10 Days Turkmenistan In-depth Panoramic Tour (Start from Farap/Alat Border)

Welcome to Turkmenistan! This fascinating country, bordering Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is one of Central Asia’s most mysterious destinations. It offers a striking white-marble capital, the legendary Door to Hell, and remarkable Silk Road heritage.

Today, your local Turkmen guide and driver will meet you at the Turkmen–Uzbek border at the Farap/Alat checkpoint. After completing border and customs formalities, depart toward the scenic Kugitang (Koytendag) region.

En route, visit the Astana-Baba Mausoleum (11th century), an important pilgrimage site and a fine example of medieval Islamic architecture. Continue to the city of Kerki for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, travel through vast desert plains and rugged mountain landscapes toward Kugitang. Upon arrival, check in at the cozy Lena Camp. Enjoy dinner under the starry sky and overnight rest.

After breakfast, set out on an exciting journey through the dramatic landscapes of Kugitang (Koytendag), one of Turkmenistan’s most remarkable natural regions. Today is dedicated to exploring its diverse natural wonders, including deep canyons, mysterious caves, paleontological sites, and pristine mountain scenery.

Highlights of the day include Kyrkgyz Gala, the spectacular Waterfall Canyon, the enigmatic Hashimauk Cave, the scenic Koytin Lake, and the famous dinosaur footprint site, where prehistoric tracks have been preserved in limestone for millions of years.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the great outdoors, surrounded by untouched nature and mountain views.

After a full day of exploration, return to Lena Camp for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Early in the morning (04:00), depart from Lena Camp for Kerki. Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast and check in for your domestic flight to Ashgabat.

At Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), your local guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your downtown hotel. (Tip: The airport is about 10 km northwest of the city, approximately 20-minute drive.)

Ashgabat is a surreal “white world,” officially recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the highest concentration of white marble buildings. Over 500 marble-clad structures line its grand boulevards, creating a cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of The Truman Show.

In the afternoon, begin exploring the remarkable “City of White Marble.” Highlights include the Independence Monument, symbolizing national sovereignty; the iconic Neutrality Arch; and the Earthquake Memorial, commemorating the tragic 1948 earthquake. Continue to the National Museum of History and Ethnography, home to important archaeological finds and insights into Turkmenistan’s ancient civilizations.

Later, stroll through the lively Russian Bazaar, where local life, colors, and aromas come together.

Ashgabat Night City Tour:

In the evening, enjoy a night tour along Ashgabat’s main avenues, admiring illuminated monuments and glowing marble buildings. Transfer back to your hotel for a comfortable overnight rest.

Today after breakfast, you will have full day to explore Ashgabat. First, leave the marble-white city of Ashgabat and head northwest to Old Nisa, the earliest capital of the Parthian Empire (3rd century BC, known in ancient China as Anxi). Today, it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Built mainly of mud bricks, the ancient city has withstood over 2,000 years of erosion and earthquakes, yet its grand layout remains clearly visible. Walk through the site, explore the Pentagonal Fortress, offering sweeping views of the surrounding plains and the distant Kopet Dag Mountains. Visit the Square Hall, the core structure of the royal complex, and the Round Temple, believed to be linked to Zoroastrian fire worship or royal rituals. Old Nisa is also famous as the discovery site of the exquisite Nisa ivory rhytons (now housed in the National Museum of Ashgabat). Take some time to stroll along the outer mud-brick walls - for panoramic photos of this remarkable ancient capital.

After that, proceed to Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (also Gypjak Mosque). The first sight comes to eye will be the massive golden dome - shimmering under the desert sun. It is the largest mosque in Central Asia, capable of accommodating 10,000 to 20,000 worshippers at a time. Built entirely from Turkmenistan’s signature white marble, the structure stands with four 91-meter minarets, symbolizing the country’s independence in 1991.

Its gleaming façade, grand golden dome, and towering minarets form a striking silhouette against the sky. Inside, you’ll find glittering chandeliers, intricate geometric designs, and inscriptions from both the Quran and the Ruhnama (“Book of the Soul”), written by Turkmenistan’s first president. (Dress Code Tips: (1) Men: Long trousers required; no shorts or sleeveless shirts. (2) Women: Headscarf required (to cover hair); long skirt or trousers that cover the ankles; sleeves must cover the wrists.)

In this afternoon, you’ll visit the Horse Stables to see the national pride of Turkmenistan - the Akhal-Teke horses, often celebrated as some of the most beautiful horses in the world. Known as “heavenly horses,” they are famous for their distinctive metallic sheen. You can gently touch their silky coats and observe their shimmering, golden glow up close. (Optional Horse Riding: There is an additional fee if you wish to ride the horses.)

After that, the day concludes with a visit to the modern “Berkarar” shopping center, where you can purchase souvenirs and explore local goods and crafts.

Enjoy a good night in Ashgabat.

After breakfast at 08:00, depart for Kova-Ata Underground Lake, located about 107 km from Ashgabat. The name means “Father of the Caves” in Turkmen. This vast subterranean cavern feels like a natural hall, with a warm, mineral-rich lake hidden inside its limestone chamber.

Continue to Nohur Village, set in a secluded valley of the Kopetdag Mountains. Built from local stone and clay, the houses reflect centuries-old traditions. Walk through the village to experience authentic rural life, unique architecture, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.

After the excursion, drive west to Turkmenbashi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and rest. The city sits on the northern shore of Krasnovodsk Bay, where semi-desert landscapes meet the vast Caspian Sea, offering a striking change of scenery.

After breakfast at 08:00, transfer from Turkmenbashi to the stunning Yangi Kala Canyon (also Yangykala Canyon, about 180 km, 3 hours). “Yangi Kala” means “Fire Fortresses” in Turkmen - a name that perfectly describes its dramatic cliffs of red, pink, orange, and white rock glowing like burning castles at sunset. Millions of years ago, this area lay beneath the ancient Paratethys Sea; tectonic uplift and erosion shaped today’s breathtaking canyon.

You will travel by 4WD vehicle through the desert, driving along the canyon rim. Stop at the famous “Crocodile Mouth” viewpoint, a rock platform resembling an open jaw and offering panoramic canyon views. Walk among the towering vertical cliffs, whose layered rock formations resemble ancient fortress walls and towers. Tip: The best seasons to visit are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures are comfortable (20–25°C).

Later, visit Gozli Ata Temple (about 65 km, 2 hours), a revered Sufi shrine dating to the early 14th century. Surrounded by red and pink cliffs, the white complex feels like a hidden spiritual sanctuary.

After the visit, transfer back to Turkmenbashi Airport (about 170 km, 2 hours 15 minutes) for your flight to Ashgabat. Enjoy a good rest upon arrival in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the Ashgabat airport for your flight to Mary (312km, 40 minutes).

Upon arrival at Mary International Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Ancient Merv, located 33km northeast of Mary. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest and best-preserved of the oasis-cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia. It has spanned over 4,000 years’ history. During the medieval period, its population exceeded one million, making it one of the largest cities in the world. It was known as the "Queen of the World" and the "Jewel of the Silk Road."

Within the vast 1,200-hectare archaeological park, you'll have the chance to observe all the constituent parts of this "wandering city." The site consists of a series of adjacent cities, roughly divided into the ancient (Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala), the medieval (Sultan Kala), and the post-medieval (Abdulla-Khan Kala and Bayram-Ali-Khan Kala). Besides these remnants, you'll also visit the 6th-9th century AD forts of Big and Little Kyz-Kalas, which are excellent examples of the so-called "corrugated Koshks." You'll also explore the splendid 12th-century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd, which demonstrate exquisite Seljuk-period brickwork and architectural décor.

After sightseeing, we'll head back to Mary to visit the local Regional Museum. The museum presents a wide array of archaeological finds dating back from the 3rd millennium BC to the late 19th century. The collections come from both Ancient Merv and Bronze Age sites of the Margush region, as well as interesting ethnographic displays that reconstruct the daily lives of the local Turkmen population.

In the evening, take a return flight to Ashgabat (40 mins). Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Ashgabat.

This morning, your local guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Pay a visit to the Turkmen Carpet Museum, where you can admire the world’s largest handwoven carpet (301 m², recognized by the Guinness World Records), discover the intricate weaving techniques passed down for generations, and learn about the symbolism behind traditional patterns.

Later, it is time to drive out of Ashgabat. En route, visit one of the villages, Bahardok or Erbent, to gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of Turkmen rural communities and experience the local culture.

In this afternoon, be transferred to the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater, a journey of 272km (4-5 hours). We'll travel through the Karakum Desert, with its moving sands and sparse vegetation. After turning off the main road, we'll begin an exciting eight-kilometer desert drive, which will bring us within a few hundred meters of the flaming crater. You've now arrived at the "Door to Hell"!

The crater was formed in 1971 when Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas. The ground beneath their rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 meters and a depth of 20 meters. To prevent the release of poisonous gas, they decided to light it on fire, hoping it would burn itself out in a few days. The gas, however, is still burning today.

At daylight, the crater may seem like an ordinary hole in the ground, with a slight haze of smoke. We'll take a walk around the site while our barbecue dinner is being prepared. As dusk falls, the simple hole transforms into a spectacular "fire temple," creating an otherworldly atmosphere that will ignite your imagination. We'll finish the day with a taste of delicious nomadic food, with the flickering lights of the "eternal" fire.

Stay overnight in a traditional yurt camp. (Note: The camp provides basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities.)

This morning, enjoy picnic-style breakfast in the desert near the Darvaza Gas Crater. Afterwards, drive back through the vast Karakum Desert to Ashgabat (about 4–5 hours).

Upon arrival, continue exploring the White Marble City. Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan, home to over 6,000 artworks displayed across two floors. Discover vibrant paintings by Turkmen artists, especially still lifes featuring pomegranates - symbols of prosperity - as well as monumental oil paintings depicting national heroes and historic battles. You will also see Soviet-era propaganda art and exquisite handmade Turkmen carpets (Bukhara rugs), whose intricate geometric gul patterns represent different Turkmen tribes.

AOT Special Farewell Dinner:

In the evening, enjoy a specially arranged farewell banquet accompanied by a traditional folkloric show, offering a memorable cultural conclusion to your Turkmenistan journey.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to further explore Ashgabat. Visit Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar, one of the largest and most spectacular open-air markets in Central Asia. From above, the bazaar resembles a giant Turkmen carpet, with concentric circles and radial layouts.

Explore leisurely and you’ll find almost everything here - from camels, carpets, and traditional clothing to spices, household goods, electronics, and even cars. It’s the perfect place to experience local life and pick up unique souvenirs.

Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight or return home. Your 10-day Turkmenistan tour concludes here. (Tip: Please share your flight details in advance so we can arrange your airport transfer accordingly.)

Optional Extension:

Turkmenistan is part of a larger Central Asia tour. You can also cover other highlights in Uzbekistan (Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent), Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. We can tailor Central Asia tour based on your preferred duration and interests.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Turkmenistan tour. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!