5 days in Turkmenistan: Darvaza • UNESCO Kunya-Urgench • Yangykala • Nokhur • Turkmenbashi • Kov-Ata

$1,903.00

Turkmenistan: A Symphony of Elements and Historic Masterpieces

Prepare for the most striking adventure of your life! In just five days, you will make a grand sweep from the flaming heart of the desert to the azure shores of the Caspian Sea. Experience the magic of Darvaza, where the setting sun sinks into the roaring flames of the ‘Gates of Hell’, and behold the grandeur of Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO), frozen in ancient stone.

You will immerse yourself in the healing warmth of the Kow-Ata underground lake, marvel at the ‘fire fortresses’ of the Yangykala Canyons with their Martian landscapes, and breathe in the crisp mountain air of the authentic village of Nokhur. The journey reaches its grand finale with the sea breeze at the Avaza resort. We have curated the very best of Turkmenistan to ensure every minute of your path becomes a legend!

Tour Programme

Day 1: Ashgabat → Darvaza (Crater Camp)

A Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Your expedition begins with a dramatic contrast: leaving the shimmering marble of Ashgabat for the deep, legendary sands of the Karakum Desert. En route, we visit unique water and mud craters—fascinating natural anomalies. The day’s crescendo is Darvaza. We will set up camp right at the edge of the incandescent abyss. An open-fire dinner, the profound silence of the desert, and the hypnotic flames of the ‘Gates of Hell’—this is a sunset you will never forget.

Day 2: Darvaza → Izmukshir → Kunya-Urgench → Dashoguz → Ashgabat

Heritage of the Silk Road

Wake up to the first rays of the desert sun. We head north to the ruins of ancient Izmukshir and the majestic Kunya-Urgench. Here stand the towering mausoleums and the tallest minaret in Central Asia—silent witnesses to the former glory of the Khorezmshahs. In the evening, a short domestic flight takes us from Dashoguz back to the capital.

Day 3: Ashgabat → Kow-Ata → Yangykala → Turkmenbashy

Cave Lakes and Martian Canyons

The morning begins with a touch of mysticism as we descend into the Kow-Ata cave to bathe in its healing thermal lake. Next, we strike out for Yangykala. Known as the ‘fire fortresses’, these magnificent canyons shift in hue from soft pink to vibrant orange. Here, we will witness a sunset that feels like a scene from a science-fiction film before heading to the port city of Turkmenbashy for the night.

Day 4: Turkmenbashy → Avaza → Nokhur → Ashgabat

Caspian Breezes and the Secrets of Nokhur

Enjoy the morning freshness of the Caspian Sea with a stroll through the high-end Avaza resort. Yet, Turkmenistan has more surprises in store as we venture into the mountains to the secluded village of Nokhur. Home to the descendants of Alexander the Great’s warriors, this village preserves unique traditions and a truly extraordinary cemetery. On our way back to Ashgabat, we will visit the proud Akhal-Teke horses—the ‘living gold’ of the desert.

Day 5: Ashgabat City Tour → Departure

The Marble Fairytale

The final movement of our symphony is a full immersion into Ashgabat. We will visit vibrant oriental bazaars filled with the scent of spices and the lustre of hand-woven carpets, behold grand monuments, and discover life in one of the world’s most pristine cities. A farewell dinner will be followed by your transfer to the airport.