Discover Central Asia’s secretive country

Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday 25 September – Ashgabat

Arrival at your own convenience in Ashgabat, a surreal city of white marble and grand monuments rising from the desert. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

In the evening, we’ll gather in the lobby for a welcome meeting, where you can meet your fellow travelers and receive a short introduction about the journey ahead. Afterwards, we head out for some dinner to enjoy your first taste of Turkmen cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Day 2 – Saturday 26 September – Ashgabat

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Ashgabat with a visit to Independence Park, where a vast collection of monuments reflect the country’s modern identity. Here, we’ll walk towards the iconic Neutrality Arch, a towering structure crowned with a golden statue.

We’ll then continue to the Monument of Constitution, one of the tallest structures in the country, before stopping at the striking Ruhnama Monument, dedicated to Turkmenistan’s most unusual national text.

Our journey then takes us to the impressive Saparmurat Turkmenbashi Olympic Stadium, a gleaming complex built for international sporting events, followed by a visit to the Alem Centre, home to the world’s largest indoor ferris wheel.

In the afternoon, we explore the lively Russian Bazaar, where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to textiles, before taking a walk through Ashgabat Park, a reminder of the city’s Soviet past.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Day 3 – Sunday 27 September – Ashgabat — Nisa — Independence Day

This morning, we’ll drive just outside the capital to visit Nisa, the ancient ruins of a once-powerful Parthian capital. Walking among its remains offers a glimpse into a civilization that once rivaled Rome.

We continue onward to the grand Turkmenbashi Mosque and its adjoining mausoleum, an imposing structure that blends modern design with deep political symbolism.

Returning to the city, we’ll visit the Anau Mosque and nearby Anau Fortress, where the history stretches back centuries.

Later in the day, we join in (if possible) the celebrations for Independence Day of Turkmenistan, where the city comes alive with parades, performances, and festive energy. The evening concludes with a special dinner and views of fireworks over the illuminated skyline.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Day 4 – Monday 28 September – Ashgabat — Darvaza

After breakfast, we’ll visit a local Akhal-Teke horse complex to learn about one of the world’s oldest and most prized horse breeds, famous for its speed and shimmering coat.

Following lunch, we leave the city behind and drive deep into the Karakum Desert. Along the way, we stop at lesser-known mud and water craters, marveling at their bubbling surfaces.

By late afternoon, we arrive at the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater. As the sun sets, the fiery glow of the crater intensifies, creating one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.

We’ll enjoy a barbecue dinner beside the flames and settle in for a night in traditional yurts under a sky full of stars.

Day 5 – Tuesday 29 September – Darvaza — Nokhur — Serdar

Group A returns to Ashgabat and is dropped off at Ashgabat International Airport. End of tour Group A.

Group B continues the journey southwest.

We begin the day with sunrise at the crater before continuing our journey southwest across changing landscapes.

Our first stop is Kow Ata, an underground thermal lake hidden within a cave, where we’ll have the chance to swim in warm, mineral-rich water.

We then travel into the mountains to reach the village of Nokhur, a place known for its distinct traditions and isolation from mainstream Turkmen culture. Here, we visit the unique cemetery adorned with ram horns and wander through the small local bazaar, meeting residents and learning about their way of life.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Serdar region.

Day 6 – Wednesday 30 September – Serdar — Awaza — Turkmenbashi

After breakfast, we set off on a long but scenic drive west toward the Caspian Sea. The vast desert gradually gives way to coastal landscapes as we approach Turkmenbashi.

After exploring the town and its local bazaar, we continue to Awaza, a futuristic seaside development known for its grand but often empty resorts. We’ll stroll along the waterfront, taking in the unusual contrast between the luxury infrastructure and quiet surroundings, with the option to dip into the cool waters of the Caspian Sea.

We’ll then return to Turkmenbashi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7 – Thursday 1 October – Turkmenbashi — Yangykala Canyon — Ashgabat
This morning, we journey to the spectacular Yangykala Canyon, where vibrant red and pink cliffs stretch across the horizon. Once an ancient seabed, the canyon reveals layers of geographical history in dramatic form.

After exploring several viewpoints and enjoying a picnic in this unique setting, we continue to the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata, an important spiritual destination nestled in the desert.

In the evening, we’ll board an overnight train back to Ashgabat, sharing the journey with locals and experiencing a slice of everyday life in Turkmenistan.

Day 8 – Friday 2 October – Ashgabat

Arriving back in Ashgabat in the morning, we’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to rest.

Later, we’ll have the option to explore additional landmarks such as the Turkmen TV Tower or walk part of the Health Path in the nearby mountains.

In the evening, we head out for a night tour of the city, when Ashgabat’s marble buildings glow under dramatic lighting, giving the city a unique atmosphere.

We conclude the journey with a farewell dinner.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Day 9 – Saturday 3 October – Ashgabat

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Turkmenistan adventure.

End of tour for Group B.