Turkmenistan Explorer: Desert, Ancient Cities & Remote Landscapes
11 Days / 10 Nights | Private & Small Group Journey
This journey offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkmenistan — from its monumental capital and remote desert landscapes to some of the most important archaeological sites along the Silk Road.
The itinerary combines cultural heritage, природные контрасты и удалённые регионы страны, while maintaining a structured and well-managed travel experience throughout.
Designed for travellers seeking depth and access, this program covers key highlights alongside lesser-visited locations that are rarely included in standard routes.
Key Experiences
- Explore Ashgabat, known for its white marble architecture and monumental design
- Visit Old Nisa, the ancient Parthian capital
- Experience the dramatic landscapes of Yangykala and Yangysuw Canyons
- Stay in a tent camp overlooking remote canyon formations
- Visit Nokhur village, known for its distinct cultural traditions
- Swim in the mineral waters of the Kow-Ata Underground Lake
- Explore Gonur Depe (Margiana), one of Central Asia’s most important Bronze Age sites
- Discover Ancient Merv, one of the great cities of the Silk Road
- Experience local life in Bokurdak village
- Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater with overnight stay in the desert
Tour itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat | City Introduction
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Early transfer to the hotel and time to rest.
Visit the Tolkuchka Bazaar (weekends), followed by an introduction to Ashgabat.
Explore key sites including the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex and major city landmarks. Drive through the city’s main avenues, with stops at panoramic viewpoints and central monuments.
Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 2 — Ashgabat & Geokdepe | Heritage & Traditions
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Old Nisa and the State Museum of History.
Continue to Geokdepe to visit an Akhal-Teke horse stud farm.
Experience a traditional cooking session with local dishes.
Return to Ashgabat with a stop in Kipchak to visit the mosque and mausoleum complex.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi (Train)
Morning at leisure.
Visit Anau and surrounding historical sites.
Continue with the Carpet Museum and a walking tour through Soviet-era Ashgabat, including local markets and central districts.
Evening transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Turkmenbashi.
Overnight in train Meals: breakfast
Day 4 — Turkmenbashi → Yangykala | Canyon Landscape
Arrival in Turkmenbashi. Meet your driver and continue west.
Visit the coastal area and local market before heading towards Yangykala Canyon.
Explore the canyon landscapes, including nearby geological formations such as Gozli Ata and Kemal Ata.
Overnight in a tent camp near the canyon. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5 — Yangykala → Balkanabat → Nokhur
Morning at the canyon.
Drive to Balkanabat for lunch, then continue towards the Kopet Dag mountains.
Arrive in Nokhur village and stay with a local family. Traditional dinner.
Overnight in homestay Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6 — Nokhur → Kow-Ata → Ashgabat
Explore Nokhur village, including local shrines, the ancient plane tree, and traditional cemetery.
Continue to Kow-Ata Underground Lake with an opportunity to swim.
Return to Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast
Day 7 — Ashgabat → Mary → Gonur Depe
Early flight to Mary.
Travel by 4x4 to Gonur Depe, one of the most significant Bronze Age archaeological sites in Central Asia.
Explore the site and surrounding desert landscape.
Return to Mary. Visit the local history museum.
Overnight in Mary Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch
Day 8 — Mary → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat
Visit Ancient Merv, including key historical monuments from different periods.
Lunch at a local guesthouse with cultural elements.
Return to Ashgabat by road.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 9 — Ashgabat → Darvaza | Desert Experience
Travel north into the Karakum Desert.
Stop in Bokurdak village to experience local life and traditional crafts.
Continue to the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Dinner at camp and overnight in a yurt. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 10 — Darvaza → Ashgabat
Return to Ashgabat.
Free time at leisure.
Farewell dinner.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 11 — Departure
Early transfer to the airport for departure.
End of services.
Note: domestic flight schedules are subject to possible change.
Available dates
We are sorry, this tour is not available to book at the moment
