Discover the Wonders of Turkmenistan- A 11 DAY Adventure
Start:
Ashgabat
- 10 Oct 2026
End:
Ashgabat
- 20 Oct 2026
Type tour:
11 Days 10 Nights
Payments:
By request
Group:
4
About tour
Embark on an unforgettable 11-days, 10-nights journey through the heart of Turkmenistan, a land of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and modern marvels. From the white-marble city of Ashgabat to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, from the mystical mountains of Nokhur to the majestic canyons of Yangykala, this tour takes you through the country’s most iconic and hidden gems.
Itinerary
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Arrival to Ashgabat international airport at 23:30. Tour guide will meet you and transfer to the hotel.Upon arrival check in and overnight at the hotel.OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL
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BREAKFASTWe will begin our tour in Ashgabat. Ashgabat is a relatively young city in 25.05.2013 city was included Gunnies Book of records as a white marbled city on the world.09:00 – Ashgabat sightseeing:Altyn Asyr Bazaar, also known as the Tolkuchka Bazaar, is the largest and most vibrant market in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Situated on the outskirts of the city, the bazaar has become a hub for commerce and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Turkmen life.The Altyn Asyr Bazaar traces its roots back to the Soviet era when Tolkuchka (meaning “pushy” in Russian) was a small market where people gathered to trade goods. Over time, the market expanded in size and importance, and in 2011, a new, modernized version of the bazaar was opened under the name “Altyn Asyr.” The new structure replaced the old market, covering an area of more than 150 hectares, making it one of the largest outdoor markets in Central Asia.Independence Park if you once find yourself in Ashgabat, the city of love, white marble and thousands of fountains, you must visit the main park in the Turkmen capital - National Independence Park. This Park is one of the city’s attractions, embodying the spirit of modern Turkmenistan.Arch of Neutrality used to stand on the main square of the country, but in 2011, was moved to Ashgabat’s outskirts. Still worth a visit, this multi-level structure is crowned by a sculpture of the former Turkmenistan´s President, Saparmurat Niyazov. Previously, the sculpture used to rotate after the sun, making a daily full turnover.Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is one of the most beautiful Muslim mosques of Turkmenistan. Like any other buildings, erected in Ashgabat during the period of independence, the mosque strikes with its size and rich decoration.The mosque was erected in the heart of Ashgabat, in Azadi street in the 90-s of the XX century. That is why this building is also called the Azadi Mosque.The State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan is the first and largest one of the 26 museums established following the independence of Turkmenistan. The official opening took place on 12 November 1998. It is located on Archabil Avenue in the picturesque Kopet Dagh foothills. Opposite the museum there is the main flag of Turkmenistan attached to one of the highest flagpole in the world.The Hotel “Bagt Koshgi” that from Turkmen language means “The temple of Happiness” is a part of a Wedding Palace with the same name located in 5 km from the centre of Ashgabat. This unique building of an unusual shape was opened in 2011 and besides the hotel includes six luxurious halls for marriage registrations, seven banquet halls, numerous shops and other different facilities necessary for wedding arrangement such as beauty salons, wedding dress boutiques, photo booths, and many others. “Bagt Koshgi “complex is an 11- storey building consisting of solid foundation on which a cube with octagonal sides stands, and this unusual figure can hold inside a huge ball with a diameter of 32 meters.The Ferris Wheel in Ashgabat, known as the Giant Wheel, is an iconic landmark that complements the city’s modern skyline. From a height of about 40 metres, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Ashgabat and the surrounding landscape. Located in the heart of the city centre, the Ferris wheel is part of the large ‘Independence Park’, which features beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains and various recreational facilities. The giant wheel is particularly enchanting at night when it is lit up with multi-coloured lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere. It is an ideal place for families, couples and anyone who wants to admire the breathtaking views of Ashgabat, especially at sunset. This attraction symbolizes the rapid development of Turkmenistan‘s capital city and its desire for modernity, and provides a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages.The Constitution Monument, in Ashgabat, stands as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Unveiled in 2011, the monument celebrates the significance of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, which was adopted in 1992.Design and Features of the monument features a grand architectural design, characterized by its towering structure that represents the ideals of freedom and governance. The central element of the monument is a large, open book symbolizing the Constitution itself, with the text inscribed on its pages. Surrounding the monument are beautifully landscaped gardens, enhancing the monument’s prominence and serving as a peaceful gathering place for citizens and visitors.OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL
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BREAKFAST08:00 – you will start tour:Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex: greatness of memory. Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex located on a hill towering over the city, the Memorial Complex covers an area of 650 000 metres2. It includes the monument dedicated to World War II, the monuments to the heroes of World War II and the Battle of Gokdepe, and to the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake.After lunch at 14:00 drive to Darvaza- Gas Crater, which is a huge flaming crater, located 270 km (4-5 h) to the north of Ashgabat.En route visiting one of the village Erbent to observe the rural life of Turkmen people. Continue with moving to the Water, Clay and Gas Crater.In the evening enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater.Barbeque style dinnerOVERNIGHT IN TENT OR YURT WITH SLEEPING BAGS
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BREAKFAST BBQ08:00 – Drive to Kunya Urgench historical site (300 km, 7-8 h)Kunya-Urgench (Keneurgench) is an ancient city, the first mention of which dates back to the III-I centuries BC. It is found even in the Avesta, the main book of the Zoroastrians. There the city is called Urva (Urga). Caravans of the Great Silk Road passed through here, and the Chinese called the city Yue-gan, although it was located on the territory of the state of Khorezm. In the VIII century, the Arabs conquered the city and renamed it Gurganj. At the same time, the Khorezm ruler settled in Gurganj, declaring the city his residence. At various times, Gurganj was conquered by the Mamunids, Anushteginids and even Genghis Khan himself. The latter conquered Gurganj in 1221, severely destroying the city. In the XIV century, the city became subordinate to the Uzbek Khan - Sultan of the Golden Horde. Then, according to the merchant- traveler Ibn Batuta, Gurganj became the largest of the Turkic cities. All the attractions of Kunya Urgench are located in the Old Town and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once the caravans of the Great Silk Road passed here. Today, several buildings of the XI-XVI centuries have been preserved in the city.Mausoleum of Turabek-Khanym: There is also a mausoleum of the XIV century, where the daughter of Uzbek Khan - Tyurabek-khanym is buried. The mausoleum is interesting with a dome mosaic panel depicting flowers and stars. It is believed that this ornament has no analogues.Kutlug Timur Minaret:The Kutlug-Timur minaret, erected in the XIV century, is considered the tallest in Central Asia. Its length is 60-62 meters (the figures vary slightly depending on the sources). Once the majestic minaret was part of a mosque that was destroyed.Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh:Near the minaret of Kutlug-Timur there is the mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh - one of a few survived monuments of pre-Mongol Kunya-Urgench. The people call it Sherepbaba and Gyok-Gumbez. Together with the mausoleum of Il'-Arslan they constitute the necropolis of one of the ruling Khoresm clans.Mausoleum of Il-Arslan:This unique architectural construction also called the mausoleum of Fakhreddin Razi has survived by a miracle. It had been constructed before the Mongol invasion to Kunya-Urgench. The form of the mausoleum is distinguished by precision and simplicity of composition: a cube with a 12-side drum prism on it and external dome in the form of 12 - side tabernacle.The Mausoleum of Il-Arslan was manually decorated with a relief carved terracotta expressed in an intricate ornament: vegetative and geometrical patterns. While decorating, a special medieval technique was applied. Raw bricks lying on the ground were covered with clay which was used for creating the most complicated relief ornament. Then the entire composition was cut in seams between the bricks and fired to be further assembled on facade.Minaret of Mamun: During excavation works of a hill in Kunya-Urgench near the mausoleum of Il'-Arslan the remains of the minaret which had fallen only about a hundred years ago were found. In 1900 the local residents found a foundation lead slab with a text saying that the minaret had been constructed in 1011 by the order of Mamun shakh.Kyrk Molla The sacred hill Kyrk Molla, “40 mullahs” in Turkic, is found in Kunya Urgench. It is located to the north-east from the city, near the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum. The hill area is about 3 ha and its maximum height is12.5m. This place is the ancient center of Gurganj (an old name of Kunya- Urgench). The excavations there revealed a vallum of the ancient period and an altar. In the Middle Ages on the site of the hill there was the famous Mamun Library.The Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra is the founder of the dervish order "Kubraviya" in Islam, a Sufi sheikh - the main monument in the memorial complex "360". This place is considered holy. Pilgrims from all world pay visits there. According to the legend, Horesmshakh Mohammed II executed of one of the best Kubra's pupils after by a false denunciation. The holy man got angry and damned Khoresm. The damnation soon come true - the mighty state fell under aggressive Mongol invasion. Kubra himself and his 360 pupils fought side by side to protect their city. This battle was the last heroic deed of Nadzhimetdin for the glory Islam: a Mongolian warrior beheaded the holy man. The cemetery in Kunya Urgench, where today the Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra and the mausoleums of Sultan Ali and Piryarvali stand, was built on the site of the battle. Right beside them is the grave of young Dzhamildzhan, Nadzhimetdin Kubra 's favorite pupil.After excursion drive to Dashoguz city (110 km, 1.5 h) Arrival in Dashoguz and check-in hotelOVERNIGHT AT HOTEL
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After breakfast drive to Balkanabat. Route: Mostly desert roads, passing through remote settlements. Arrival in Balkanabat hotel. Night at the hotel.
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After breakfast drive to Yangikala Canyon. Yangiqala Canyons via Balkan Mountains - Impressive white, green and red limestone formations rise up from the desert sands. These cliffs are the remains of massive coastline and seabed of the pre-historical Parathetys Sea. This surreal landscape is impressive at any time of day, but sunset and sunrise offer particularly spectacular views. The area is reachable only by 4-wheel drive, passing through the Balkan Mountains and a vast highland area where camels, sheep and horses graze. Visit Gozli Ata pilgrimage site. Then drive to Turkmenbashy city. Check-in Charlak hotel. Night at the hotel.
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Breakfast is at the hotel. Transfer to Turkmenbashy airport, flight to Ashgabat. City tour in Ashgabat with visits of Ertogrul Gazi Mosque it honors Ertogrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Darwaza in the Karakum desert, with visit of Erbent desert community on the way. Darwaza - The center of a gas-rich area in the heart of the Karakum desert attracts travelers from all over the world because of its unique burning crater that offers a particularly spectacular view in the dark.Dinner and overnight is in tent or yurta.
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Drive to Dashoguz. Excursion to Kunya Urgench – Kunya Urgench owes its Unesco world heritage status to the fact that it was an important Silk Road hub on the Oxus River, and capital of the Khorezm Empire (12th c AD), until its destruction by the armies of Dzhengis Khan. Several mausoleums, town wall remains, the tallest minaret in Central Asia and the KyrkMolla pilgrim mount reflect the various roles of this historical city, which was praised by historical figures such as Biruni and Avicenna, Al-Farabi and Al-Khorezmi. Transfer to Dashoguz city. Check-in hotel. Night at the hotel.
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Early morning breakfast and transfer to Dashouz airport for morning flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival and drive to Mary Region. On the way visit Seyitjemaleddin Mosque. Located in the city of Anau, 12 km east of Ashgabat along the Ashgabat-Mary highway. The Seyit-Jemallidin Mosque is a complex structure that once included a mosque, madrasah and the mausoleum of Sheikh Jemal ad-Din.On the Turkmen land the famous Seyit-Jemallidin mosque, widely known as “Seyit-Jemal ad-Din”, a well-known monument that preserves the unique architectural traditions and artistic styles of the Iron Age. The monument was built in the 15th century during the reign of Abul Qasim Babur, a Timurid descendant in Khorasan. This mosque amazed many Muslim architects of the East with its external beauty and architectural features. Then visit Abiverd.One of the most important cities of Northern Khorasan is a medieval settlement Abiverd. Hafiz-i-Abru said that Abiverd settlement consisted of dozens of villages and several cities. The city wall is a rectangular area of 42 hectares.There also were found ancient coins, ceramics products of IX-XII centuries, as well as a lot of metal handicrafts: various women's jewelries, buckles. According by them, we can say that there were shops of jewelers and tinkers. During the excavations archeologists found huge wells and reservoirs, indicating a highly-developed irrigation of Abiverd. The first investigation was took place in 1928 under the lidership A.A. Semenov, who first made a plan of the city, citadel and remains of the city wall. In addition to Semenov’s scientific works, there are also archeological materials collected by the members of the expedition from different parts of Abiverd. Arrival in Mary city. Check-in hotel. Night at the hotel.
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After breakfast drive to Gonurdepe historical place. (90 km) Visiting Gonurdepe sight - from 1971 onwards archeological teams did discoveries that reveal the importance of this area as a possible fifth center of ancient civilization, next to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China. Visit to Ancient Merv. It was located at the road crossing of the Great Silk Road, quickly became one of the largest and biggest cities of the ancient world, and was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Guided tour: Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. In the afternoon, we enjoy an immersive cultural experience at Gadymy Turkmen Ojak, an ethno guesthouse where we savor freshly baked Turkmen bread, witness traditional cuisine preparation, embroidery, wool spinning, and carpet making. We’ll also enjoy a folk-dance performance espacially organized for the group. Return to Mary city. Night at the hotel.
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After breakfast visit Mary History museum . The Mary History Museum was established as the Mary Museum of History and Revolution in 1968. Its first exposition opened in 1974. When Turkmenistan gained independence, the Museum in 2008 moved into a new white-marbled building in the center of Mary. The building area is 10,000 sq. m., and the exhibition floor is 4,000 sq. m. The museum houses 6 exhibition halls, a conference hall, restoration halls, repositories and laboratories. Five halls of the Mary History Museum are occupied by permanent expositions, and another one –Temporary – is to host thematic exhibitions. All in all, the Museum has about 40,000 exhibits. Then drive to Yekegowak Cave. Yekegowak Cave Complex located Tagtabazar -is a district where once passed great caravan routes from Iran &Khorasan. Yekegowak -is a unique and spectacular cave that doesn't have any analogs anywhere else. The word "Yekegowak" from Turkmen's language means "One orifice" because it's only one entrance. According to one of the caves was dug by the legions of the Alexander Macedonian army. Consequently, people used the cave as a dwelling. Inside the cave, there are blocs of rooms similar to modern ones where one can see bedrooms, kitchens, and others. The cave consists of two floors. On the lower floor, people collected water for their needs. There are 44 rooms and the cave is still under archeological excavations nowadays. Return to Mary city. Dinner at the local restaurant. Night at the hotel.
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After breakfast drive to Ashgabat city. Upon arrival in Ashgabat city. Visit Carpet Museum was established in 1993 to preserve and develop the traditions of Turkmen carpet weaving. More than two thousand carpets made by hand are awaiting to amaze their visitors. Both ancient and modern carpets are on display here, including one of 301 square meters that entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest of the world. visit the Eastern bazaar "Altyn Asyr" (Tolkuchka). The Eastern Bazaar is the first largest market in Ashgabat and Turkmenistan and the 5th largest in Central Asia as there are over 2,155 stores. This bazaar was also built in a carpet-like pattern of the Akhal velayat, a vast territory of 154 hectares. Night at the hotel.
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Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination.
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels on DBL/TWIN sharing
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver as per the program
- English,Spanish,Italian,German,French,Russian and Chinese speaking guides
- Domestic air tickets: Dashoguz-Ashgabat, Turkmenbashy-Ashgabat, Mary-Ashgabat
- Daily 5 bottles of 0.5l water per person
- BBQ style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater
- BBQ style dinner and breakfast at Yangykala Canyon
- Farewell dinner
- 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
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
- An early check-in hotel
- Lunches and dinners
- Beverages
- International air tickets to / out of Ashgabat
- Travel Insurance
- Extras, not indicated in inclusions
Additional info
NOTE:
Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
Set menu includes salad, soup, main course, bread, tea, coffee & water
We offer at Darvaza Gas Crater BBQ style menu
Dinner is a highlight of the camping experience and is typically a hot, freshly prepared meal
Barbecue (BBQ) or Shashlik: This is the most common and traditional offering. Our guide and driver will prepare "nomad-style kebabs" or grilled skewers (shashlik) over an open fire. Meats are usually lamb or chicken.
Meals are universally accompanied by fresh bread, salads, and sometimes roasted vegetables like potatoes or eggplant.
Dessert in the Desert: Turkmen Melons and watermelons: If traveling during the harvest season (late summer/early autumn), the famous, incredibly sweet Turkmen melon and watermelon is the country's most beloved natural dessert and is often served.
We also offer our customers our national Turkmen drinks: green tea, kefir/ayran, and fermented Camel Milk (Chal)
For breakfast, we offer boiled eggs, yogurt, fruits, jam, bread, tea, and coffee.
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). They can usually accommodate with things like simple vegetable plov or grilled vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, sweet pepper).
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.