Turkmenistan

Overview

Start: Ashgabat

Finish: Ashgabat

Duration: 8 Days

Max. Group Size: 10

An 8-day trip to visit the isolationist state of Turkmenistan, the least visited of all the Central Asian nations.

You start off by visiting its ultra-modern capital – Ashgabat – famous for its ostentatious buildings and statues, before head into the harsh Karakum Desert, to visit historic sites from the country’s Silk Road past, including the ancient city of Merv.

You move on to visit the ever burning Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Doors To Hell”, where you camp in traditional yurts for the night, before heading on to Dashoguz and Kunya-Urgench, two more impressive, UNESCO listed, Silk Road relics.

From the desert, we climb up into the nation’s southern mountains, bordering Iran, visiting the village of Nokhur, nearby mosques and the historic sites, before a trip to the Caspian Sea coastal city, Turkmenbashi. Next we have trip into the Yangikala Canyons, before the adventure finishes back in Ashgabat.

It’s a country few international visitors get chance to experience, which gives you a unique insight into a part of Central Asia largely untouched by tourism – a truly authentic experience.

Highlights:

The modern capital Ashgabat
The ancient city of Merv
Visiting & camping at the Darvaza Gas Crater – known as the “Doors to Hell”
UNESCO listed Silk Road sites at Dashoguz & Kunya-Urgench
Yangikala Canyon
Explore the Caspian Sea coastal town of Turkmenbashi

Itinerary

Arrive in Ashgabat in the early morning.
Transfer to hotel for early check-in and rest. Breakfast and welcome briefing, followed by a full day city tour of Ashgabat.

We will begin with Nisa Fortress, an ancient settlement of the Parthians. Afterwards we will explore the National History Museum, Palace of Happiness and Independence Park. Other highlights may include the Halk Hakydasy Mermorial Complex, Neutrality Arch and Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Drive to Mary.
After lunch transfer to Bayramali and visit Ancient Merv historical park. In the evening explore Mary town center with its Russian Orthodox Church and bustling bazaar.

Overnight Mary.

Early breakfast then transfer to local airport for a Morning flight back to
Ashgabat. Enjoy a relaxing morning in the city, visiting the bazaar and National Carpet Museum.
In the afternoon drive to Darvaza. Enroute you will stop at Erbent, a large village located in the Karakum Desert. Set up camp and enjoy a local BBQ, and during the night visit the Darvaza Gas Crater.

Overnight in yurts.

Drive to Dashoguz and Kunya-Urgench, another UNESCO historical park.
Visit the Ak Kala Fortress and the Gate of the Caravanserai and spend the after-noon exploring the many mausoleums of the region.
Take an evening we transfer to railway station for an overnight train back to Ashgabat.

After breakfast we head west, driving to the mountain village Nohur where we will learn about its tribal cemetery, pilgrim site and silk weaving traditions.
En route we will also visit the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum, the Geok Depe Memorial Mosque and Kowata underground lake. Finally we continue to Turkmenbashi.

Overnight in Turkmenbashi.

Today we will drive to the pre-historic Yangikala Canyons with a stop to visit the Gozil Ata Pilgrim site on the way, one of the holiest pilgrim sites in Turkmenistan.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a spectacular viewpoint and in the afternoon we explore the canyons by both foot and jeep.

Overnight in Yangikala in tents or at a local pilgrim house.

Breakfast and morning in our camp.
We return to Turkmenbashi, and if time allows we visit the city center. Fly back to Ashgabat in the evening.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Transfer to airport.
End of trip.

All accommodation
Breakfast
English-speaking guide
All ground transports
Domestic flights
Overnight train
Entrance fees
Visa support

Lunch and dinner (unless specified)
International flights
Visa Cost
Migration Tax
Insurance
Drinks
Tips

Dates & Prices

Package Confirmed Dates

Trip Status Current Status

Tour Price in USD

Booking

3rd May

10th May, 2026

Available

$ 2250

Book

Information

There will be a mix of accommodation on this trip, from hotels in the cities and a traditional yurt at the Darvaza Gas Crater.We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. We consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make our choices of where to stay.The accommodation will be based on you sharing a twin room. An optional single supplement is available upon request.

We do not directly arrange international flights to Turkmenistan, but we can suggest routes and operators.

We do not arrange any necessary Turkmenistan visas directly. We can visa support in form of a Letter of Invitation and most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival.

Breakfast is included in this trip. Other meals are not. In our experience people sometimes want to eat different things in different places at different times. We know some great places and will also happily show you some of our favourite restaurants and tea houses. Some are luxurious, some are earthier, but all have character.

We will spend a portion of this trip road-tripping through Turkmenistan, combined with internal flights planned and an overnight train experience. This allows us to maximise the number of sites we can see while in the country.When we choose our vehicles and drivers we take into consideration the road conditions, the length of journey and the competence of the man behind the wheel. Your comfort and enjoyment of the journey is the first priority.

On this trip you will be accompanied by an experienced English-speaking local guides provided by the Untamed Borders team.