7-Day Turkmenistan Tour with Horse Trekking and Darvaza Crater

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Ashgabat's cultural and historical sites, including Old Nisa (UNESCO)
• 02 Experience the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the 'Door to Hell'
• 03 Trek through the Kopetdag Mountains and Nohur regions
• 04 Discover the stunning landscapes of Yangykala Canyon
• 05 Enjoy authentic local experiences, including yurt stays and a meeting with Akhalteke horses

Embark on a 7-day journey through Turkmenistan, combining ancient history, dramatic natural landscapes, and memorable outdoor experiences. Explore Ashgabat's cultural landmarks, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Nisa, and witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater. The tour also takes you into the Kopetdag Mountains for horse trekking and hiking, with authentic local stays along the way. From the underground lake of Kow Ata to the striking cliffs of Yangykala Canyon, this itinerary reveals the country's diverse character.

Arrive at Darvaza, set up camp, and explore the 'Door to Hell.'

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Ashgabat, Balkanabat, Serdar, Darvaza

Languages English, German, Japanese, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Ashgabat and Darvaza Gas Crater

• Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport.
• Meet your guide and transfer to Darvaza Gas Crater (approximately 4 hours).
• En route, visit Yerbent semi-nomadic village and enjoy a short camel ride.
• Arrive at Darvaza, set up camp, and explore the 'Door to Hell.'
• Enjoy a fire-cooked dinner and overnight in a yurt.
• Meals: Dinner

2

Day 02

Return to Ashgabat and City Sightseeing

• Morning transfer from Darvaza back to Ashgabat.
• Begin a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat.
• Explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the Monument of Neutrality.
• See the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque.
• Explore the newly built Independence Park.
• View other prominent monuments.
• Overnight in Ashgabat.
• Meals: Breakfast

3

Day 03

Akhalteke Horses and Kopetdag Trek

• Visit the Akhalteke horse stables/complex.
• After lunch, drive to the Kopetdag Mountains.
• Enjoy a 3-4 hour horse trek in the mountains.
• Return to Ashgabat for an overnight stay.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (suggested inclusion)

4

Day 04

Journey to Nohur via Kow Ata

• Drive to Nohur village in the Kopetdag Mountains.
• Visit the Kow Ata underground lake.
• Explore the tribal cemetery and pilgrim site.
• On the way, visit the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum.
• Overnight in a guesthouse in Serdarabat (near Nohur).
• Meals: Breakfast

5

Day 05

Nohur Hiking and Transfer to Kyzylarvat

• Enjoy a free day for trekking and hiking in the Nohur mountains with a local guide.
• In the evening, drive to Kyzylarvat (Serdar).
• Overnight at a hotel in Kyzylarvat.
• Meals: Breakfast

6

Day 06

Overland Journey to Yangykala Canyon

• Depart for an overnight trip to Yangykala Canyon.
• The journey involves a mix of road conditions, including tarmac, potholed tarmac, and gravel tracks.
• Arrive at Yangykala Canyon.
• Dinner and overnight stay at the pilgrim house of Gozli Ata.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

7

Day 07

Yangykala Canyon, Return to Ashgabat and Departure

• Morning exploration of Yangykala Canyon.
• Drive to Balkanabat for lunch.
• Transfer from Balkanabat to Ashgabat.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner.
• Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All transfers: 1-3 pax by sedan-type car or by crossover cars where needed
• Accommodation based on 3-star comfortable double/twin room sharing, with breakfasts included
• Yurt stay with breakfast and dinner
• Sightseeing tour program with a local Russian-speaking driver-guide or a separate accompanying guide during the tour in Turkmenistan
• Entrance fees to sights as per the itinerary
• Personal travel insurance

What's Not Included

• Full board (lunches and dinners) is not included unless mentioned for each day
• Hotel charges for additional services
• Optional activities such as horse-riding
• Consular fees for tourist visas (100-120$/person)
• International flight tickets before and after the tour
• Tips/gratuities for drivers and guides, although they are appreciated

Know before you go

• Prepare for the heat: be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Dress in light, light-colored clothing.
• Comfortable shoes are essential for long excursions and walks around hillforts and villages.
• Make sure you have medical insurance to cover any unexpected events.
• Bring all necessary personal items, including medications if needed.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Ashgabat, Туркменистан

Tour start

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.