Route: Ashgabat (Airport) – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyon – Nokhur – Kow-Ata – Ancient Merv – Darvaza Gas Crater – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat Border / Hojaili Border – Khiva / Nukus
Tour Overview
Discover Turkmenistan from south to north on this 7-day Turkmenistan tour from Ashgabat to Khiva or Nukus, combining the country’s most impressive cities, desert landscapes, Silk Road heritage and natural attractions.
Begin in Ashgabat, famous for its white-marble architecture, before travelling by overnight train towards the Caspian Sea. Explore historic Turkmenbashi and continue through the desert to the colourful cliffs of Yangykala Canyon.
The journey then leads into the Kopetdag Mountains to visit Nokhur village and the underground thermal lake of Kow-Ata. Continue east to explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great historical centres of the Silk Road.
After returning to Ashgabat, travel deep into the Karakum Desert for an unforgettable night beside the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater. On the final day, continue north to UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench before crossing into Uzbekistan through either the Shavat Border for Khiva and Urgench or the Hojaili Border for Nukus and Muynak.
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
Upon your evening arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), complete the required customs, passport control and immigration formalities.
Meet Our Team
After leaving the arrivals area, meet your guide or driver.
Our team will recognise you using the photograph provided in advance.
Dinner or Direct Hotel Transfer
Depending on your exact arrival time, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and sample traditional Turkmen cuisine.
If your flight arrives late, you can instead proceed directly to the hotel for check-in and rest.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat City Tour – Overnight Train to Turkmenbashi
Breakfast and Check-Out
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Private Ashgabat City Tour
Begin a flexible private Ashgabat city tour with your local guide.
Explore the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture, monuments, parks and cultural attractions.
The sightseeing programme can be adapted to your interests and preferred pace.
Lunch and Evening Meal
Enjoy a traditional lunch during the city tour.
Before boarding the train, either have an early dinner at a local restaurant or purchase freshly prepared Turkmen food and snacks to enjoy during the overnight journey.
17:50 – Transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station
Transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station and board the overnight train to Turkmenbashi, departing at approximately 17:50.
Overnight: Overnight train in a comfortable 4-berth compartment.
Day 3: Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyon – Balkan Region
08:05 – Arrival in Turkmenbashi
Arrive at Turkmenbashi Railway Station at approximately 08:05.
Meet your private driver at the station and prepare for the day’s journey.
Turkmenbashi and Caspian Coast
Enjoy a short introduction to this historic port city on the Caspian Sea.
See examples of pre-revolutionary architecture built from local Caspian limestone and stop by the elegant 1895 Moorish-style railway station.
There will also be time to enjoy views of the Caspian coast.
Optional Awaza Visit
A visit to the nearby Awaza seaside resort can be arranged upon request.
Access depends on whether the area is open and available to visitors during your travel dates.
Lunch
Enjoy fresh Caspian seafood or a traditional local lunch before continuing into the desert.
Optional Gozli Ata Stop
If time allows, make a short visit to Gozli Ata, one of Turkmenistan’s well-known pilgrimage sites, surrounded by striking white and pink rock formations.
Drive to Yangykala Canyon
Continue east across the desert plateau towards the spectacular Yangykala Canyon.
The distance from Turkmenbashi is approximately 165 km, with a driving time of around 2.5 to 3 hours.
The final sections of the route include rough desert tracks, so expect some off-road driving.
Explore Yangykala Canyon
Arrive at the canyon plateau and explore its enormous red, pink, orange and white limestone formations.
These dramatic cliffs were shaped from an ancient seabed and now form one of Turkmenistan’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Dinner
Depending on the weather and season, enjoy a packed picnic dinner at the canyon or a warm meal after reaching your overnight destination.
Drive to the Balkan Region
After exploring the canyon, continue south towards your hotel.
The journey covers approximately 169 km and usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to the nearest suitable transport hub.
Overnight: Hotel in Balkanabat or another suitable location in the Balkan Region.
Day 4: Balkan Region – Nokhur – Kow-Ata – Ashgabat
Morning Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, depart east along the highway running beside the Kopetdag Mountains.
Nokhur Mountain Village
Take a scenic detour into the mountains to visit Nokhur, a remote village known for its distinctive traditions and cultural identity.
Nokhur Cemetery
Visit the village’s unusual cemetery, where many graves are decorated with ibex or mountain goat horns.
Local Culture
Meet local residents and learn about Nokhur traditions, village life and the cultural heritage of the Nokhurli people.
Traditional Lunch
Enjoy a home-style traditional lunch in the village.
Please note: Access to Nokhur depends on weather and road conditions. The mountain roads include steep and winding sections.
Kow-Ata Underground Lake
Continue from Nokhur towards the famous Kow-Ata underground lake.
The drive is approximately 71 km and normally takes around 1.1 hours.
Cave and Swimming Experience
Descend into the limestone cave and visit the naturally warm underground lake.
Visitors may swim in the mineral-rich thermal water, which remains at approximately 35°C throughout the year.
Return to Ashgabat
After Kow-Ata, continue back to Ashgabat.
The final drive is approximately 89 km and takes around 1.2 hours.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a recommended local restaurant in Ashgabat.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 5: Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat
Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for a full-day excursion to Ancient Merv.
Drive to the Mary Region
Travel east along the high-speed motorway from Ashgabat towards Mary.
The distance is approximately 367 km, with an estimated driving time of around 4 hours.
Lunch in Mary or Bayramaly
Arrive in the Mary Region around midday and enjoy a traditional Turkmen lunch at a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly.
Ancient Merv Guided Tour
Visit the archaeological park of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historic cities of the Silk Road.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Explore the monumental Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, a 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece known for its impressive double-dome construction.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
See the famous Greater Kyz Kala and Lesser Kyz Kala, distinctive mud-brick fortresses dating from approximately the 7th to 12th centuries.
Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba
Visit the sacred mausoleums associated with the companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Nearby, see the remains of the historic desert water-storage system known as the Sardoba.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Explore the ancient settlements of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala and enjoy panoramic views across the archaeological landscape.
Please note: Ancient Merv contains many additional historical ruins. Smaller sites can be visited depending on available time and your interests.
Return to Ashgabat
After the tour, drive approximately 367 km back to Ashgabat along the high-speed motorway.
Evening and Dinner
Arrive in the capital in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 6: Ashgabat – Water Crater – Mud Crater – Darvaza Gas Crater
Breakfast and Check-Out
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and complete check-out.
Morning in Ashgabat
Spend a relaxed morning in the capital.
Visit a local bazaar to purchase snacks and fresh fruit for the desert journey, followed by a short flexible city walk with your guide.
Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before leaving Ashgabat.
Journey Into the Karakum Desert
In the afternoon, travel north into the vast Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
The distance is approximately 270 km, and the journey usually takes around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy ride in places.
Water and Mud Craters
On the way to Darvaza, make short photo stops at the unusual Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These geological formations reveal another side of the Karakum Desert.
Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater in time for sunset.
As darkness falls, the fiery glow becomes increasingly dramatic against the surrounding desert.
BBQ Dinner
Enjoy a traditional outdoor BBQ dinner prepared by our team at the campsite.
The evening provides excellent opportunities for photography and stargazing away from city lights.
Overnight in the Desert
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt or comfortable tented camp near the crater.
Overnight: Yurt or tented camp at Darvaza.
Day 7: Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat or Hojaili Border – Khiva / Nukus
Optional Sunrise at Darvaza
Wake before dawn for an optional visit to the crater edge.
Experience the early morning light as the flames gradually become less visible against the rising sun.
Breakfast and Departure
Return to camp for breakfast before packing up and beginning the journey north towards Kunya-Urgench.
The route is approximately 260 km by the direct desert road.
Depending on seasonal road and weather conditions, an alternative route via Dashoguz may be used, covering approximately 390 km.
The journey normally takes around 4 to 5.5 hours.
Some sections are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy desert drive.
Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological monuments of Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan’s most important Silk Road heritage sites.
Kutlug-Timur Minaret
See the towering Kutlug-Timur Minaret, one of Central Asia’s most remarkable medieval monuments.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum
Visit the elegant Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum, renowned for the intricate geometric decoration of its interior dome.
Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan Mausoleums
Explore the historic mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan, recognisable by their distinctive conical domes.
Caravanserai Gate
See the surviving Caravanserai Gate, a reminder of Kunya-Urgench’s importance along historic Silk Road trade routes.
Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Kunya-Urgench.
Border Transfer Options
Choose the most convenient border crossing based on your onward journey in Uzbekistan.
Option A: Shavat Border – Best for Khiva / Urgench
Travel south via Dashoguz to the Shavat Border Crossing.
The distance is approximately 130 km, with an estimated driving time of around 2 hours.
This option is best suited to travellers continuing towards Khiva or Urgench.
Option B: Hojaili Border – Best for Nukus / Muynak
Travel north to the nearby Hojaili–Kunya-Urgench Border Crossing.
The distance is approximately 35 km, with an estimated driving time of around 45 minutes.
This option is recommended for travellers continuing towards Nukus or Muynak.
Border Formalities
Upon arrival at your chosen border terminal, our team will assist you with the required Turkmen customs and departure immigration procedures in accordance with official border regulations.
After completing the crossing, continue your journey in Uzbekistan towards Khiva, Urgench, Nukus or Muynak.
End of Tour Services.
