Turkmenistan Summer Tour

Start
Jun 15, 2024
Ashgabat
End
Jun 21, 2024
Ashgabat
Duration
7 days
Price
US$1440.00

TOUR OVERVIEW


This tour is made up of Group A of the 5 Stans Tour , along with the Turkmenistan Extension before it.

We'll start by heading out of Ashgabat, visiting the ancient ruins of Nisa, and the Turkmenbashy Mosque and Mausoleum, before swimming in Kow Ata, which is one of the few chances you'll have to see locals relaxing a bit. Venturing into the mountains we'll visit the village of Nokhur, famous for its unique cemetery, before going all the way to the west of the country to the Caspian Sea coast. Here you'll have the chance to explore the resort town of Avaza, built in the same over the top glamorous white marble and gold as Ashgabat. Next we'll drive out into the desert to see Yangykala Canyon, an old ocean, now a vast canyon with striped coloured walls. Finally we'll fly on Turkmenistan Airlines (an experience in itself!) back to Ashgabat to explore this bizarre sparkly city.

View the full itinerary



If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.





INCLUSIONS:

Letter of Invitation

Accommodation in twin share at roughly 3 star hotels (breakfast included), camping at Gates of Hell

Transport as per itinerary, beginning and ending in Ashgabat

Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary

SAIGA guide and local guides


SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $300



EXCLUSIONS:

Visa fee (can be paid on arrival at the airport or land border, or at an embassy beforehand)

Meals other than breakfast at hotels

Transport to and from Ashgabat at the beginning and end of the tour

Accommodation and any other services before or after the tour

Personal expenses such as souvenirs or any optional activities

Any COVID related expenses



TOUR HIGHLIGHTS


Stand on the edge of the vast and vibrant Yangykala Canyon

Explore the glimmering white and gold resort town of Avaza

Swim with locals in the underground cave lake of Kow Ata



Itinerary
Day 1Sat Jun 15
Ashgabat, Nisa
  • Today we’ll start off by leaving the city, to visit Nisa, a UNESCO site which was once the capital of the Parthian Empire.
  • We’ll then continue on to Kipchak to see the resplendent Turkmenbashy Mosque and Mausoleum, where Turkmenbashy is buried beside his mother, father and two brothers in their white marble mausoleum. There aren’t too many Turkmenbashy related sites still around, but this one is truly spectacular.
  • Returning to Ashgabat in the afternoon, we’ll visit the university bookshop, a great chance to pick up some very cool, unique Turkmenistan swag, including where you can find amazing coffee table books written by and about the president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as ones about Ashgabat and Turkmenistan. You can even get them in English! They also have postcards and posters, and if you're lucky they might even have a copy of the Ruhnama, the book written by Turkmenbashy.
  • In the evening, we’ll take a night tour of Ashgabat. With the white marble buildings lit up by brightly coloured neon lights, Ashgabat is a truly spectacular place after dark.
  • Spend the night at the Ak Altyn Hotel.
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Day 2Sun Jun 16
Kow Ata, Nokhur, Serdar
  • This morning we’ll check out and leave Ashgabat, driving to Kow Ata, an underground thermal cave lake which is said to have many medical attributes, but is also used by locals as a swimming hole and makes for a very fun and relaxing swim.
  • After a refreshing swim in the cave lake, we'll sit down and chill for a while with some shashlik from one of the restaurants just outside the entrance to the cave.
  • We’ll continue driving west, away from Ashgabat, to the village of Nokhur, situated in the Kopet Dag mountains. Unlike the rest of Turkmenistan, even during the Soviet Union and the era of Turkmenbashy, this village were largely left to their own devices and as such live a much more traditional lifestyle than most Turkmens.
  • Here we’ll visit Nokhur Cemetery, where each grave is adorned with the horns of a mountain goat and a small market next to a wishing tree where you can buy all sorts of natural teas and potions.
  • Keep driving to the town of Serdar where we’ll spend the night in a local hotel.
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Day 3Mon Jun 17
Balkanabat, Avaza, Turkmenbashy
  • Today we’ll complete the drive towards the Caspian Sea , arriving in Turkmenbashy in the late afternoon.
  • We’ll stop in Balkanabat on the way for some lunch and a quick look at a monument to the caravans of the Silk Road.
  • Arriving in Avaza in the afternoon, this is the epitome of bizarre modern day Turkmenistan. Although the facilities are extravagant and the buildings futuristic, the town is somehow best described as a ghost town.
  • We’ll have dinner at the one café that will be open, and from there you can explore the amusement parks, beaches, and hotels of Avaza, and if you’re game, take a swim in the notoriously cold Caspian Sea.
  • Overnight in Turkmenbashy.
  • Avaza is currently closed to foreigners, as of April 2023. We are working on the assumption that it will open before the time of this tour, however there is a chance that it won't. If it is unavailable we will change around the itinerary accordingly and as always we will work with the situation on the ground at the time to ensure that the tour is as well-rounded as possible.
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Day 4Tue Jun 18
Yangykala Canyon, Ashgabat
  • Today we’ll visit Yangykala Canyon. Until recently most Turkmens didn’t even know that this place existed, and still not many have been there. Wide and vast, the area was once a seabed, and scattered with all sorts of fossils, it stretches as far as the eye can see. In 4x4s, we’ll drive over the canyon walls, through the canyon itself, and up the other side, stopping at a couple of different viewpoints along the way.
  • We will take a packed lunch with us so we can enjoy it whilst taking in all the shapes and colours of this spectacular natural phenomenon.
  • We’ll fly back to Ashgabat in the afternoon and have some free time to enjoy a beer by the pool at the hotel or take a walk around the old part of the city where the hotel is located.
  • For dinner this evening we’ll go to the Yyldiz Hotel – the newest and most expensive hotel in Turkmenistan, where you can have a real 5 Star restaurant experience for 1 Star prices, complete with 360 degree views of the city.
  • Spend the night at the Ak Altyn Hotel in Ashgabat.
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Day 5Wed Jun 19
Ashgabat, Gates of Hell
  • No trip to Turkmenistan is really complete without a day spent exploring Ashgabat. Arch of Neutrality, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
  • You’re going to be in awe of everything that the capital has to offer. We’ll spend the day taking in all the main sites of Ashgabat, including all those crazy monuments you’ve probably seen pictures of, as we begin explaining all the weird and wonderful aspects of Turkmenistan that make it such a special place.
  • We’ll start with a driving tour of Ashgabat's main sites, including Independence Park and Independence Monument, the Monument to the Constitution, the Arch of Neutrality, Lenin Park, and a drive-by of the Olympic Complex which was built for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. Wheel of Enlightenment, Alem Centre, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan The complex is home to the famous Horse Stadium (the largest structure in the shape of a horse in the world – you’ll hear plenty more of these records!), but unfortunately is closed to the public.
  • A highlight of the day will likely be the Alem Centre, which is the complex in which the Wheel of Enlightenment is, the largest indoor ferris wheel (yes, there’s another one). And YES, for just $1, you can even take a ride! Gates of Hell, Darvaza, Turkmenistan
  • Stop for lunch at Berkarar Shopping Centre, where you can go ice-skating, play in the games centre, ride a miniature double-decker bus, and even have a cappuccino in a hipster café – bet you weren’t expecting that!
  • Here we will go to the supermarket to pick up supplies for the rest of the day and dinner that night.
  • After lunch we’ll drive 250km north to Darvaza, The Gates of Hell.
  • One the way we’ll make a few stops – including to see a salt lake, two other craters (one full of mud, one full of water), and of course maybe for a toilet (not a luxurious one!).
  • Crossing the sand dunes to get to Darvaza, we’ll arrive in time to watch the sunset over the fiery crater and experience dusk turn to dark at this breathtaking site.
  • Set up tents near the Gates of Hell and camp near the fiery crater.
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Day 6Thu Jun 20
Gates of Hell, Ashgabat
  • Gates of Hell, Darvaza, Turkmenistan We'll wake up this morning at the Gates of Hell. What a place to wake up!
  • Make sure you get your fill of fiery pits over breakfast, before we drive back to Ashgabat, arriving around lunchtime.
  • We'll check into the hotel and have free time for the rest of the afternoon.
  • Most people will probably want to head to one of our favourite bazaars in Central Asia – the Russian Bazaar. Here you'll have the opportunity to get some super cheap, local food for lunch, do some souvenir shopping, or if you’re in the market for a Turkmen carpet we can show you a good place to get them.
  • This is also where one of the main shops for buying the famous Turkmenistan tracksuits is, so if you've made it to this point in the tour without one, and you're a bit jealous of your tracksuit-adorned fellow travellers, this is your chance to get one.
  • Yyldiz Hotel, Ashgabat You also might like just to go exploring, whether it's a walk to the psychadelic Ashgabat Mall, or to Tashkent Park, or to the alabay (dog) statue, or you could simply walk through one of the areas of new white marble buildings. And of course we'll be there to help you figure out what to do with your time.
  • For dinner this evening we’ll go to the Yyldiz Hotel – the newest and most expensive hotel in Turkmenistan, where you can have a real 5 Star restaurant experience for 1 Star prices, complete with 360 degree views of the city.
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Day 7Fri Jun 21
Ashgabat, End of Tour
  • Last day of the tour.
  • Transfers to the airport for your flights.
  • If you'd like to see more of Turkmenistan while you're here, let us know and we can help you arrange something, or if you'd like to see the rest of Central Asia, join us on the 5 Stans Tour .
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image/svg+xml Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Afghanistan Kazakhstan

Extensions
Horse Farm Day Trip
Turkmenistan is known for their unique Akhal Teke horses, this is your opportunity to experience them up close and even take a ride if you fancy.

1 day
US$180.00
Horse Farm Day Trip
Cross the land border at Dashoguz or Konye Urgench
Planning on joining a Turkmenistan tour, but you're already going to be in Uzbekistan and you'd rather cross at a land border? Well, that's what this is for!

1 day
US$380.00
Cross the land border at Dashoguz or Konye Urgench
Merv Day Trip
For those history buffs who want to see a bit more of the ancient stuff whilst in Turkmenistan.

1 day
US$400.00
Merv Day Trip
5 Stans Summer Tour
Designed to be done in either one big tour, or in smaller sections, this tour is for anyone who wants to experience all the variety that Central Asia has to offer.

June 19, 2024
18 days
US$2680.00
5 Stans Summer Tour
Completed

Other Extensions for Merv Day Trip
Horse Farm Day Trip
Turkmenistan is known for their unique Akhal Teke horses, this is your opportunity to experience them up close and even take a ride if you fancy.

1 day
US$180.00
Horse Farm Day Trip
Turkmenistan Easter Tour
From a fiery crater to a colourful canyon, a beach resort to a mountain village, and a glistening capital to an ancient city. This tour gives a glimpse of all our favourite spots in Turkmenistan.

April 8, 2023
8 days
US$1395.00
Turkmenistan Easter Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Extension
For those who want to see more of Turkmenistan while you're already there for the 5 Stans Highlights Tour.

June 17, 2023
5 days
US$820.00
Turkmenistan Extension
Completed
Turkmenistan Summer Tour
Where better to spend your summer holidays than in Turkmenistan?

June 17, 2023
7 days
US$1440.00
Turkmenistan Summer Tour
Completed
5 Stans Tour
This is the tour for anyone who wants to get a great snapshot of what Central Asia has to offer. Can be done all in one whack, or in smaller sections, whatever you like!

June 21, 2023
18 days
US$2680.00
5 Stans Tour
Completed
5 Stans Autumn Whirlwind Tour
A great snapshot into 5 amazing countries.

Sept. 6, 2023
24 days
US$3825.00
5 Stans Autumn Whirlwind Tour
Completed
5 Stans Autumn Original Tour
Taking the scenic route from Bishkek to Ashgabat, this tour covers everything that makes Central Asia so special.

Sept. 6, 2023
28 days
US$4325.00
5 Stans Autumn Original Tour
Completed
5 Stans Autumn Mega Tour
Bishkek to Bukhara, Almaty to Ashgabat, and everything in between. This epic tour will take you right across Central Asia through canyons and gorges, cosmopolitan cities, across land borders, and even to a fiery crater.

Sept. 6, 2023
33 days
US$4945.00
5 Stans Autumn Mega Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Independence Day Whirlwind Tour
For those who want to see the coolest Independence Day in the world, but only have a couple of days to do it in.

Sept. 26, 2023
4 days
US$995.00
Turkmenistan Independence Day Whirlwind Tour
Completed
The Original Turkmenistan Independence Day Tour
We were the very first to ever have foreigners attend the Independence Day events in Ashgabat, and we're still super excited by it every year!

Sept. 26, 2023
8 days
US$1495.00
The Original Turkmenistan Independence Day Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Independence Day Mega Tour
Exclusive access to the epic Independence Day events, plus all the must-sees such as the Gates of Hell and Yangykala Canyon. But that's not all! This mega version of the tour also ventures into the far east to some of the least visited parts of the world.

Sept. 26, 2023
13 days
US$2115.00
Turkmenistan Independence Day Mega Tour
Completed
Central Asia Marathon Tour
How's this for a challenge - 5 countries, 5 marathons, 9 days!

Oct. 7, 2023
9 days
US$2895.00
Central Asia Marathon Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan New Year Tour
What better way to bring in the New Year than in Ashgabat!

Dec. 30, 2023
7 days
US$1350.00
Turkmenistan New Year Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Easter Tour
Ashgabat to Avaza, a canyon and a crater, and a bunch of other cool stuff, we hope you'll fall in love with Turkmenistan as much as we have!

March 30, 2024
8 days
US$1395.00
Turkmenistan Easter Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Comprehensive Tour
We'll do everything you've heard of, plus some really wacky places that you've never heard of!

March 30, 2024
13 days
US$2015.00
Turkmenistan Comprehensive Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Extension
Continues on to the 5 Stans Tour, for anyone who wants to see more of Turkmenistan while you're already there.

June 15, 2024
5 days
US$820.00
Turkmenistan Extension
Completed
5 Stans Summer Tour
Designed to be done in either one big tour, or in smaller sections, this tour is for anyone who wants to experience all the variety that Central Asia has to offer.

June 19, 2024
18 days
US$2680.00
5 Stans Summer Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Independence Day Whirlwind Tour
The tour for anyone who loves to see a spectacle!

Sept. 26, 2024
4 days
US$995.00
Turkmenistan Independence Day Whirlwind Tour
Completed
The Original Turkmenistan Independence Day Tour
Some epic special events, the Gates of Hell, and Turkmenistan's favourite beach resort.

Sept. 26, 2024
8 days
US$1495.00
The Original Turkmenistan Independence Day Tour
Completed
Turkmenistan Independence Day Mega Tour
Starting with the spectacular Independence Day events, we'll visit the Gates of Hell, Yangykala Canyon, and loads of other places you've never heard of in this mega version of the tour.

Sept. 26, 2024
13 days
US$2195.00
Turkmenistan Independence Day Mega Tour
Completed

Other Tours
Afghanistan October Autumn Tour
Come and see all the best spots in this wonderful and unique country.

Oct. 16, 2024
9 days
US$2495.00
Afghanistan October Autumn Tour
Completed
Libya Winter Tour
Some of the most well-preserved Roman ruins, yet barely touched by tourism, Libya has so much to offer. A great place to escape the cold winter of other parts of the Northern Hemisphere!

Nov. 30, 2024
7 days
EUR1900.00
Libya Winter Tour
Bookings closed!
Libya and Algeria Winter Combo Tour
Come and explore these two amazing North African countries with us this winter.

Nov. 30, 2024
13 days
EUR3295.00
Libya and Algeria Winter Combo Tour
Bookings closed!
Algeria Winter Tour
From the Mediterranean to the Sahara and beyond, this tour will showcase the highlights of Africa's largest country!

Dec. 7, 2024
6 days
EUR1395.00
Algeria Winter Tour
Bookings closed!

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