7-day tour of Turkmenistan: Koytendag, Dinoplato, Darvaza and Ashgabat

Tour Programme

Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat

Welcome to the ‘City of Love’

• The Journey Begins: Meet and greet at the airport followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

• First Impressions: After a short rest, embark on a tour of white-marble Ashgabat—a city of fountains, lush parks, and grand architecture that holds multiple Guinness World Records.

• Overnight: Ashgabat.

Day 2: Ashgabat → Darvaza

Journey to the Desert Heart and the ‘Gates of Hell’

• Morning in the Capital: Enjoy breakfast and free time for shopping at the oriental bazaar or a leisurely stroll through the city centre.

• Into the Karakum: Depart at noon for the Darvaza region. En route, stop at the remarkable ‘Water’ and ‘Mud’ craters—fascinating natural desert anomalies.

• The Night Show: Spend the evening and night by the glowing abyss of the Darvaza Crater. Watch the desert darkness surrender to the roar of the flames—a perfect moment for breathtaking photography.

• Overnight: At a cosy desert campsite under a vast canopy of stars.

Day 3: Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Dashoguz → Ashgabat

Legends of Khorezm and Return to the Capital

• Ancestral Heritage: After breakfast, travel to Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO) to witness the majestic mausoleums and minarets of the Khorezmshah era.

• Vibrant Dashoguz: Immerse yourself in the life of the northern region. Walk through the Gurbansoltan-Eje bazaar, relax by the city fountains, or visit the Regional History Museum.

• Evening Flight: Transfer to the airport for a short flight back to Ashgabat.

• Overnight: Ashgabat.

Day 4: Ashgabat → Kerki → Koytendag

Flight to the East and the Koytendag Foothills

• New Horizons: A morning flight to the city of Kerki, the gateway to Turkmenistan’s highest mountain range.

• Mountain Exoticism: Travel to the Koytendag mountains. After checking in, enjoy a light hike to the Umbar-Dere Canyon or a stroll through a traditional mountain village.

• Overnight: At a guesthouse or hotel in Koytendag.

Day 5: Dinosaur Plateau → Kerki

Dinosaur Plateau – A Step into Prehistory

• A Walk Through Time: The day’s highlight is a visit to the Dinosaur Plateau. A light hike (30–45 mins) leads you to this world-renowned site, home to over 300 authentic footprints of prehistoric reptiles.

• Mountain Mysticism: Optionally, visit the sacred Kyrk-Gyz cave.

• Evening by the Amu Darya: Return to Kerki for a walk along the embankment of the mighty Amu Darya River to enjoy a peaceful sunset.

• Overnight: Kerki.

Day 6: Kerki → Ashgabat

Return to Ashgabat

• Relaxed Morning: Enjoy tea at a local teahouse or a final walk through the streets of Kerki.

• Capital Contrasts: A midday flight back to Ashgabat. Continue your exploration of the city’s world-class museums, monumental parks, and modern shopping centres.

• Overnight: Ashgabat.

Day 7: Ashgabat → Merv → Ashgabat → Departure

The Grandeur of Merv and Farewell

• Jewel of the Silk Road: An early departure for Mary to explore Ancient Merv (UNESCO). Discover the ruins of what was once the largest metropolis on the medieval Silk Road.

• Grand Finale: Return to Ashgabat for your transfer to the International Airport.

• Conclusion: Bid farewell to Turkmenistan, taking home memories of a lifetime!

There are currently no scheduled dates available for this tour. Please contact us to arrange a private, customized journey