Turkmenistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Turkmenistan Cultural Tour with Darvaza and Yangikala

8 Days Round trip from S. Türkmenbaşy ş. Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Koneurgench UNESCO World Heritage Site and its ancient mausoleums and minaret
02 Explore the dramatic Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell"
03 Discover Ashgabat's modern monuments, historical sites, and vibrant bazaars
04 Experience the colorful landscapes of Yangikala Canyon during sunset
05 Visit the traditional mountain village of Nohur and learn about unique local customs
06 Explore Mary's historical landmarks, including the ancient Silk Road city of Merv

Discover the highlights of Turkmenistan on an 8-day journey through ancient heritage, dramatic desert landscapes, and distinctive local culture. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Koneurgench and Ancient Merv, witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater under the desert night sky, and explore Ashgabat's striking modern monuments alongside historic landmarks such as Old Nisa and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. The tour also takes you to the stunning multi-colored cliffs of Yangikala Canyon and the remote mountain village of Nohur for a glimpse into local traditions.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Koneurgench and Ancient Merv, witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater under the desert night sky, and explore Ashgabat's striking modern monuments alongside historic landmarks such as Old Nisa and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Ashgabat, Dasoguz, Kunya Urgench, Mari, Darvaza

Languages Arabic, English, Hindi, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Dashoguz Border Arrival and Koneurgench Discovery

Meet the guide at Dashoguz border.
Complete customs formalities and take the required Covid-test (35 USD per person in cash).
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Koneurgench Historical Reserve.
Visit key UNESCO sites: Mausoleums of II Arslan, Soltan Tekesh, Nejmeddin Kubra, Soltan Ali, Turabek Khanum, Kutlug Timur Minaret, and others.
Enjoy lunch at a local chaikhana or picnic-style.
Explore a small museum housing coins, pottery, and local artifacts.
Visit local market stalls or try traditional çörek bread or melon.

Overnight at a hotel in Koneurgench.

Day 02

Journey to Darvaza Gas Crater

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (approximately 4-5 hours).
Arrive in the evening to experience the crater at sunset and at night.
Witness the spectacular flames and experience the surreal atmosphere.
Enjoy a picnic-style dinner at camp.

Overnight at the camp in Darvaza.

Day 03

Darvaza to Ashgabat via Bazaar and Museum

Early morning breakfast at camp.
Depart for Ashgabat (4-hour drive).
Optional visit to the Eastern Bazaar for local souvenirs.
Check in at the hotel and enjoy a short rest.
Lunch in Ashgabat.
Visit the Museum of History and Ethnography with its extensive collections.
Visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and Mausoleum in Gypjak.
Explore Berkarar or Arkach shopping and entertainment centers.

Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 04

Ashgabat Monuments, Old Nisa, and Akhal Teke Horses

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Old Nisa fortress (UNESCO site).
Enjoy sightseeing in Ashgabat, including the International Airport, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Health Trail, Arch of Neutrality, Monument to Independence, Constitution Monument, Earthquake Victims Complex, Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace, Magtymguly Monument, and the Oguzkhan Monument with fountains.
Visit the Seyidjemaleddin monument and mosque in Annau city.
Visit a private Akhal Teke horse farm.

Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 05

Ashgabat to Yangikala Canyon

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart at 9:00 AM for Yangikala Canyon (6-hour drive).
Explore the stunning multi-colored cliffs and formations of Yangikala.
Experience sunset over the canyons.

Overnight at camp in Yangikala Canyon.

Day 06

Yangikala, Nohur Village, and Kow-Ata Return

Breakfast at camp.
Return drive to Ashgabat.
Visit Nohur Village in the Kopet Dag Mountains with its distinct architecture and traditions.
Visit Kow-Ata underground lake for swimming in its thermal waters.
Return to Ashgabat and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07

Mary City and Ancient Merv Excursion

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Mary city (approximately 4 hours).
Visit Central Bazaar for souvenirs, textiles, and spices.
Explore the History and Local Lore Museum.
Visit the Orthodox Pokrovsky Church from the Imperial era.
Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Ancient Merv (UNESCO site), with visits to the Mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd.
Experience the local bazaar and dinner at a traditional teahouse.

Overnight at a hotel in Mary.

Day 08