Turkmenistan Highlands tour
Turkmenistan is a land of striking contrasts, from the gleaming white-marble city of Ashgabat and the ancient Silk Road ruins of Merv and Old Nisa to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater burning in the heart of the Karakum Desert. Discover sacred traditions, vast desert landscapes, and the dramatic cliffs of Yangykala Canyon before reaching the tranquil shores of the Caspian Sea – an unforgettable journey through one of Central Asia’s most remote and fascinating destinations.
Program Highlights
- White Marble Ashgabat – city tour through the glimmering capital.
- Mystical Nokhur Village – explore legends and unique tribal cemeteries.
- Darvaza Gas Crater – camp near the legendary “Gates of Hell” under the stars.
- Ancient Merv – the most recognized heritage site in Turkmenistan.
- Yangykala Canyon – a geological masterpiece with striking red and gold cliffs.
- Dinosaur Plateau – the ancient footprints of dinosaurs.
- Kyrk Gyz shrine – a revered place of pilgrimage.
Tour Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Ports of entry and exit: Ashgabat International Airport
Route: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Balkanabat – Nokhur – Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Koytendag/Hojapil – Turkmenabat – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashagbat.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – City Tour
Arrival and Check-In: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport with Turkish Airlines at 2:00 AM or other. You will be greeted and transferred to hotel for an early check-in.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning to relax and acclimate.
Visit at the State Museum of History and Ethnography to explore ancient artifacts, then travel to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Old Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire, set against the scenic Kopetdag Mountains.
After lunch, visit the Memorial Complex, honoring national heroes and historic tragedies, before enjoying panoramic city views from the Palace of Happiness. Continue along Archabil Highway to see the iconic landmarks of Ashgabat from Magtymguly monument and Alem Ferris Wheel to the Neutrality and the Independence Park monuments.
After dinner, return to the hotel for overnight.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 2: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala
Start your day with a short flight to Turkmenbashi, the gateway to Balkan region. Upon arrival, we transfer to local restaurant to have breakfast then we catch our 4WD’s to explore the Moorish-style railway station and the vibrant central market, where you might find the famed Caspian caviar.
After lunch, continue driving to Yangykala canyon, a geological masterpiece with its striking red and gold cliffs. Explore the canyon’s unique landscapes, capturing stunning photos at every turn.
Set up camp nearby and dine under the stars, experiencing the serene beauty of the night.
Flight: Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi, (ETD 06:20 / ETA 07:20) flight schedules are subject to change
Drive: Turkmenbashi → Yangykala ~165km / 3 hrs.
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Overnight in wild camping
Day 3: Yangykala – Balkanabat – Nokhur
After breakfast in the camp, we bid farewell to the canyons and set off to Nokhur Village, a hidden gem nestled in the mountains.
En route stop at Kemal-Ata and Gozli-Ata, two sacred sites that provide an insight into Turkmenistan’s spiritual traditions. Wonder at the serene beauty of Kemal-Ata and the underground marvel of Gozli-Ata, both offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.
Upon arrival transfer to local restaurant to have lunch then start exploring the unique mountain village of Nohur, whose name means “Nine Heavenly Maidens” and where pre-Islamic traditions still echo in local culture. Explore the mystical tribal cemetery marked with ram horns on the tombstones, visit the sacred site of Kyz Bibi and thousand-year-old plane tree (Chinar), and enjoy a scenic walk to a nearby waterfall.
Arrive at guesthouse and we will be greeted by a local family. Enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner prepared with the family. We will also stay here for overnight.
Drive: Yangykala → Balkanabat ~170km / 3 hrs.
Balkanabat → Nohur ~ 320km / ~3,5 hrs.
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Overnight in a guesthouse
Day 4: Nohur – Ashgabat
After breakfast in local guesthouse start Kopetdag mountains exploration. Driving up to the mountains to see the Aydere gorge, and some other spectacular mountain area around.
Then drive to Ashgabat.
On the way stop at the underground cave of Kov-Ata, accommodating a unique hot-water (+ 35-37C all year round) mineral lake.
Then we will visit the Geokdepe, the area is historically significant as the site of the fortress that was the site of a battle during the Great Game in 1881, as well as the Geokdepe Mosque, built in memory of those events.
En route we will make a stop to visit an impressive complex in Kipchak village to see the biggest mosque of Turkmenistan “the Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi” and “the family mausoleum of the first president”.
On arrival, transfer to hotel. Time at leisure.
Drive: Nohur → Kov-ata ~70km / ~50 min
Kov-ata → Geokdepe ~45km / ~40 min
Geokdepe → Ashgabat ~55km / ~1 hr.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 5: Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Koyten
After early breakfast at hotel and check-out, then take an early flight to Turkmenabat.
On arrival drive to Koyten village. En route visit medieval mausoleums of Alamberdar and Astana-baba near Kerki town. About 20 km before the village, we can also stop at Kaynar-Baba Lake. Originating from a natural spring, this lake is known for its medicinal qualities and considered as a natural phenomenon. The lake is quite popular among the locals; swim (optional) in the lake. On arrival to Koytendag, transfer to a local guesthouse (also known as ‘tourist base’).
Flight: Ashgabat → Turkmenabat, (ETD 06:10 / ETA 07:00) flight schedules are subject to change
Drive: Turkmenabat → Koyten ~390km / 6 hrs.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Overnight in a guesthouse
Day 6: Koyten – Hojapil
After breakfast, explore the Dinosaur Plateau in Hojapil Village, the Kyrk Gyz Cave, and the Umbar Dere Gorge. While exploring the dinosaur fossils you can time travel thousands of years back to the times of dinosaurs and picture how dinosaurs tried to escape the fire in the lowlands and ran up the hill through already cooling lava leaving deep footprints behind.
Visit Kyrk Gyz, a shrine where many pilgrims have attached pieces of cloth to the ceiling in hopes of having their wishes granted. Then walk along a short trail through the narrow Umbar Dere Gorge to the beautiful waterfall.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Overnight in a guesthouse
Day 7: Koyten – Turkmenabat – Ashgabat
After breakfast, drive back to Turkmenabat. On arrival transfer to local restaurant to have lunch then drive to airport to take an evening flight to Ashgabat.
Upon arrival transfer to hotel to check-in and you can opt to dine at hotel restaurant or to drive to nearby local restaurant.
Flight: Turkmenabat → Ashgabat, (ETD 16:00 (or 20:00) / ETA 16:50 (or 20:50) flight schedules are subject to change
Drive: Koyten→ Turkmenabat ~380km / ~6 hrs
Meals: B
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 8: Ashgabat – Darvaza
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.
We will spend the morning visiting Tolkuchka Bazaar is one of the largest markets not only in Turkmenistan but in all of Central Asia. Here you can find and buy almost everything – from souvenirs and toys to cattle and camels. Note: open on SAT and SUN
After lunch, depart by 4WD vehicle toward the Darvaza also known as “The Gates of Hell“, a methane-belching fire pit in the Turkmenistan desert has been spewing fire for decades – but its origin is considered The USSR’s top-secret desert mystery.
En route make short sightseeing stops at two gas craters (one with boiling water and the other one with sulfur-bubbling mud; both seeping with gas from the underground). Arrive in Darvaza by early evening.
- ~160 km of smooth asphalt / ~103 km of uneven asphalt roads / ~7 km of desert off-road terrain
- Travel is by comfortable 4×4 vehicles (max. 3 passengers per vehicle) to ensure safety and comfort.
Settle into a traditional yurt camp and visit the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, a massive natural gas crater burning continuously since the 1970s. As night falls, the glowing flames create an unforgettable desert atmosphere. Enjoy a special dinner with nomad style kebabs in yurt camps.
Drive: Ashgabat → Darvaza ~270 km / ~4 hrs.
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Overnight in yurts (AYAN Travel Camp)
Notes: Travel by 4WD vehicles (max. 3 guests per vehicle); basic facilities at camp
Day 9: Darvaza – Ashgabat
Wake up to breakfast at the camp, take one last look at the mesmerizing flaming crater, and then we’ll head back to Ashgabat.
Arrive in Ashgabat and hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own or continue with walking tour in older part of the city with a chance of souvenir or carpet shopping.
Enjoy a 1-2 hour walk from Ashgabat Park along historic Magtymguly Avenue, to Lenin Square, home to The Monument of Lenin that survived the 1948 earthquake. Continue to the lively Gulistan Bazaar (Russian market), a Soviet-era landmark, where you can experience local life and browse stalls of dried fruits, famous Turkmen melons, carpets, and traditional souvenirs.
(Walking tour distance – 2.5 km, about 2-hour walk including stops)
Drive: Darvaza → Ashgabat ~270 km / ~4 hrs.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 10: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, check out and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for departure. This marks the end of our services.
Drive: Hotel → Airport (approx. 15km / 20 min)
Accommodation: —
Meals: Breakfast (depends on flight time)
Notes: Ensure all personal belonging are collected, prepare the passport, and tickets
NOTE: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner.
Tour price information
- Comfort A/C transportation depending on size of a group and route
- Hotel accommodation (B&B) – 4 nights
- Wild camping on Yangykala – 1 night
- Yurt stay in Darvaza – 1 night
- Homestay – 3 nights
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation)
- Water along the way
- Entrance fees to sites and museums
- English-speaking tour guide
- Registration of tourists staying over 3 days
- Meals, mentioned in the itinerary
- Flight tickets:
Ashgabat – Turkmenabat
Turkmenabat – Ashgabat
- Visa cost $55-$165 paid in cash on arrival
- PCR test cost $31 upon arrival
- Migration duty charge $14
- Additional services in the hotel
- Tips to the guide and the driver (recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Photo and video camera fees at sites/museums
ACCOMMODATION
| City | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 | Option 4 |
| Day 1. Ashgabat | Sport 3* | Olimpia 4* | Divan 5* | Yyldyz 5*+ |
| Day 2. Yangykala | Wild camping | |||
| Day 3. Nokhur | Homestay | |||
| Day 4. Ashgabat | Sport 3* | Olimpia 4* | Divan 5* | Yyldyz 5*+ |
| Day 5. Koyten | Homestay | |||
| Day 6. Koyten | Homestay | |||
| Day 7. Ashgabat | Sport 3* | Olimpia 4* | Divan 5* | Yyldyz 5*+ |
| Day 8. Darvaza | Yurt | |||
| Day 9. Ashgabat | Sport 3* | Olimpia 4* | Divan 5* | Yyldyz 5*+ |
| Day 10. | Departure | |||
Important Accommodation Policy
In the event of government-level events or official delegations requiring priority accommodation, our company reserves the right to substitute the originally confirmed hotel with an alternative property of the same category and comparable standard.
Hotel information and pictures, see: https://ayan-turkmenistan.travel/hotel
