Turkmenistan Highlights Group Tour 2025 8-day

Ashgabat

Arrival in Ashgabat. Hotel transfer upon arrival. Leisure time. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangikala and Yangisuv Canyons – Gozli Ata Mausoleum

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your 08:30 flight to Turkmenbashi. Upon arrival at 09:30, head towards Yangikala Canyons (175 km, ~2.5 hours), one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. The name “Yangikala” translates to “fortress of fire” in Turkmen, perfectly describing the dramatic red, yellow, white, ochre, and purple cliffs shaped by centuries of wind and rain. After exploring the area, enjoy a picnic lunch.

Next, drive an hour to Yangisuv Canyon, located near the Garabogaz Gulf. Wander through a narrowing corridor, where vibrant colors shift as you walk, eventually reaching a point where both walls can be touched simultaneously. At sunset, continue to Gozli Ata, one of Turkmenistan’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The mausoleum, framed by striking pink and red limestone formations, creates a breathtaking scene.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night either at a local pilgrim house (shared accommodation) or at a campsite near the mausoleum.

Gozli Ata – Kemal Ata Mausoleum – Balkanabat – Serdar

Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast before heading to the Kemal Ata Mausoleum, just a 30-minute drive away. This unique site features a small valley carved by water through ancient volcanic formations. After exploring the area, continue the journey to Nokhur village, a 6-hour drive with a lunch stop in Balkanabat.

Arrive in Serdar town for an overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast

Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Mary – Ashgabat

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Mary, a 4-hour drive. Along the way, stop at the ruins of Seyitjemalledin Mosque in Anau, originally built in 1456 during the rule of Abu-ibn-Kasim Baber Bahadurkhan in Khorasan. The mosque was funded by Muhammed Hudaidot, Bahadurkhan’s vizier, who chose the location near his father Sheikh Jemaleddin’s grave. The mosque’s square central hall, measuring 10.5 meters on each side, was once crowned by a dome. Although it underwent partial reconstruction, land subsidence weakened the structure, and the devastating Ashgabat earthquake of 1948 destroyed it. Today, only the lower parts of the portal and some wall fragments remain.

Next, visit Abiward, an important trading hub in Northern Khorasan, strategically positioned along the Great Silk Road between Nisa and Merv. It also served as a key link to Nishapur, located across the Kopetdag Mountains.

Continue to Merv, one of the most prominent Silk Road cities and a major center for international trade and craftsmanship. Explore the Historical and Cultural Park of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once considered one of the Islamic world’s great capitals alongside Baghdad, Damascus, and Cairo. Key sites include the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Large and Small Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, the Mausoleum Complex of the Askhabs, the Hoja Yusuf Hamadani complex, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed Ibn Zeid.

After exploring Merv, transfer to Mary Airport for your return flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast

Ashgabat City Tour – Darvaza Gas Crater

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Ashgabat, the vibrant capital of Turkmenistan. Known for its striking architecture, the city holds a Guinness World Record for having the highest concentration of white marble structures worldwide.

The tour includes a visit to the archaeological site of Old Nisa, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the grand Spiritual Mosque—one of Central Asia’s largest. Explore the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the recently constructed Independence Park.

In the afternoon, head towards the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, often referred to as the “Gateway to Hell.” Located deep in the Karakum Desert, this natural wonder was formed in 1971 when Soviet geologists accidentally drilled into an underground gas pocket. The ground collapsed, creating a massive pit approximately 70 meters wide. To prevent the spread of toxic gas, they decided to ignite the site, expecting the fire to burn out within days. However, the flames continue to burn to this day.

On the way to the crater, pass through Erbent village, where you can observe the traditional desert lifestyle of the locals. Upon arrival, set up camp near the crater, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by the fire, and take in the mesmerizing sight of the glowing pit under the night sky.

Overnight: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz – Ashgabat

Start the day with a picnic-style breakfast before heading towards Kunya-Urgench, a historic site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage location. The 3.5-hour drive brings you to the ancient capital of Khorezm, where you’ll explore notable landmarks such as the Turebek-Khanym Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Sultan Il Arslan Mausoleum, Najmuddin-Kubra Mausoleum, and Sultan Ali Mausoleum.

Discover the impressive Kutlug-Timur Minaret, standing tall as one of the region’s most striking architectural feats, and stroll around Kyrk Molla Hill, a place steeped in local legends.

After the sightseeing tour, continue to Dashoguz, where you’ll catch a flight back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Optional Extension: Travel onward from Kunya-Urgench to Khiva to connect with the Uzbekistan group tour.

Ashgabat – Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. You’ll have some free time before being transferred to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your tour.