” (Father of Caves) features a massive cavern 230m in length. You can swim in its clear, emerald waters, which stay at a constant, therapeutic temperature of 33-37°C.
• Nokhur Village: Set in a mountain depression, this unique village is famous for its distinct culture and houses crafted from local boulders and mud.
• Scenic Drive: After a local lunch, we continue through the changing landscapes toward the city of Balkanabat.

Daily logistics:

• Transportation: Private Bus or Sedan.
• Meals:
  • Breakfast: Hotel
  • Lunch: Local Guest House in Nokhur
  • Dinner: Local Restaurant in Balkanabat
• Accommodation: Hotel Nebitchi (or similar).

Day 4: Explore Yangi Kala, Gozli Ata, and the City of Turkmenbashi

• Discover the “Fiery Fortresses” and ancient pilgrimage sites of Western Turkmenistan.

Highlights:

• Yangi Kala Canyons: Located 165 km from Balkanabat, these canyons feature stunning cliffs carved by wind and rain. The landscape displays vibrant shades of white, yellow, and red, resembling a fantasy stone castle.
• Gözli Ata: Visit one of the country’s most remote pilgrimage sites. This 14th-century Sufi shrine is surrounded by beautiful pink and white stone escarpments and an ancient cemetery with carved stone tombs.
• Turkmenbashi City: Continue the journey to the shores of the Caspian Sea to reach the port city of Turkmenbashi.

Daily logistics:

• Transportation: Private Bus or Sedan.
• Meals:
  • Breakfast: Hotel
  • Lunch: Picnic-style
  • Dinner: Local Restaurant
• Accommodation: Hotel in Turkmenbashi (or similar).

Day 5: Turkmenbashi city, Ashgabat, and Darvaza

• Journey from the Caspian coast back through Ashgabat and deep into the heart of the Karakum Desert.

Highlights:

• Yerbent Village: Stop at this desert settlement on the way to the crater to experience life in the middle of the dunes.
• Darvaza Gas Crater: Witness the world-famous “Door to Hell.” This burning natural gas field has been flaming for decades and is especially spectacular under the night sky.
• Desert Camping: Experience the silence of the Karakum with a unique overnight stay in a tent or yurt near the glowing crater.

Daily logistics:

• Transportation: Microbus.
• Meals:
  • Breakfast: Hotel
  • Lunch: Local Restaurant in Ashgabat
  • Dinner: In-tent/Camp dinner
• Accommodation: Tent or Yurt at Darvaza.

Day 6: Visit Kone-Urgench, City of Dashoguz, and Shavat

• Explore the architectural masterpieces of the Khorezm Empire before crossing the border.

Highlights:

• Kone-Urgench (UNESCO): Visit the ancient capital of the Khorezm Empire. Explore the Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, and the shrines of Sultan Tekesh and Il Arslan.
• Historical Treasures: See the Mausoleum of Nehameddin Kubra and the second minaret of Mamun, reflecting the region’s Silk Road importance.
• Border Crossing: Final transfer to the border for your crossing from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan (Shavat).

Daily logistics:

• Transportation: Microbus or Sedan.
• Meals:
  • Breakfast: Picnic-style at Darvaza
  • Lunch: Local Restaurant in Dashoguz
• Border Formalities: 14:00 – 15:00 Crossing into Uzbekistan.

The tour package includes:

1. Visa support letter (LOI) + Registration for invitation to visit Turkmenistan for tourists;
2. Tourists fee per night, charged in the hotels (not applicable for overnights in tents/pilgrim base house) at departure 2 USD per person per night;
3. Single base in 4* hotel in Ashgabat, SGL Base – in tent camp in Darvaza;
4. Breakfast in hotels;
5. BBQ Dinner and breakfast in Darvaza Camp;
6. 4WD Transport;
7. Sights’ entry fees;
8. Photo and video camera fee at sightseeing places;
9. Guide Services (English or Russian speaking);
10. Unlimited drinking water supply

Tour package doesn’t include

1. International airfare;
2. Insurance;
3. Visa to Turkmenistan;
4. Immigration fee;
5. Tips;
6. COVID-19 test fee;
7. Food during the tour

Prices:

• 1 to 1 – USD 1550/person
• 2 to 2 – USD 1050/person
• 3 to 4 – USD 1000/person
• 5 to 12 USD 900/person
• 13 to 20 USD 850/person