4-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Old Nisa, Darvaza & Kow-Ata

After breakfast at the hotel, start a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. During the tour, you will see the main sights of the capital, visit the Akhal-Teke horse stable, and explore the Russian Bazaar, where you can buy souvenirs and experience the atmosphere of an eastern market. The program also includes a visit to Old Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the most important historical places in Turkmenistan, connected with the era of the Great Parthian Empire. After the tour, continue into the Karakum Desert to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Gates of Hell”. Short stops at the water and mud craters are possible along the way. Arrive at Darvaza closer to evening and stay in a traditional Turkmen yurt camp with basic living conditions. In the evening, enjoy dinner cooked over a fire and visit the gas crater. At night, Darvaza looks especially impressive as the flames illuminate the desert.

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Overnight: yurt camp near Darvaza Gas Crater

Route: Ashgabat → Old Nisa → Karakum Desert → Darvaza Gas Crater

Distance: about 280–300 km

Time on the road: approximately 3.5–4.5 hours

Meals: breakfast at the hotel, dinner at the camp

Early in the morning, if desired, you can visit the crater again at sunrise. The morning view of Darvaza is different from the evening one: the desert is quiet, and the soft dawn light creates excellent conditions for photography. After breakfast at the camp, return to Ashgabat. Upon arrival in the capital, continue the excursion program. Depending on time and interests, you can visit the Independence Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the “Alem” Ferris wheel, and other monuments at your request and on the guide’s recommendation. After the excursion, dinner at a restaurant, transfer to the hotel, and rest.

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Overnight: hotel in Ashgabat

Route: Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat

Distance: about 280–300 km

Time on the road: approximately 3.5–4.5 hours

Meals: breakfast at the camp

After an early breakfast, depart for the underground lake Kow-Ata, located in the foothills of the Kopet Dag. Kow-Ata is one of the most unusual natural places near Ashgabat. It is an underground lake inside a cave with warm mineral water. The name Kow-Ata translates as “Father of Caves”. Guests may bring swimwear, as swimming in the lake is possible. After visiting Kow-Ata, enjoy lunch near the underground lake with freshly prepared shashlik at a nearby establishment. Return to Ashgabat. Arrival in the city is planned around 14:00–15:00. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for departure.

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Finish: Ashgabat International Airport

Route: Ashgabat → Kow-Ata underground lake → Ashgabat → airport

Distance: about 200–220 km

Time on the road: approximately 2.5–3 hours both ways

Meals: breakfast at the hotel