Best Turkmenistan Tour

After breakfast, make our way to the National History Museum, home to ivory rhytons from Old Nisa. They are unique drinking vessels shaped like animal horns and engraved with the 12 Olympic Gods, reflecting Greek cultural influence in Central Asia. You can also appreciate some rare ancient paintings, statues, carpets and furniture while strolling around. Just a quick note: In some areas, photography is prohibited or a small fee is charged, and it is better to confirm with your guide in advance.

After witnessing the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel at Alem Center, with its impressive 57-meter (187-foot) diameter glass and white-steel casing, let’s ascend to the Wedding Palace Viewpoint for a panoramic view of Ashgabat, where you might see couples in traditional attire celebrating their special day.

Move on to the Independence Park and Arch of Neutrality, a symbol of the country’s commitment to peace. Then our guide will accompany you to the horse stable to meet their true national treasures, the Akhal-Teke horses, which have been vital to Turkmens for centuries as companions and warriors in nomadic life thanks to their agility and endurance. They are even depicted in the center of the national emblem! Want to experience riding on the horses? Of course, you can try and pay the horse stable owner on-site based on the riding duration. Continue to visit Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the largest mosque in Ashgabat, which is a gorgeous gift from Turkey. Inside, giant carpets and an ornately painted dome will remind you of the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Following this, wander through Inspiration Park to admire statues of the country’s literary masters.

Today’s tour will conclude at Gulistan Bazaar. From aromatic spices and fresh vegetables to shoes and books, it encapsulates the essence of Turkmen life. You can also savor local flavors that echo the country’s nomadic traditions, characterized by lamb, beef, and dairy products. Why not try crispy Samsa? It is a flatbread filled with minced beef, spinach, potatoes, and pumpkin, baked in a clay oven. At last, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll travel 4 hours to Mary, also called Merv, and stop by Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque Ruins in Annau en route. Upon arrival, follow our guide will to step back in time to one of the oldest oasis cities along the ancient Silk Road, Ancient Merv. With a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, it was once a bustling hub ruled by Persians, Arabs, and Turks, only to lose everything after the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. Wandering among the remains of fortresses, towers, and mosques in the State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv, you may find it hard to believe this was one of the world’s largest cities during the 12th century. Walk on and explore its most iconic structure, Sultan Sunjar Mausoleum, named after the last Sultan of the Seljuk Empire (1037-1194), featuring double-layered domes and beautifully crafted arches, a true testament to Merv’s past glory.

Next, head to Pokrovskaya Church in downtown Mary. Built by the Russian army in 1900, this church was constructed only with bricks due to the scarcity of wood in the arid desert. Our next stop is Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque (Juma Mosque), whose golden dome glistens under the sunshine, with exquisite mosaics and gilded crescent decorations. Explore a local bazaar to wrap up the day, which is much quieter than bazaars elsewhere in Central Asia. Take your time to browse local specialties, from handmade silk textiles to wonderful camel hair handicrafts. Finally, we’ll escort you to the hotel to stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mary Hotel (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we’ll take a 40-minute flight back to Ashgabat, which may be replaced by a 4-hour drive depending on the flight schedule. Upon arrival, get ready to immerse yourself in the time-honored art of carpet weaving at the Turkmen Carpet Museum, which houses over 2,000 carpets from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. A real star is the massive handmade carpet that once set a Guinness World Record, measuring an astonishing length of 14 meters (46 feet) and a width of 21 meters (71 feet), crafted by 40 skilled weavers for over 7.5 months! Afterward, explore the lively Teke Bazaar and peruse the stalls selling Karakul dresses adorned with intricate embroidery and unique jewelry featuring evil eye motifs.

★ Witness the Unreal Flame Burning Over 50 Years in the Desert

In the afternoon, a 4-hour 4WD trip will take you to the highlight of this itinerary, the Darvaza Gas Crater, across the Karakum Desert, with a stop at the small Mud and Water Craters. The rugged terrain and roads can be challenging, so we recommend bringing some medicines for motion sickness. With a diameter of 70 meters (230 feet), a width of 50 meters (164 feet), and a depth of 30 meters (98 feet), this crater, known as the Door to Hell, presents a stunning fiery spectacle, ablaze for over 50 years since Soviet geologists ignited the inner methane gas to prevent its spread. Vibrant red flames dance against the night sky, visible from miles away, and allegedly, can even be spotted by astronauts in space. Keep a safe distance when appreciating and taking photos, as the crater radiates intense heat! 

How many times in life can you spend under a starry desert sky? Tonight will be unforgettable! Enjoy a BBQ dinner by the crater, count stars and chat with your family or friends, and then settle into a nearby yurt camp decorated with traditional Turkmen elements. We provide essentials like sleeping mats, bags, and pillows, but be prepared for a chilly desert breeze; wearing socks may be a good solution.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp in Darvaza

Get up as early as possible if you want to watch the enchanting fire of the Darvaza Gas Crater during the day! After having a picnic breakfast, we’ll drive to Dashoguz in 4 hours and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kunya Urgench Historical Park. Once known as Gurganj, Kunya Urgench served as the capital of the Khwarazmian Empire (1077-1231), thriving due to its complete urban planning and prosperous trade along the ancient Silk Road. As you walk through the remains of caravanserais, mosques, fortresses, and minarets in the park, you can imagine the turbulent stories brought by great conquerors like Genghis Khan and Timur. One notable site is the Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, dedicated to Hanum, the wife of Kutlug Timur, a ruler of the Golden Horde (1242-1502). Vibrant mosaics with star and flower patterns adorning the roof will captivate you, despite the passage of time. Legend has it that the mausoleum’s architect was so enchanted by Hanum’s beauty that he leapt off the structure to prove his love! Besides, the Kutlug-Timur Minaret, rising up to 60 meters (197 feet) as the highest of its kind in Central Asia, awaits your exploration!

After delving deep into the rich history of Kunya Urgench, let’s head to Dashoguz Airport for a 50-minute flight back to Ashgabat, and there the driver will transfer you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll set out for Nokhur Village, situated 4 hours away from Ashgabat. On the way, stop to visit Kow Ata Underground Lake in a natural cave. The lake is rich in minerals, primarily sulphur, maintaining a temperature of 35-37°C (95-98.6℉), perfect for a therapeutic soak. According to the legend, during the Parthian Empire, slaves who had suffered severe punishments were fully healed after bathing in the lake. Would you like to experience it by yourself? Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel!

Continuing to Nokhur Village, you’ll be greeted by a scenic tribal community, surrounded by apricot and pomegranate trees, which is known as one of the world’s 100 most romantic places. After enjoying a picnic lunch, our guide will lead you to visit a century-old parasol tree, whose hollow trunk invites you to capture magical photos, with nearby locals selling spices. Exploring tribal cemeteries will further elevate your cultural experience, where each tomb is uniquely marked by wooden pillars adorned with goat horns, as locals consider goats to be sacred protectors to ward off evil spirits and help the souls of the deceased ascend to heaven. Down the road stands the Qyz-bibi Shrine, a pilgrim site for many Muslim women seeking blessings for pregnancy.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Ashgabat via Gokdepe Fortress, where the resilient Turkmen tribes fought against Russian forces in the 19th century. Besides the historical architecture, you’ll be guided to the Saparmyrat Hajji Mosque (Gokdepe Mosque) inside. It has an eye-catching blue dome, and was built to memorialize the soldiers who defended the fortress. Finally, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

Your Turkmenistan 7 days itinerary will come to an end today, and thanks for choosing us! After breakfast, our guide and driver will whisk you away to the airport according to your flight schedule. Wish you a pleasant journey home!

If you want to deeply explore Turkmenistan or venture into other countries in Central Asia, like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, don’t hesitate to contact our travel consultants, who would like to help craft your next journey!

Meals: Breakfast