About This 6-Day Turkmenistan Highlights Tour
This 6-day Turkmenistan highlights tour from Ashgabat Airport is a circular journey combining the country’s most impressive desert landscapes, historic cities, mountain villages and cultural experiences.
Starting and ending at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), the route first takes you north into the Karakum Desert for an unforgettable evening beside the Darvaza Gas Crater.
After returning to Ashgabat, take a domestic flight to the Caspian coast and continue towards the dramatic Yangykala Canyon, where red, pink and white limestone formations reveal the ancient seabed of the Tethys Ocean.
The journey then continues through the Balkan region to the mountain village of Nokhur and the naturally warm waters of Kow Ata Underground Lake.
On the final part of the tour, travel east from Ashgabat to UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv, one of the great cities of the Silk Road, and enjoy an ethnographic experience at Turkmen Ojagy before returning to Ashgabat for departure.
This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience Darvaza, Yangykala, Nokhur, Kow Ata, Ashgabat and Ancient Merv within one comprehensive six-day journey.
Tour Route
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) → Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater → Water Crater → Mud Crater → Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi → Awaza (optional) → Gozli Ata (optional) → Yangykala Canyon → Balkan Region → Nokhur → Kow Ata → Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Turkmen Ojagy → Mary → Ashgabat → Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)
Tour Highlights
- Start and finish at Ashgabat International Airport
- Discover the white-marble architecture of Ashgabat
- Cross the Karakum Desert
- Watch sunset at the Darvaza Gas Crater
- Enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner in the desert
- Stay overnight in a Turkmen yurt or comfortable tent
- Visit the Water and Mud craters
- Fly from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi
- Explore Turkmenbashi and the Caspian coast
- Optional visit to Awaza
- Optional visit to Gozli Ata
- Discover the dramatic landscapes of Yangykala Canyon
- Travel through the Balkan region
- Visit the mountain village of Nokhur
- See the traditional cemetery decorated with ibex horns
- Enjoy a local lunch in Nokhur
- Swim in the warm waters of Kow Ata Underground Lake
- Explore UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv
- Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
- Discover Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
- See the Askhabs Mausoleums, ancient baths and Sardoba
- Explore Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
- Experience Turkmen traditions at Turkmen Ojagy
- Meet Alabay dogs and Bactrian camels
- Try traditional Turkmen clothing
- Take part in a traditional bread-baking experience
Day 1 – Arrival in Ashgabat and Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), complete customs and immigration formalities.
Our guide or driver will meet you in the arrivals area and recognise you using the photograph provided in advance.
Breakfast and Airport Transfer
Transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast and time to refresh after your flight.
Ashgabat Orientation Tour
Begin with a morning introduction to Ashgabat, often known for its distinctive white-marble architecture.
Explore some of the capital’s monumental buildings, broad avenues and landscaped parks.
Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Drive into the Karakum Desert
In the afternoon, leave Ashgabat and travel north into the Karakum Desert.
The journey covers approximately 270 km and takes around 3.5 hours.
Please note that some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so parts of the drive may be bumpy.
Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater towards sunset.
Watch the desert gradually darken as the glow of the burning crater becomes increasingly visible.
BBQ Dinner
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner prepared by our team at the campsite.
After dark, spend time near the crater and enjoy photography beneath the desert stars.
Overnight at Darvaza
Stay overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt or comfortable tent campsite near the crater.
Overnight: Darvaza campsite.
Day 2 – Darvaza, Desert Craters and Ashgabat
Optional Sunrise Experience
Travellers who wish to wake early can visit the crater before sunrise and experience the changing morning light over the desert.
Breakfast and Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the yurt camp before beginning the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The return journey covers approximately 270 km and takes around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the road may again be rough and uneven.
Water Crater and Mud Crater
On the way, stop at the Water Crater and Mud Crater for short visits and photographs.
These unusual natural features provide another perspective on the geology of the Karakum Desert.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Enjoy lunch after arriving back in the capital.
Afternoon Ashgabat City Tour
Spend the afternoon exploring any Ashgabat landmarks, museums or local bazaars that were not covered on the first day.
This is also a convenient opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
Overnight in Ashgabat
Stay overnight at a hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3 – Turkmenbashi, Yangykala Canyon and the Balkan Region
Morning Flight to Turkmenbashi
Check out early and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the 06:20 AM domestic flight to Turkmenbashi.
Meet your driver after arrival at Turkmenbashi Airport.
Turkmenbashi and Caspian Coast
Enjoy a short orientation tour of Turkmenbashi, an important port city on the Caspian Sea.
See examples of pre-revolutionary architecture constructed from local Caspian limestone and stop by the historic 1895 Moorish-style railway station.
Enjoy views of the Caspian coastline.
Optional Awaza Visit
An excursion to the nearby Awaza Sea Resort can be arranged upon request, depending entirely on whether the area is open and accessible to visitors at the time of travel.
Lunch
Enjoy a fresh seafood or traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Drive towards Yangykala Canyon
Leave Turkmenbashi and travel east through the desert.
Optional Gozli Ata Stop
If time permits, make a short visit to Gozli Ata, one of Turkmenistan’s important pilgrimage sites, located among striking white and pink rock formations.
Yangykala Canyon
Continue off-road towards Yangykala Canyon, approximately 160 km from Turkmenbashi.
Explore the dramatic canyon plateau and its vast red, pink and white limestone formations, created from the ancient floor of the Tethys Ocean.
Drive to the Balkan Region
After exploring the canyon, continue south towards your hotel in the Balkan region.
The journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours.
Depending on season and weather conditions, dinner may be arranged as a packed picnic on the canyon rim or served warm after arrival at your destination.
Overnight
Stay at a hotel in the Balkan region, either in Balkanabat or another suitable transit location depending on availability.
Overnight: Hotel in the Balkan region.
Day 4 – Nokhur, Kow Ata and Ashgabat
Morning Departure
At approximately 08:30 AM, depart the hotel and travel east along the road running parallel to the Kopet Dag Mountains.
Nokhur Mountain Village
Take a scenic detour into the mountains towards Nokhur, an isolated village known for its distinctive local traditions.
Visit the unusual local cemetery decorated with ibex horns, meet local residents and experience the atmosphere of the mountain community.
Traditional Lunch
Enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch with a local family or at a local restaurant.
Please note that access to Nokhur depends on road and weather conditions. During winter snow or heavy rain, an alternative lunch stop will be arranged.
Kow Ata Underground Lake
Continue from the mountains towards Kow Ata Underground Lake, approximately one hour away.
Descend into the limestone cave and enjoy the opportunity to swim in the naturally warm, mineral-rich sulfur water.
The water temperature remains around 35°C throughout the year.
Return to Ashgabat
Travel approximately 100 km back to Ashgabat.
The drive takes around 1.5 hours.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat
Stay overnight at a hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 5 – Ancient Merv and Turkmen Ojagy
Breakfast and Check-out
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Drive to the Mary Region
Leave Ashgabat in the morning and travel east along the modern high-speed motorway.
The journey covers approximately 360 km.
Breakfast En Route
Stop at a roadside restaurant for a fresh, warm breakfast during the journey.
Ancient Merv Guided Tour
Explore Ancient Merv, one of the great historic cities of the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Visit the monumental 12th-century Seljuk mausoleum, known for its impressive double-dome construction.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
Explore the distinctive mud-brick fortresses with characteristic corrugated walls, dating approximately from the 7th to 12th centuries.
Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba
Visit sacred burial sites associated with the companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Also see the nearby medieval public baths and historic desert water-storage system known as a Sardoba.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Explore the ancient citadels and enjoy panoramic views across the vast archaeological area.
Additional smaller ruins within Ancient Merv can be explored upon request, depending on available time and personal interest.
Turkmen Ojagy Ethnographic Experience
After the historical tour, visit the nearby Turkmen Ojagy complex for a traditional lunch and cultural programme.
Alabay Dogs and Camels
Meet Turkmen Alabay dogs and take photographs with Bactrian camels.
Traditional Turkmen Clothing
Try traditional Turkmen costumes, including telpek hats and silver-decorated garments, for photographs inside a yurt.
Bread-Baking Experience
Take part in a practical demonstration using a traditional tamdyr clay oven and learn how Turkmen chorek flatbread is prepared.
Dinner in Mary
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Mary
Stay overnight at a hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Mary.
Day 6 – Mary, Ashgabat and Departure
Breakfast and Check-out
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Mary and check out.
Return to Ashgabat
Depart Mary and travel west along the modern high-speed motorway towards Ashgabat.
The journey covers approximately 360 km and takes around 3.5–4 hours.
Farewell Lunch
Arrive in Ashgabat and enjoy a farewell lunch at a city restaurant.
Final Ashgabat Sightseeing
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a flexible final drive through the capital.
Visit any remaining architectural landmarks, cultural sites or photogenic locations that were not covered earlier in the tour.
Airport Transfer and Departure
Private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) for your international departure.
End of Tour Services
