Best Turkmenistan Tour

Welcome to the desert realm - Turkmenistan! Upon arrival, you’ll meet our guide and the driver at the airport and enjoy a private transfer to our well-selected hotel in downtown Ashgabat. After check-in, kick off our capital exploration!

Your guided tour will begin at the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, once the heart of the Parthian Empire (247-224 BC). This site has two sections, and we’ll mainly focus on Old Nisa, as New Nisa has not been excavated so far. Old Nisa was once a royal residence surrounded by grand mansions, and after a heavy earthquake, its northern complex now remains only ruins of many once-glorious rooms of different functions, including a square hall, a square house, and a round temple. These broken structures reflect a well-planned city design and you’ll be guided to a platform at the entrance, overlooking the whole complex. Walking into its southern complex, you’ll admire the remaining tower structure with arched walls and intricate mud-brick decorations, as well as some columns in ancient Greek and Roman design.

After visiting the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque) and Mausoleum, dedicated to the esteemed former President Niyazov, let’s proceed to the National History Museum, which collects artifacts from 6,000-10,000 years ago, including ceramic decorations and semi-precious stones from early human settlements in Turkmenistan, and remains unearthed at ancient Nisa and Merv. Among them, you’ll be attracted by the rhytons, which were designed as special containers of wine in a horn shape, inscribed with wavelike textures on edges and botanical patterns or mythological figures on façades. Then take time to enjoy the greenery in Independence Park, followed by a visit to the iconic Arch of Neutrality, symbolizing Turkmenistan’s status as a neutral country recognized by the UN in 1995. 

We’ll then ascend to the Wedding Palace Viewpoint for panoramic views of Ashgabat, often dubbed a luxurious oasis in the desert, which sparkles with over 59.6 million pieces of white marble with numerous energetic fountains. After witnessing the world’s largest indoor Ferris Wheel at Alem Center, hear the story of how the city was destroyed by the 1948 earthquake and its rebirth shared by our guide at the Earthquake Memorial Complex. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the hotel.

★ Why Travel with Us in Turkmenistan?

1. A tourist visa with a Letter of Invitation from a licensed travel agency is required for any visitors to Turkmenistan, and you have to complete all itineraries with a local guide. Choose our guided tour, and your adventure is only a step away!
2. English information is scarce in the country’s historical sites since Russian and Turkmen are the official languages, but our expert English-speaking guide is very familiar with the rich history and will bridge the gap with engaging stories. Also, our experienced driver will navigate the challenging desert roads, ensuring a safe and smooth journey.

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we’ll travel to Mary by car in 4 hours. En route, explore the Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque Ruin and Ancient Abiverd remains, which thrived as a craft hub and livestock market on the ancient Silk Road, also home to large reservoirs and intricate ditches that reveal the region’s advanced irrigation methods.

Upon reaching Mary, the guide will lead you to unveil the lost civilization at the State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv. Founded in the 6th century BC, ancient Merv was renowned for its sprawling city walls, canals, libraries, and orchards, until it was devastated by Tolui, the fourth son of Genghis Khan, in 1221. Following the Mongol invasion, the city gradually diminished and ultimately deserted in the 18th century due to the river’s changing path. Today, you can envision its splendor through the remains of walled cities, mausoleums, towers, and fortresses. 

A key landmark is the Great Kyz Kala fortress, a two-story structure built in the 8th century, featuring corrugated walls made of fired bricks. Inside, a central courtyard was surrounded by several residences and storage rooms, making it cool in the summer and warm in the winter, ideal for crop storage. Excavated bronze jewelry and painted ceramics also indicate it was once the residence of nobles or sultans. Currently, only the foundation is visible, which looks like ladyfingers from the side. Another remarkable site is the four well-preserved ice houses from the Timurid era (1370-1507), designed with conical domes to accumulate snow and ice, ensuring comfort in the desert’s harshest heat. 

Next, we’ll head to downtown Mary and visit the Pokrovskaya Church, an Orthodox church characterized by red bricks and white decorations. Later, admire the impressive golden dome and four soaring minarets of the Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque (Juma Mosque). After that, let’s feel the heartbeat of local life at a bazaar filled with organic produce, artisan silk textiles, and camel hair souvenirs. If you wish to capture the lively trading scenes, don’t forget to ask for the vendors’ permission. For a unique experience, you can also head to a tailor’s workshop to explore an array of fabrics used for traditional Turkmen costumes. In the end, we will escort you to the hotel for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mary Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for a 40-minute flight back to Ashgabat. After landing, let’s make our way to the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, funded by Turkey, featuring a grand blue dome reminiscent of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Then we’ll head to the horse stable to get to know the treasured Akhal-Teke horses of the Turkmen people. Besides exceptional endurance and speed, they are also known for their elegant appearance, with skin and fur exhibiting a metallic shine and silky texture under the sun. In some traditional weddings, the Akhal-Teke horse serves as Cupid when grooms ride the well-decorated one with lace and jewelry to take their lovers away. Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of horseback riding? Here’s your chance! You can pay the owner on-site at your own expense based on your riding duration.

In the afternoon, an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle will be arranged to take you to the long-awaited Darvaza Gas Crater, aka the Door to Hell, for about 4 hours, with visits to the Mud and Water craters along the way. While you may have seen countless photos of this legendary flaming crater on social media, nothing compares to witnessing it by yourself as night falls! The massive pit, with a diameter of 69 meters (226 feet) and a depth of 30 meters (98 feet), glows like a demon’s eye in the darkness. This mesmerizing sight was accidentally created by Soviet geologists during a drilling operation in 1971 and has been burning ever since. Although its intensity has diminished a lot, the heat is still palpable, so ensure your visit is within a safe distance. Up to now, only a fully armed Canadian adventurer has entered the crater for temperature measurement and soil sampling, describing himself as a potato roasting in the oven, with the temperature reaching up to 1,000°C (1,832°F). Before the government closes the crater or the flames naturally extinguish, this is a sight you cannot afford to miss!

Want to take once-in-a-lifetime photos? Dress in black attire and wear headscarves like the figures in the movie Dune against the backdrop of the flames, and don’t forget to capture the dancing sparks with a long-exposure lens. After that, you’ll indulge in a BBQ dinner under the starlit sky before settling down in a traditional yurt.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp, Darvaza

Try getting up early to admire the eternal flame in the morning, and after breakfast, let’s hit the road for 4 hours to Dashoguz and visit the Kunya Urgench Historical Park. Kunya Urgench, originating from the Achaemenid Dynasty of ancient Persia (550-330 BC), thrived during the 12th and 13th centuries, known for its Silk Road trade and the incredible Khwarezmian civilization. 

However, not all great stories have happy endings, and it fell victim to the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. Genghis Khan appointed his two sons, Jochi and Chagatai, as the main and assistant commanders to conquer this prized location. A tense impasse ensued, with Jochi coaxing the citizens to surrender to minimize destruction, while Chagatai insisted that they should completely raze the city. Irritated by the slow progress, the Khan ordered his third son, Ogedei, to take over Kunya Urgench rapidly. He set much of the city ablaze and excavated the riverbank, ultimately burying it under mud and sand.

As you wander through the remnants of caravansaries, mosques, minarets, and mausoleums, imagine how great Kunya Urgench was! The Turabek Khanum Mausoleum stands out as a stunning 14th-century masterpiece, famous for its bold calendar design and innovative architectural elements. Its giant dome is shaped like an inverted spheroid bowl, and you’ll find a starry night visual effect, with interlocking mosaics in star, floral, botanical, and polyhedral patterns forming its 365 sections, representing each day of the year. The design of arches, niches, and windows below also pays tribute to the cosmos, echoing the months and weeks. Another notable spiritual site is the 13th-century Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, a square-shaped structure adorned with a conical roof and elaborate brick and tile decorations. Gaze at its portal, where the area above the door is embellished with honeycomb-shaped sculptures, featuring small star-shaped blue tiles at their center. After finishing the visit, we’ll whisk you away to a hotel in downtown Dashoguz to rest.

► Dinner Suggestion (at your own expense):
After revitalizing, you can head out to savor local cuisine. Kovurma is one of the must-try dishes, characterized by tender beef and lamb pieces fried with fragrant spices and onions, ideal for pairing with bread. For a drink, experience the local tradition by sipping Kefir yogurt, made from fermented grains and either sheep’s or cow’s milk, offering a slightly sour or bitter taste that complements this dish.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Dashoguz Hotel (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, you’ll be escorted to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Turkmenbashi. Upon landing, we’ll proceed to Awaza Resort, a stunning getaway on the east coast of the Caspian Sea. To attract more international visitors, the Turkmen government invested billions of dollars to transform the area into a mini Dubai, with eight-lane streets flanked by towering skyscrapers and meticulously manicured lawns. Stroll along the brown beach, where the gentle waves invite relaxation. For adventurous seekers, consider renting a bicycle at your own expense to explore the picturesque paths and immerse yourself in the coastal views.

Next, it’s time to explore a fish bazaar, where you can discover the region’s diverse fish species and experience rich coastal traditions. Our journey continues to the seaport, Turkmenistan’s largest port on the Caspian Sea and a vital center for the country’s maritime trade. You’ll watch ferries transporting tourists across the strait to Azerbaijan, while massive cargo ships are busy with oil, grains, and other goods bound for Russia and Kazakhstan. After that, we’ll escort you to the hotel for check-in, and you can spend the rest of the day at your own pace. It is a pity that visitors are not allowed to stay overnight at Awaza Resort; however, we’ve arranged a comfortable hotel in Turkmenbashi City for you!

► Free Time Activities and Dinner Suggestions (at your own expense):
Once you’re settled, consider visiting the passenger railway station, considered one of Central Asia’s most beautiful stations. It features a pristine white exterior with crown-shaped pillars, resembling a sacred palace. Alternatively, try local specialties like Dushbara, which consists of boiled dumplings filled with minced meat and spices, often served with vinegar or garlic sauce. Another must-try is the Kelem Dolmasy, made with beef, onions, rice, and vanilla wrapped in cabbage leaves and then stewed in tomato sauce, delivering a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Beyik Yupek Yoly Hotel Turkmenbashi (4 stars) or similar

Kick off today’s sightseeing at Yangykala Canyon, situated 3.5 hours’ drive away. We’ll stop by the Gozli Ata Mausoleum along the way, a pilgrim site of local Muslims, where you may see devoted believers walking counterclockwise around the mausoleum three times in honor of this esteemed Sufi leader.

Upon arrival at Yangykala Canyon, prepare to be awestruck by its stark yet stunning scenery, where spherical shrubs dot the landscape, sometimes accompanied by eagles hovering above. Nowhere in Turkmenistan is more suitable for filming science fiction movies than here! The canyon, shaped by continental collision and sea level’s rising and falling millions of years ago, features undulating limestone folds and breathtaking rock formations in red, yellow, and white hues. Our guide will hike you through the canyon and climb to some cliffs to overlook the dried seabed with the remnants of coral and fossils. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try to capture the canyon’s panoramic views at the famed “Crocodile’s Mouth” viewpoint, which looks like a long open jaw.

Tips: The paths across the canyon are mostly unpaved and can be very bumpy in some sections, so you can take motion sickness pills before departure. If it’s windy, sand and dust may enter the vehicle, so wearing sunglasses and a mask will enhance your comfort.

After enjoying a picnic lunch, our guide will lead you to explore more viewpoints, allowing you to admire the canyon’s otherworldly beauty from various angles as sunlight changes. Finally, we’ll drive back to the hotel in Turkmenbashi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Beyik Yupek Yoly Hotel Turkmenbashi (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you’ll be escorted to the airport for a fight back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, the guide will accompany you to visit the Turkmen Carpet Museum to dive into the intricate carpet-weaving art. Carpets are part of Turkmen people’s lives from the cradle to the grave. To welcome a new life into a family, a carpet will be placed in the baby’s crib as a symbol of warmth and protection. During weddings, carpets are used for decorations to create an inviting ambiance, and sometimes form a part of the bride’s dowry. Carpets are even buried with the dead to guide the soul to peace. Besides learning about their different uses, you can also view one of the world’s largest handmade carpets, which spans an astonishing 301 square meters (3,240 square feet)!

Following this, we’ll make our way to Inspiration Park, which connects two main streets in Ashgabat and has an artificial waterfall, attracting many locals for picnics next to the flower beds. You can admire over 40 statues of great Turkmen poets and writers while wandering, and take in the magnificent Kopet Dag Mountain in the distance. Our last stop is the Gulistan Bazaar (Russian Bazaar), which features unique Soviet-era architecture, offering a dazzling array of goods, from vegetables and meat to dairy products and clothing. It’s also a good place to explore local cuisine! Look for stalls selling Ichlekli, a meat pie stuffed with traditional beef or mutton, as well as innovative pumpkin and cheese fillings. This classic dish, once baked in hot sand as a convenient meal for desert travelers, is now typically made in ovens, but it’s just as tasty! Finally, you’ll be transferred to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

This is the last day of your best Turkmenistan tour. According to your departure flight, we will send you to the airport and see you off there. Hope you are satisfied with our service.

If you wish to explore more natural wonders in Turkmenistan or extend your trip to other Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, please feel free to contact our travel consultants for a customized itinerary!

Meals: Breakfast