Turkmenistan: Hidden Soul of the Silk Road
8 Days / 7 Nights | Private & Small Group Journey
Turkmenistan remains one of the least accessible destinations along the Silk Road — a country where ancient empires, monumental modern architecture, and remote desert landscapes coexist.
This itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive and well-structured journey across the country. It combines key UNESCO sites, remote regions, and cultural experiences, while ensuring smooth logistics and consistent guidance throughout.
Key Experiences
- Explore Ashgabat, known for its white marble architecture and monumental urban design
- Visit Old Nisa, the ancient Parthian capital
- Experience the Darvaza Gas Crater, with an overnight stay in the Karakum Desert
- Visit an Akhal-Teke horse stud farm, one of the oldest horse breeds in the world
- Discover Turkmen craftsmanship at the Carpet Museum, including record-sized carpets
- Explore the dramatic landscapes of Yangykala and Yangysuw Canyons
- Visit Nokhur village, known for its distinct cultural traditions
- Swim in the mineral waters of the Kow-Ata underground lake
- Experience local life in Bokurdak village
- Discover Kunya Urgench, a former capital of the Khorezm Empire
- Explore Ancient Merv, one of the great cities of the Silk Road
Tour itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat | City Introduction
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Visa formalities are completed on arrival with assistance from your guide.
Transfer to the hotel and time to rest.
Begin exploration of Ashgabat, a city defined by its white marble architecture and wide avenues. Visit the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex and continue through the city’s main landmarks, including panoramic viewpoints and central monuments.
Visit the State Museum of History and Ethnography.
Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 2 — Ashgabat & Gökdepe | Cultural Heritage
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Gökdepe to visit an Akhal-Teke horse stud farm, where this historic breed can be observed up close.
Experience a traditional cooking session, including bread baking and local dishes.
On return, stop at the Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi and mausoleum complex in Kipchak.
In the afternoon, visit the Carpet Museum, followed by a walk through the older part of Ashgabat, including local markets and Soviet-era landmarks.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi → Yangykala → Balkanabat
Early morning transfer for a domestic flight to Turkmenbashi.
Upon arrival, brief introduction to the Caspian coastal area.
Continue to Yangykala Canyon, known for its striking limestone formations in shades of red, white, and pink. Explore viewpoints across both Yangykala and Yangysuw canyon areas.
Continue to Balkanabat.
Overnight in Balkanabat Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 — Balkanabat → Nokhur → Kow-Ata → Ashgabat
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive towards the Kopet Dag mountains to reach Nokhur village. Visit key cultural sites, including local shrines, the ancient plane tree, and the traditional cemetery.
Lunch with a local family.
Continue to Kow-Ata Underground Lake, where there is an opportunity to swim in warm mineral waters.
Return to Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 5 — Ashgabat → Bokurdak → Darvaza (4x4 Desert)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Old Nisa, located near the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains.
Continue to Bokurdak village to experience local life and traditional crafts.
In the afternoon, travel north into the Karakum Desert by 4x4 vehicles.
Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater in time for sunset. Dinner at camp.
Overnight in a traditional yurt camp. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 — Darvaza → Kunya Urgench → Dashoguz → Ashgabat
Breakfast in the desert.
Drive to Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO-listed site and former capital of the Khorezm Empire. Visit key monuments including mausoleums and the Kutlug Timur Minaret.
Continue to Dashoguz and take an evening domestic flight back to Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 7 — Ashgabat → Mary → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat
Drive to Mary via the main highway.
Continue to Ancient Merv, one of the most important cities of the Silk Road. Explore key historical sites including Seljuk-era structures and earlier fortifications.
Lunch at a local guesthouse with a cultural performance.
Return flight to Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 8 — Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.
End of services.
Accommodation Options
- Sport Hotel 4★ (Ashgabat) – central location, functional comfort
- Archabil Hotel 4★ – modern rooms, panoramic views, reliable Wi-Fi
- Divan Hotel 5★ – premium option with central location and high service level
- Nebitchi Hotel 3★ (Balkanabat) – simple, well-located accommodation
- Darvaza Yurt Camp – traditional desert stay (basic facilities)
Available dates
We are sorry, this tour is not available to book at the moment
