Western Turkmenistan: A 3-Day Expedition to Yangykala Canyon and the Caspian Shores

Route: Ashgabat Airport – Ashgabat – Kov-Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyon – Ashgabat Airport

This three-day journey will reveal the most contrasting and majestic landscapes of Western Turkmenistan. Over three intensive days, you will travel from the gleaming white-marble capital to the surreal “fiery” cliffs of Yangykala, dive into the warm waters of an underground lake, and feel the sea breeze on the Caspian coast.

Tour Programme

Day 1. Arrival in Ashgabat and Personalised Introduction to the Capital

Your expedition begins at Ashgabat International Airport, where you will be met by a professional guide. After a transfer to the city and breakfast, a deep immersion into the atmosphere of the Turkmen capital awaits you.

The programme for this day is fully adapted to your schedule and personal interests. An experienced guide will design an itinerary to make the most efficient use of your time, offering the perfect combination of Ashgabat’s ancient history, rich culture, and striking modern architecture.

• Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 2. From the Underground Depths of Kov-Ata to the Caspian Sea

Early in the morning, we leave the capital and head west towards the Balkan region.

• Kov-Ata Underground Lake: Descend into the famous cave to see the unique thermal lake. You will have the opportunity to swim in the healing mineral water, which maintains a temperature of around 35°C year-round.

• Nokhur Mountain Village: The journey continues into the Kopetdag Mountains. Here, in one of the country’s most authentic villages, you will learn about the unique way of life of the local residents.

• Arrival in Turkmenbashi: By evening, we will reach the coast of the Caspian Sea. A walk along the embankment and a dinner of local delicacies, including fresh Caspian catch and grilled sturgeon, await you.

• Overnight: Hotel in Turkmenbashi.

Day 3. Yangykala Canyon: A Journey to “Another Planet”

The final day is dedicated to one of the most impressive natural wonders of Central Asia.

• Yangykala Canyon: An early departure will allow you to catch the best light in the canyon. You will see monumental limestone cliffs coloured in pink, red, and white tones. A walk along the plateau will reveal panoramic views of the ancient seabed, transformed into a surreal landscape.

• Picnic Lunch: Lunch with a view of the vast expanses of the canyon will be one of the highlights of the trip.

• Return: After exploring the canyons, we drive back to Ashgabat (approximately 6 hours). En route, you can observe how the desert colours change in the rays of the setting sun.

The tour concludes in the late evening with a transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure.

There are currently no dates available for this tour. Contact us to organise a private tour.