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.

Visit the Halk Hakydasy 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 Magtymguly monument, ending at Independence Park and the monumental buildings.

After dinner, return to the hotel for overnight.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat

After breakfast, depart by 4WD vehicle toward to Nokhur, a hidden gem nestled in the mountains.

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”.

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.

On the way stop at the underground cave of Kov-Ata, accommodating a unique hot-water (+ 35-37C all year round) mineral lake.

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: Ashgabat → Geokdepe ~55km / ~1 hour
Geokdepe → Kov-ata ~45km / ~40 min
Kov-ata → Nohur ~70km / ~50 min
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Overnight in a guesthouse
Notes: Travel by 4WD vehicles (max. 3 guests per vehicle)

After breakfast, travel westward from Nohur along the arid Kopetdag Mountains to the village of Karakala, surrounded by a stark, lunar-like landscape. Navigate through military checkpoints that highlight the region’s strategic importance and pass through the lush Sumbar Valley, a green oasis amidst arid mountains. Continue into the surreal Moon Mountains, characterized by their eerie, otherworldly rock formations.

After a picnic lunch we take our journey to Dehistan, south of Balkan region, and reach the historical park in 3 hours. Site exploration for the next 1.5-2 hours. Dehistan/Mishrian was the principal city of Western Turkmenistan from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Located on a major caravan route from Gurgan in northern Iran to Khorezm, its finest buildings were constructed by the Khorezmshahs. Major surviving monuments include parts of minarets, mosque, and a double row of walls.

Set up camp nearby and dine under the stars, experiencing the serene beauty of the desert night.

Drive: Nohur → Dehistan ~ 480 km / ~5 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in wild camping

After breakfast, visit seven kilometres to the north is the Meshat/Meskhet cemetery with 20 mausoleums. Of these 5 still survive, including the important mosque/mausoleum Shir Kabir with an elaborately decorated mihrab. Besides the medieval city and cemetery, there are also important sites from the third millennium BC.

Then drive to Turkmenbashi.

• ~32 km of desert off-road terrain / ~280 km of smooth asphalt
• Travel is by comfortable 4×4 vehicles (max. 3 passengers per vehicle) to ensure safety and comfort.

Arrive in Turkmenbashi and explore the Moorish-style railway station and the vibrant central market, where you might find the famed Caspian caviar.

Transfer to hotel to check-in. Opt to dine at hotel restaurant or to take a walk to nearby local restaurant with a wonderful view on Caspian seaside.

Drive: Dehistan → Turkmenbashi ~ 325 km / ~4 hrs
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel in Turkmenbashi

After breakfast drive to Yangykala via Yangysuw.

En route stop at Gozli-Ata, sacred site that provide an insight into Turkmenistan’s spiritual traditions. Wonder at the underground marvel of Gozli-Ata, both offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before ascending to the plateau and exploring Yangysuw Canyon. Here, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful sandstone formations in shades of white, yellow, and red. As evening approaches 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.

Drive: Turkmenbashi → Yangykala ~ 170km / ~2,5 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in wild camping

Begin the day with breakfast at the camp in the stunning Yangykala Canyon, known for its vibrant rock formations and dramatic landscapes. After exploring the breath-taking scenery, travel to the Kemal-Ata Mausoleum, a sacred site isolated in the steppe. Observe unique spherical rock formations in a nearby riverbed, a fascinating geological feature of the area. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Kemal-ata.

From Kemal Ata, journey onward to Gokdere Village, where you’ll encounter shepherds and their camel herds, experiencing the traditional pastoral lifestyle of the region. Finally, reach the picturesque Koymat Village, situated beneath a striking milk-white cliff. Communicate with the local community, enjoying their warm hospitality and traditional lifestyle.

Drive: Yangykala → Koymat~ 130km / ~2,5 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in wild camping

After breakfast, continue your journey east to Melegoch, a village known for camel breeding and the practice of falconry. Interact with locals who belong to one of Turkmenistan’s proudest tribes. Traverse the dry bed of the Uzboy River to Ygdykala, a Parthian fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert. Explore the ruins and set up camp near this ancient site, enjoying another night under the vast desert sky.

Drive: Koymat → Ygdykala ~100km / ~2.5 hr.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in wild camping

After breakfast, travel through a landscape of small sand dunes and visit the village of Balishem. Continue towards the infamous Darvaza gas crater 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.

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: Ygdykala → Darvaza ~230km / ~4 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in yurts (AYAN Travel Camp)

Wake up to breakfast at the camp, take one last look at the mesmerizing flaming crater, and then drive to Damla

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.

After a picnic lunch, continue journey in Yerbent village, which offers visitors an authentic glimpse into life in the Karakum Desert and features a Soviet-era monument in its center depicting a Turkmen woman with a bowed head, commemorating 11 men who died during the Basmachi Revolt in the struggle for collectivization and the establishment of Soviet rule

Drive through the Karakum Desert to the remote settlement of Damla, where endless dunes frame a glimpse into the traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle. Meet local families, learn about camel herding and desert crafts, and spend the night in a yurt or village home, experiencing the warmth and simplicity of authentic desert hospitality

Drive: Darvaza → Damla ~200 km / ~5-6 hrs.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in a guesthouse

After breakfast, depart from Damla and journey deeper into the central Karakum Desert. Arrive at the remote settlement of Ak Molla, where traditional Turkmen ways of life are still practiced. After a picnic lunch stop in Ak Molla, we will continue driving east towards Kerpichli. As the day concludes, we will set up camp in the middle of nowhere and experience the tranquil beauty of the desert night under a clear, star-filled sky.

Drive: Damla → Kerpichli ~250 km / ~5-6 hrs.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in wild camping

After breakfast, set off to Gonurdepe, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site in Central Asia.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during the tour. Heading further south, we reach the archaeological site of Gonurdepe. This region, known as the Margiana Oasis, the largest Bronze Age archaeological complex of Central Asia! The American newspaper ‘Boston Globe’ wrote that before we knew the four oldest centres of the world’s civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China, and due to the fantastic results of the Margiana expedition it is quite possible to think that there was another, the fifth centre.

Set up camp nearby and dine under the stars, experiencing the serene beauty of the night.

Drive: Kerpichli → Gonurdepe ~170km / ~2,5 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Overnight in wild camping

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Bayramali village to explore Ancient Merv.

Ancient Merv Historical Park includes ancient cities Erk-Kala and Gyaur-Kala, medieval city Sultan Kala, the oldest of still standing corrugated mud-brick palaces – Great and Little Gyz Kalas, mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar, Yusup Hamadani and Muhammad ibn Zaid, and tombs of the Prophet’s companions, Askhabs, and some others.

Upon arrival in Mary, we’ll check in at the hotel. Opt to dine at hotel restaurant or to take a walk to nearby local restaurant.

Drive: Gonurdepe → Mary ~115km / 2.5-3 hrs.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Hotel in Mary

Start your day with a breakfast at the hotel, then we’ll drive to Ashgabat via the newly built highway through the Eastern Karakum desert, arriving in the afternoon.

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: Mary → Ashgabat ~360km / ~4 hrs.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat

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.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

1. Transportation and drivers: A minibus or minivan will be provided for transfers and city tours (depending on the group size) and 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers or Mitsubishi Pajero for the rest of the journey, 3 passengers per 1 vehicle. Our professional drivers, experts in navigating mountain and desert routes, will lead the group. With over 25 years of experience, they have contributed significantly to mapping off-road tours, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.
   Leading vehicle: For overlanders traveling in their own vehicles, a leading vehicle with a driver will guide the route and transport all necessary supplies for camp nights, including groceries and gear. This ensures a smooth and well-supported off-road 4×4 adventure.
2. Accommodation: 5**** hotel in Ashgabat, 3*** hotels in Turkmenbashi and Mary, a guesthouse in Nokhur and the rest of the nights in a mobile camp. Tables and chairs will be provided while camping. While the itinerary includes diverse accommodation options, from hotels in cities to camping in the desert, it’s good to carry a sleeping bag liner for comfort. Headlamps and insect repellent are useful when camping.
   Tents: MIN Mimir Outdoor, X-ART1501 (210x180x60 size)
3. Meals: While in the cities meals will be provided in local restaurants. During the off-road journey and camp overnights, our staff/drivers will prepare breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners, offering a variety of different meals.
4. Season and climate: Turkmenistan’s best travel times are April-May and September-October, with moderate temperatures. The Kopetdag Mountains see daytime highs of 15° to 25°C and cooler nights, perfect for hiking amid spring blooms and autumn colors. In the Karakum Desert, daytime temperatures range from 20° to 30°C, cooling to 10° to 15°C at night. These conditions are ideal for exploring the desert’s landscapes, with occasional spring blooms and strong winds. These seasons offer the best weather for enjoying Turkmenistan’s natural and cultural sites.
5. Tour Guide Accompany: We provide skilled and qualified tour guides throughout the itinerary who can provide deeper insights into the history and culture, especially at historical sites like Gonur Depe and Merv.
6. Cultural Respect: Turkmenistan has a rich cultural heritage and traditional values. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas. Always ask permission before photographing people.
7. Travel Essentials: Given the remote nature of many locations, bring essentials like a good camera, a power bank, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A first aid kit and any necessary medications (bringing prescriptions is recommended) are also advisable, as medical facilities can be limited in rural areas.
8. Respect for Traditions: Turkmenistan is known for its unique customs and traditions. Respect local practices, especially in smaller villages and when participating in local ceremonies or visiting religious sites.

This trip offers a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most isolated and culturally rich destinations. By being prepared and respectful, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure.

Tour price information

ACCOMMODATION

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.