Turkmenistan Explorer Cycling Tour: From Farap to Dashoguz
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About tour
Cycle across the vast Karakum Desert, one of the largest deserts in Central Asia Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv. Discover the futuristic white-marble city of Ashgabat. Swim in the underground thermal lake of Kow Ata Underground Lake. Ride through remote desert villages and traditional nomadic settlements. Visit as the “Lunar Mountains”. Experience authentic mountain culture in Nokhur Village. Camp under the stars beside the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater. Cross ancient Silk Road routes linking oasis towns and caravan cities. Enjoy breathtaking desert sunsets, mountain scenery, and endless open landscapes. Meet local Turkmen families and experience traditional hospitality. Travel from the eastern border at Farap to the northern gateway of Dashoguz through the heart of Turkmenistan. Discover ancient history, dramatic nature, and unique culture in one unforgettable cycling adventure Turkmen hospitality is one of the most memorable parts of traveling in Turkmenistan. Guests are traditionally treated with great respect, warmth, and generosity, especially in rural villages and desert communities along the route. A traditional Turkmen home is simple, comfortable, and designed for family life in desert and mountain conditions. In villages such as Nokhur Village and Yerbent, many homes are built with clay walls, carpets, wooden ceilings, and colorful handmade decorations. Inside a traditional house you may find: Richly patterned Turkmen carpets and rugs. Floor seating with cushions around a low dining table. Handwoven textiles and embroidery. Family rooms used for gathering and receiving guests. Outdoor courtyards for tea and meals.
Itinerary
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Arrival at the Farap border crossing from Uzbekistan. After immigration formalities, meet your guide and support team before starting the ride toward Turkmenabat, the administrative center of the Lebap region.
The road follows the edge of the vast Karakum Desert with views of sand dunes, desert vegetation, and occasional camel herds. Continue toward Mary, one of the country’s oldest oasis settlements and an important Silk Road trading hub.
Overnight: Hotel in Mary
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Morning excursion to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once one of the greatest cities of the Islamic world.
Explore:
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
- Erk Kala Fortress
- Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
- Ancient caravan routes and citadels
After lunch, cycle through rural desert landscapes toward Oguzhan. The route passes irrigation canals, cotton fields, and traditional Turkmen settlements.
Overnight: Hostel in Oguzhan
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Ride west across semi-desert terrain toward Tejen. This region is known for wheat farming and open desert plains.
The route offers:
- Endless Karakum scenery
- Nomadic shepherd camps
- Traditional roadside tea houses
- Desert sunsets
Depending on weather and group preference, overnight in a local guesthouse or desert tent camp.
Overnight: Guesthouse or tent camp
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Cycle toward the futuristic capital city of Ashgabat. As you approach the city, the landscape changes dramatically from desert plains to wide boulevards and white marble architecture.
Afternoon city exploration:
Independence Monument
Neutrality Arch, Independence park, Wedding palace, Yyldyz hotel and
Olympic Complex
Ashgabat holds several Guinness World Records for white marble buildings and monumental architecture.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
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Morning departure toward Kow Ata Underground Lake, a famous subterranean thermal lake hidden inside a limestone cave.
On the way visits: Ruhy Mosque and Nissa historical site.
Then ride to Kov Ata underground lake.
Enjoy:
- Warm mineral-rich waters
- Cave formations
- Underground thermal swimming
Continue cycling westward toward Gyzylarbat through dramatic foothills near the Kopet Dag Mountains.
Overnight: Chynar hotel
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Ride deeper into western Turkmenistan toward Magtymguly, near the Iranian border and surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.
This section features:
- Scenic mountain roads
- Dry canyons and rocky valleys
- Traditional Turkmen villages
- Remote desert-mountain landscapes
Overnight: Guesthouse or tent
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Today’s route enters one of the most spectacular regions in the country.
Visit the “Lunar Mountains” because of its colorful layered rock formations resembling an alien landscape.
Continue toward the mountain village of Nokhur, famous for:
- Unique tribal traditions
- Stone houses
- Mountain cemeteries decorated with ram horns
- Stunning Kopet Dag scenery
Overnight: Family guesthouse in Nokhur
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Descend from the mountains back toward Ashgabat. The ride offers panoramic mountain views and smoother downhill sections.
Free evening in the capital for:
- Turkmen cuisine
- Photography
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
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Ride north into the heart of the Karakum Desert toward Yerbent, a remote desert settlement where traditional nomadic life still survives.
Continue to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell.”
The burning crater has been on fire for decades and is one of Central Asia’s most iconic natural attractions.
Evening activities:
- Sunset at the crater
- Desert barbecue dinner
- Stargazing in the Karakum Desert
Overnight: Yurt camp or desert tents
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Continue north across the desert toward Dashoguz.
The route includes:
- Sand dunes and dry plains
- Remote gas fields
- Desert wildlife
- Traditional camel caravans
Arrival in Dashoguz in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Dashoguz
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Optional excursion to nearby Silk Road monuments and local bazaars.
Possible visits:
- Ancient fortifications
- Traditional handicraft markets
- Rural villages of northern Turkmenistan
Relax and prepare for border crossing.
Overnight: Hotel in Dashoguz
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Transfer to the Dashoguz/Shavat border crossing for departure toward Uzbekistan
We hope you enjoyed our service and hope you'll come back again.
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels on DBL/TWIN sharing
- Guest houses
- Tent sleeping bags, matt and other tools
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Daily 5 bottles of 0.5l water per person
- Entrance fees to mentioned sights per program (excluding photo and video charges at sights)
- Visa support to Turkmenistan, registration and travel pass
- Travel tax
- Handmade souvenir per person
- Escort vehicle for the entire route;
- Full service during the active part of the program:
- Escort guide for the entire program;
- Services of a cook and escort team;
- Transportation of camping equipment, drinking water, food, and personal belongings;
- Transportation of participants and their bicycles by vehicle during some stages of the active part of the program;
- Three meals a day during the active part of the program;
- Camping equipment rental (tents, dining tent, tables, chairs, dishes, cutlery, toilet tent);
- Special tools used for individual bicycles;
- Bicycle and accessory rentals;
- special tools used for individual bicycles;
- minor bicycle repairs that do not require route changes;
- a bike first aid kit with essential tools;
- mineral water during the active part of the program;
Excluded
- Visa consular fees and processing expenses 80-100 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
- Lunches and dinners
- Beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Extras, not indicated in inclusions
Additional info
Note:
Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
If there are more than 10 people in a group, one person (the tour leader) will receive complimentary accommodation in a double room, meals, transportation, and entrance tickets in the host country.
Set menu includes salad, soup, main course, bread, tea, coffee & water
Vegetarian/Dietary Needs: Because meals are prepared in advance, you must inform our tour operator well ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies).
Payment terms:
Payment is made by bank transfer or cash to the company account according to the invoice provided. The exact tour price will be provided upon specific request.
For any questions, please contact our travel company.
Customer Support
We have a professional customer support team and always accompany you on every trip.