8-Day Grand Turkmenistan Tour: Kunya-Urgench, Darvaza, Ashgabat, Yangykala, Nohur & Merv

After breakfast, transfer from the desert to Ashgabat, the white-marble capital of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat is known for its monumental architecture and modern city planning.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take time to rest and shower after the desert overnight. Lunch will be arranged at a restaurant specializing in traditional Turkmen cuisine.

After lunch, enjoy a short excursion including Old Nisa, the ruins of the ancient Parthian capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a visit to Akhal-Teke horse stables to learn about the legendary Turkmen horse breed.

In the evening, dinner and rest at the hotel.

Overnight: hotel in Ashgabat

Route: Darvaza → Ashgabat → Old Nisa → Akhal-Teke horse stables

Distance: about 270 km

Time on the road: approximately 3.5–4 hours

Meals: breakfast at camp, lunch and dinner in Ashgabat

Begin the day with a deeper introduction to Ashgabat, the heart of white-marble Turkmenistan. Visit the National Museum to learn about the country’s history, culture, and art.

The tour continues with Independence Park, the Arch of Neutrality, and the Ruhnama Monument. For lunch, stop at a local restaurant to try traditional Turkmen dishes and rest before the second part of the day.

In the afternoon, visit the Russian Bazaar, where you can buy souvenirs or take photos in traditional Turkmen clothing. Continue to the Wedding Palace and the large indoor Ferris wheel, two symbols of modern Ashgabat.

In the evening, enjoy a night drive around Ashgabat, when the city lights make the white-marble architecture especially impressive. Dinner at a restaurant and overnight at the hotel.

Overnight: hotel in Ashgabat

Route: Ashgabat city sightseeing

Distance: city sightseeing route

Meals: breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner in Ashgabat

Today the route continues to western Turkmenistan, where history, nature, and unusual landscapes come together.

The first stop is Gokdepe, a place connected with important and tragic pages of Turkmen history. Here you will learn about historical memory and events that shaped the national spirit.

Continue to Kow-Ata underground lake, one of the most unusual natural places near Ashgabat. Inside the cave, you can see the warm mineral lake, unusual cave formations, and, if desired, swim in the water.

Lunch will be arranged near Kow-Ata, where you can taste local shashlik. After lunch, continue to the Lunar Mountains of Turkmenistan, known for surreal landscapes that resemble the surface of another planet.

In the evening, transfer to Gyzylarbat for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Overnight: hotel in Gyzylarbat

Route: Ashgabat → Gokdepe → Kow-Ata → Lunar Mountains → Gyzylarbat

Distance: Ashgabat → Gokdepe: 50 km; Gokdepe → Kow-Ata: 42 km; Kow-Ata → Gyzylarbat: about 90 km

Time on the road: approximately 3–3.5 hours total driving time

Meals: breakfast at the hotel, lunch near Kow-Ata, dinner in Gyzylarbat

In the morning, travel toward Balkanabat. Visit the local market, where you can buy fresh products for dinner and experience the everyday life of the region.

Continue to Yangykala Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Turkmenistan. The colorful rock formations and unusual shapes create a dramatic scenery often compared to another planet.

After exploring the canyons, continue to the pilgrimage site of Gozli-Ata, known for its spiritual atmosphere and connection with local traditions.

In the evening, dinner will be prepared by the guide and driver in an authentic setting. Overnight in air-conditioned yurts under the starry sky.

Overnight: air-conditioned yurts near Yangykala / Gozli-Ata area

Route: Gyzylarbat → Balkanabat → Yangykala Canyon → Gozli-Ata

Distance: Gyzylarbat → Balkanabat: 184 km; Balkanabat → Yangykala: about 165 km

Time on the road: approximately 5–5.5 hours total driving time

Meals: breakfast, lunch or snacks en route, dinner prepared at camp

The morning begins with a visit to the pilgrimage site of Kemal-Ata, where people come from different parts of the country. This stop offers a chance to experience the spiritual atmosphere of Turkmenistan and local traditions.

Next, travel to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast. Walk along the coast, enjoy the sea air, and take in the wide horizons of the Caspian region.

Lunch will be arranged at a restaurant with panoramic sea views, where you can enjoy Turkmen and seafood dishes while resting after the drive.

After lunch, return to Gyzylarbat for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Overnight: hotel in Gyzylarbat

Route: Yangykala area → Kemal-Ata → Turkmenbashi → Gyzylarbat

Distance: Yangykala → Turkmenbashi: about 160 km; Turkmenbashi → Gyzylarbat: about 356 km

Time on the road: approximately 6.5–7 hours total driving time

Meals: breakfast, lunch by the Caspian Sea, dinner in Gyzylarbat

Today the route heads to Nokhur, a mountain settlement in the Kopet Dag range. The region is known for its picturesque nature, mountain atmosphere, and traditions preserved by local residents.

In Nokhur, visit local sights, old cemeteries, and colorful streets. A walk through the village and mountain surroundings allows you to experience a different side of Turkmenistan, away from the desert and city landscapes.

After the excursion, transfer to Mary. Upon arrival, check in at a comfortable hotel, have dinner, and rest after the long journey.

Overnight: hotel in Mary

Route: Gyzylarbat / Ashgabat region → Nokhur → Mary

Distance: Nokhur area: about 130 km from Ashgabat; long transfer onward to Mary

Meals: breakfast at the hotel, lunch en route, dinner in Mary

Today visit Ancient Merv, one of the largest historical cities of Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Merv was an important stop on the Great Silk Road and still preserves the atmosphere of the ancient East.

During the excursion, see historical monuments, ruins of palaces and mosques, ancient walls, and mausoleums that show the importance of this legendary city through different periods of history.

After the morning excursion, lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant, where you can try Turkmen cuisine and rest before the final transfer.

In the afternoon, transfer to the border with Uzbekistan via Farap. The tour officially ends with the border crossing, and the guide will assist with procedures at the checkpoint.

Finish: Farap border

Route: Mary → Ancient Merv → Farap border

Distance: about 250–300 km

Meals: breakfast at the hotel, lunch near Merv