TURKMENISTAN: CRATERS, CANYONS & CULTURE
About tour
This extraordinary tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and rich history of Turkmenistan. Starting at the Uzbek border, you will delve into the ancient Silk Road legacy of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Traverse the vast Karakum Desert, witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of the Darvaza Gas Crater—the "Door to Hell." The tour then shifts to the stunning natural beauty of Yangykala Canyon and the Caspian Sea coast at Turkmenbashy before concluding in the futuristic, marble-clad capital city of Ashgabat.
Itinerary
-
Your trip typically starts at the Shavat-Dashoguz border crossing, often after traveling from Khiva, Uzbekistan. Once you clear the border formalities, you'll meet your Turkmen guide and be driven to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya Urgench. This is the ancient capital of the Khorezm Empire and is a must-see for history buffs. You'll spend the day exploring the historical monuments, including: The Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of Central Asia's tallest minarets. The beautiful Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, a masterpiece of 14th-century architecture. Other mausoleums and ruins, such as those of Sultan Tekesh and Sultan Il Arslan, which offer a glimpse into the city's past as a major center on the Silk Road.Continue to Dashoguz. The rest of the day is at leisure and offers the opportunity for a city tour. Night at the hotel.
-
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Balkanabat at 12:10-13:10 (Tuesday/Friday). Upon arrival at Yangi Kala Canyon, one of the main attractions of Turkmenistan. During the hike, you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the ancient seabed of the canyons, created by natural forces over millions of years, with unusual shapes and many colors. Next, visit Gozli Ata Mausoleum. In the camping night, you can enjoy the evening light and sunrise with different colors.
-
After breakfast, make further excursions and visit impressive Mausoleum of Gaytarmish Ata. Then continue to the settlement in the desert of Gizil-Kaya, then it goes southeast through typical settlements where the original village life has changed little over the centuries. Night in the tent
-
Today they take a 5-hours jeep trek in the legendary Karakum Desert, passing through the settlement of Melegoch. Past the picturesque Lake Karakum, head east to Darvaza for a gas crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert . Arrive in the late afternoon and set up camp. Hiking through this inhospitable terrain will take you to the surrounding areas of the gas crater. Locals call the gas crater "the gates of hell." Darvasa literally means "gate". The entire area around Darvaza is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, geologists accidentally discovered an underground cave filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drills collapsed, forming a large hole 60 to 100 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep. To avoid the release of toxic gases, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists hoped the fire would burn out the gas in a few days, but it still burns. The night view of the blazing flames is breathtaking. You experience the silence of the desert and dinner around the campfire. Night at the yurt or tent
-
After breakfast at the camp, you'll take one last look at the flaming crater before beginning the drive to Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. On the way, some tours may make stops at the nearby mud and water craters. Upon arrival in Ashgabat and your tour will include a sightseeing program that may feature: Independence Park and the Monument of Independence. The Neutrality Arch. The National Museum of Turkmenistan, which houses a vast collection of artifacts. In the evening, you begin driving through modern Ashgabat at night to see the city in a sea of skyscraper lights and take panoramic photos. Night at the hotel.
-
Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels on DBL/TWIN sharing
- Dashoguz - Dashoguz Hotel - 1 night
- Ashgabat - Sport Hotel - 1 night
- Yangykala Canyon or Gozli Ata pilgrimage house - 1 night
- Karakum desert - tent - 1 night
- Darvaza Gas Crater - yurta or tent - 1 night
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver as per the program
- * 2-4 pax - Minivan car up to 7 seats
- 2-5 Days 4WD car
- English speaking local guide
- Domestic air ticket: Dashoguz-Turkmenbashy
- Daily two bottles of 0.5l water per person
- Full Board meals: 5 Lunches / 5 Dinners
- BBQ style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater, Karakum desert & Yangykala Canyon
- Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs)
- Entrance fees to mentioned sights per program (excluding photo and video charges at sights)
- Visa support to Turkmenistan, registration and travel pass
- Porter services
- Handmade souvenir per person
Excluded
- Visa consular fees and processing expenses 80+15 USD per person, when obtained at land border (subject to change, nationality dependent)
- Turkmenistan migration tax 14 USD per person
- PCR nose test 33 USD (subject to change)
- Photo and video charges at sights
- An early check-in hotel
- A tax of 2 USD per night paid to the hotel upon check out
- Beverages
- International air tickets to / out of Ashgabat
- Travel Insurance
- Extras, not indicated in inclusions
Additional info
Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
Set menu includes salad, soup, main course, bread, tea, coffee & water
We offer at Karakum desert, Darvaza Gas Crater & Yangykala canyon BBQ style menu
If you are vegetarian, please let us know in advance
Our company also organizes a folklore performance. If you want to watch a folklore performance, you have to pay extra.
Child policy:
Child 0-2 years old -No extra bed, free charge
Child 3-6 years old- with bed, 50 % charge of the tour cost
Child 7 years old and above -with bed 100 % charge of the tour cost
Payment:
Tour payment should be made not less than 10 days prior to tourist group arrival to our bank account as per sent invoice
Cansellation prior to 30 days - no charges apply
Cansellation prior to 29-20 days 50% charge of the tour price
Cansellation prior to 19-10 days - 100 % charge of the tour price
Notes:
If the traveler stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on a local Tourist Board
An express PCR test for Covid-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs 33 USD (subject to change)
Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures
Customer Support
We have a professional customer support team and always accompany you on every trip.