Turkmenistan · Culture

3-Day Ashgabat and Darvaza Tour with Nisa and Yurt BBQ Dinner

3 Days Round trip from Atamyrat Nyýazow Şaýoly Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Ashgabat's landmarks, including the National Museum of Turkmenistan and the Arch of Neutrality
  • 02 Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ancient City of Nisa, the former Parthian capital
  • 03 Witness the Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell," glowing under the evening sky
  • 04 Enjoy a BBQ dinner in local yurts with traditional Turkmen atmosphere
  • 05 Discover Turkmen carpet-weaving heritage at the Turkmen Carpet Museum and ride one of the world's largest Ferris wheels

Experience the cultural and natural wonders of Turkmenistan on this 3-day tour from Ashgabat to Darvaza. Explore Ashgabat's key landmarks, including the National Museum of Turkmenistan, the Arch of Neutrality, Independence Park, and the Turkmen Carpet Museum. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ancient City of Nisa, then travel through the desert to the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell." Along the way, enjoy traditional Turkmen cuisine, a BBQ dinner in local yurts, and time to discover more of Ashgabat's historic and cultural attractions.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ancient City of Nisa, then travel through the desert to the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell."

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Ashgabat, Darvaza
Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Ashgabat City Tour and Cultural Landmarks

  1. National Museum of Turkmenistan

    Start your tour with a visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the country through extensive exhibits of artifacts and artworks.

Day Program:

  1. Arch of Neutrality

    Visit the Arch of Neutrality, one of the main landmarks of Ashgabat. This impressive monument symbolizes the neutrality of Turkmenistan.

  2. Monument to Turkmenbashi

    Stop by the Monument to Turkmenbashi, the founder and first president of Turkmenistan. This majestic monument is an important part of the city's architecture.

  3. Monument to Magtymguly

    Visit the Monument to Magtymguly, the great Turkmen poet and thinker. This monument is an important cultural symbol of the country.

Lunch:

  1. Restaurant of Traditional Turkmen Cuisine

    Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants offering traditional Turkmen cuisine. Try national dishes such as pilaf, kebabs, and chuchvara.

Afternoon Program:

  1. Independence Park

    After lunch, head to Independence Park, where you can walk and enjoy beautiful views. There are many monuments and fountains here.

  2. Poets and Writers Park

    Visit the park where monuments to all the poets and writers of the world are installed. This is a great place for a peaceful walk and inspiration.

Evening:

  1. Ashgabat Park

    Finish the day with a visit to Ashgabat Park. This park is known for its beautiful landscapes and cozy alleys where you can relax and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

2
Day 02

Ancient Nisa and Darvaza Gas Crater Adventure

  1. Breakfast at the hotel

    Start your day with breakfast at the hotel at 9 AM to gather energy for a busy day.

  2. Trip to the Ancient City of Nisa

    Visit the Ancient City of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can see the ruins of the ancient Parthian capital and learn about the history of this unique place.

Lunch:

  1. Short Ashgabat City Tour

    After returning from Nisa, take a short city tour of Ashgabat to see the remaining attractions you didn't visit on the first day.

Afternoon Program:

  1. Trip to the Darvaza Gas Crater

    After lunch, start your journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Along the way, pass through the villages of Bokurdak and Erbent. Make a stop to take photos of local camels, houses, and surroundings.

  2. Visit the Water-Filled Crater

    Upon arrival, visit the water-filled crater first. This is an interesting natural phenomenon worth seeing.

Evening:

  1. Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater

    Continue your journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell." This burning crater is impressive, especially in the evening.

  2. BBQ Dinner in Local Yurts

    End the day with a BBQ dinner in local yurts. Enjoy traditional cuisine and the atmosphere, and share impressions of the day.

3
Day 03

Return to Ashgabat and Final Sightseeing

  1. Breakfast in the yurt or outdoors

    Start your day with breakfast in the yurt or outdoors. Enjoy the morning views and atmosphere.

Day:

  1. Return to Ashgabat

    After breakfast, begin your journey back to Ashgabat. You can make a few stops along the way for photos and rest.

  2. Turkmen Carpet Museum

    Upon returning to Ashgabat, visit the Turkmen Carpet Museum. Here, you can see one of the largest collections of carpets in the world and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkmenistan.

  3. Ferris Wheel

    Next, head to the Ferris Wheel, one of the largest in the world. It's a great place for relaxation and photography.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at one of Ashgabat's restaurants

    End the day with dinner at one of Ashgabat's restaurants. Enjoy traditional Turkmen cuisine and share your impressions of the trip.

Darvaza Gas Crater, Ancient City of Nisa, Arch of Neutrality, Turkmen Carpet Museum

Where this trip takes you

Darvaza Gas Crater, Ancient City of Nisa, Arch of Neutrality, Turkmen Carpet Museum

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Atamyrat Nyýazow Şaýoly 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Tour package, letter of invitation, registration fee, and permit fee
  • Accommodation at Mizan Hotel
  • Dinner at the camp
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guide for 3 days
  • Transport for 3 days
  • Daily water, 2 litres per day

What's Not Included

  • Visa fee: $55-$85
  • COVID test fee
  • Private expenses
  • Insurance

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for both warm days and cooler evenings.

  • Sturdy footwear for walking and exploring various sites.

  • Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun, especially in open areas.

  • A camera to capture the stunning sights and memorable moments.

  • Personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and any medications you may need.

  • A water bottle to stay hydrated during your excursions.

  • A portable charger for your electronic devices.

  • A small backpack to carry your essentials during day trips.

  • A light jacket or sweater, as evenings can be cool, especially near the Darvaza Gas Crater.

  • Snacks for the journey. Although meals are provided, having some extra snacks can be useful.

Know before you go

  • Travel Documents: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport, visa, and any required permits.

  • Currency: The local currency is Turkmenistani manat (TMT). It's a good idea to have some cash on hand, as credit card acceptance may be limited in some areas.

  • Weather: Check the weather forecast for your travel dates and pack accordingly. Turkmenistan can have varying temperatures between day and night.

  • Health Precautions: Bring any personal medications you may need. It is also advisable to carry a basic first aid kit.

  • Communication: English is not widely spoken, so having a translation app or a basic understanding of common phrases in Turkmen or Russian can be helpful.

  • Safety: Always stay with your group or guide, especially in remote areas. Keep your valuables secure.

  • Time Zone: Turkmenistan operates on Turkmenistan Time (TMT), which is UTC+5.

  • Electrical Outlets: The standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Make sure to bring appropriate adapters for your electronic devices.

  • Local Etiquette: It is polite to greet people with a handshake and to ask for permission before taking photos of locals.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Ashgabat International Airport, Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Tour start
Atamyrat Nyýazow Şaýoly, Aşgabat, Turkmenistan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Atamyrat Nyýazow Şaýoly.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 793 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total