6-Day Nature & Landscape Tour of Turkmenistan

After breakfast, begin a sightseeing program in and around Ashgabat. The morning will include a visit to Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal fortress of the Parthian Empire.

Continue to an Akhal-Teke horse farm, where you will learn about Turkmenistan’s famous national horse breed and see these elegant horses up close.

You will also visit the Russian Bazaar, also known as Gulistan Market, where you can experience everyday local life and see traditional products, dried fruits, spices and souvenirs.

After lunch with traditional Turkmen dishes, leave Ashgabat and drive north through the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza Gas Crater.

During the journey, enjoy wide desert landscapes and open horizons. Depending on timing and road conditions, you may stop at a desert village such as Yerbent or Bokurdak to get a glimpse of life in the Karakum Desert.

Arrive at Darvaza Gas Crater in the evening. The crater is especially impressive around sunset and after dark, when the flames become brighter against the desert night.

Dinner will be served near the crater, followed by an overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp.

Overnight: yurt camp near Darvaza Gas Crater

Route: Ashgabat → Old Nisa → Akhal-Teke Horse Farm → Karakum Desert → Darvaza

Distance: approximately 280–300 km

Time on the road: approximately 4–5 hours plus sightseeing stops

Meals: breakfast, lunch in Ashgabat, dinner at Darvaza camp

After breakfast at the yurt camp, depart Darvaza and begin the drive south through the Karakum Desert toward Ashgabat.

Depending on road and timing conditions, short stops may be made near the Water Crater, Mud Crater or other desert viewpoints along the route.

Upon arrival in Ashgabat, check in at the hotel and continue with sightseeing in the capital.

The afternoon program may include Independence Monument, Neutrality Monument, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Wedding Palace viewpoint, Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center and other panoramic locations around the city.

This day offers a striking contrast between the wild landscapes of the Karakum Desert and the white marble architecture of Ashgabat.

Overnight: hotel in Ashgabat

Route: Darvaza → Karakum Desert → Ashgabat

Distance: approximately 280 km

Time on the road: approximately 4–5 hours plus sightseeing

Meals: breakfast at Darvaza camp; other meals according to the program

Early in the morning, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport and take a domestic flight to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea.

After arrival, enjoy breakfast with views of the Caspian coast. The western part of Turkmenistan has a very different atmosphere, combining sea landscapes, desert roads and dramatic canyon scenery.

After breakfast, visit a local market to buy fresh products for a picnic-style lunch before continuing toward Yangykala Canyons.

Yangykala is one of Turkmenistan’s most spectacular natural landscapes, famous for its colorful cliffs and rock formations in shades of red, pink, white and yellow.

Spend time at the main panoramic viewpoints and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the canyon scenery.

After exploring Yangykala, continue to Kemal Ata, a remote natural area surrounded by desert and unusual rock formations.

Later, continue toward Serdar and check in at the hotel for the night.

Overnight: hotel in Serdar

Route: Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi → Yangykala → Kemal Ata → Serdar

Transport: domestic flight + private vehicle

Main highlights: Caspian Sea, Yangykala Canyons, Kemal Ata

Meals: breakfast and picnic-style lunch; other meals according to the program

After breakfast, depart Serdar and begin the day with a visit to the Moon Mountains, known for their pale colors, unusual shapes and almost lunar landscape.

Continue toward the Kopetdag Mountains and Nohur, one of Turkmenistan’s most distinctive mountain villages.

Explore the village and learn about the traditions, customs and everyday life of the local community. A picnic lunch can be arranged in the mountain area, surrounded by scenic landscapes.

Depending on seasonal and weather conditions, the program may also include a visit to a nearby waterfall in the Nohur region.

Continue to Kow-Ata Underground Lake, a natural warm-water lake located inside a large cave. Travelers may have the opportunity to swim in the lake if they wish.

After visiting Kow-Ata, drive back to Ashgabat and check in at the hotel.

Overnight: hotel in Ashgabat

Route: Serdar → Moon Mountains → Nohur → Kow-Ata → Ashgabat

Main highlights: Moon Mountains, Kopetdag Mountains, Nohur Village, Kow-Ata Underground Lake

Time on the road: full-day scenic route with several sightseeing stops

Meals: breakfast and picnic lunch; other meals according to the program

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Ashgabat until your departure flight.

The final program will depend on your flight schedule. If time allows, additional sightseeing, a relaxed walk, shopping at the Russian Bazaar or visits to places not covered earlier in the tour can be arranged.

Possible options include the Carpet Museum, panoramic viewpoints, souvenir shopping or a short city walk.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight.

End of services at Ashgabat International Airport.

Overnight: none — departure day

Route: Ashgabat → Ashgabat International Airport

Distance: depends on final sightseeing and airport transfer

Time on the road: short city transfers

Meals: breakfast at the hotel