7-Day Turkmenistan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Turkmenistan tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaTurkmenistan travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Turkmenistan Itinerary, incl. Ashgabat and Darvaza

  This 6-day adventure takes you through 4 key cities: Ashgabat, Mary, Darvaza, and Dashoguz. The route includes UNESCO treasures like Ancient Merv and Kunya Urgench Historical Park. Nights are split between the 4-star Sport Hotel, Mary Hotel, and an unforgettable desert camping experience at the Darvaza gas crater.

  

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  • Day 1

    Ashgabat Arrival

    Your first glimpse of Turkmenistan will be the striking white marble buildings at Ashgabat International Airport. Budget extra time for customs clearance since entry procedures can be slow. Make sure you have your Letter of Invitation ready. The trip to central Ashgabat takes about 20 minutes outside of rush hour.

    
  • Day 2

    Ashgabat & Ancient Nissa

    Get to Nissa fortress ruins by 8:30 AM to beat the heat. You'll need a hat and water since there's little shade at this 2,000-year-old Parthian site. Head back to Ashgabat to visit the National History Museum. A recent visitor put it well: "The white marble city feels surreal - like Las Vegas meets North Korea. The indoor Ferris wheel in the Alem Center is bizarre but fascinating."

    
  • Day 3

    Mary & Ancient Merv

    The drive to Mary takes 4 hours through the Karakum Desert. Plan your bathroom breaks carefully since stops are limited. You'll want 3-4 hours to explore Ancient Merv properly. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven ground at the archaeological site. Stop by the local bazaar in Mary for a real look at daily life beyond Ashgabat's shiny exterior.

    
  • Day 4

    Darvaza Gas Crater

    Fly back to Ashgabat in the morning before the 4-hour drive to Darvaza. Pack warm clothes since desert nights get cold in any season. The "Door to Hell" crater looks most impressive after dark when the flames light up the night sky. Your camp will be basic but the night sky is spectacular. Pack some snacks since dinner is simple grilled food.

    
  • Day 5

    Kunya Urgench

    The journey to Kunya Urgench shows you remote desert scenery. Plan 2-3 hours to explore this UNESCO site. Notice the detailed brick patterns on the 60-meter Gutlug-Timur minaret. Your afternoon flight back to Ashgabat offers great views over the Karakum Desert.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure

    Book an afternoon flight if possible since morning traffic in Ashgabat can be unpredictable. Give yourself 2 hours for airport procedures since leaving can be as complex as arriving.

    

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• 5 Day Turkmenistan Itinerary, incl. Ashgabat and Darvaza

  Five immersive days exploring Turkmenistan, spanning two cities - modern Ashgabat and desert Darvaza. From the world's largest hand carpet (301m²) to the eternally burning Gates of Hell, experience 4-star comfort at Sport Hotel and authentic yurt camping while covering 276km of Turkmen landscapes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Ashgabat Arrival

    Try to schedule your arrival for the afternoon to avoid long immigration lines that build up in the morning. The drive from the airport to central Ashgabat takes about 20 minutes, but security checkpoints along the way might add some time. Your first evening is perfect for a walk around Independence Square to see the white marble buildings light up at sunset.

    
  • Day 2

    Ashgabat to Darvaza

    Leave in the morning for the Darvaza Gas Crater, locally known as the "Gates of Hell." The drive north through the Karakum Desert takes about 4 hours. Pack warm clothes since desert nights get cold. You'll want to arrive in late afternoon to see the crater after dark. Keep your food and drinks in sealed containers to protect them from the sandy desert winds. You'll sleep in a yurt or tent set up at a safe distance from the crater.

    
  • Day 3

    Darvaza to Ashgabat City Tour

    Start with breakfast in the desert before driving 276km back to Ashgabat. You'll spend the afternoon touring the city's main sites. Remember to dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees in public buildings. Visit the Constitution Monument area around sunset to see the white marble buildings take on a golden glow.

    
  • Day 4

    Cultural Ashgabat

    Visit the Carpet Museum first thing to beat the crowds. You'll see the world's largest handwoven carpet here. Bring a camera but skip the flash since it can harm the textiles. When visiting the Horse Stable to see the Akhal-Teke horses, wear closed shoes. The Gulistan Bazaar is best in late afternoon when it's cooler. Bring US dollars or local manat in small bills for shopping.

    
  • Day 5

    Departure

    With most international flights leaving early, plan to get to the airport 3 hours before takeoff. Security and passport control can take time, and there aren't many duty-free shops so plan ahead.

    

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• 5 Day Turkmenistan Itinerary, incl. Dashoguz and Ashgabat

  5-day journey visiting 3 major cities: Dashoguz, Darvaza, and Ashgabat. Highlights include overnight desert camping, visits to the world-record holding Carpet Museum, and exploring Ashgabat's modernist architecture. Includes 4-star hotels, English guide, and traditional barbecue dinner.

  

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  • Day 1

    Dashoguz

    Enter Turkmenistan through the Shavat border crossing from Uzbekistan. The drive to Dashoguz is about 15km. Border crossings can take time here as Turkmen customs are quite thorough. Bring your visa documents and keep copies of everything.

    
  • Day 2

    Dashoguz to Darvaza Gas Crater

    Take an afternoon drive into the Karakum Desert to reach Darvaza. The "Door to Hell" gas crater looks most impressive at sunset and nighttime when the flames light up the dark desert sky. The desert gets cold at night so pack warm clothes. You'll stay in Turkmen yurts or tents by the crater. A headlamp will be useful for walking around camp at night.

    
  • Day 3

    Darvaza to Ashgabat

    Start with breakfast in the desert before your 276km drive south to Ashgabat. The capital city stands out with its white marble buildings and modern architecture. Take an afternoon tour to see main attractions like the Wedding Palace and Constitution Monument. When visiting the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque wear appropriate clothing - women should cover their shoulders and knees.

    
  • Day 4

    Ashgabat Exploration

    Visit the Carpet Museum in the morning to see the world's largest handwoven carpet at 301 square meters. Next, head to the Horse Stable to see the famous Akhal-Teke horses before it gets too hot. Spend your afternoon at Gulistan Bazaar (Russian Bazaar) for shopping. Look for dried fruits and nuts on the ground floor where sellers often let you try before buying.

    
  • Day 5

    Departure

    Plan for a late morning or afternoon flight from Ashgabat International Airport. This gives you time for final shopping or sightseeing. Remember to declare any carpets or antiques when leaving the country.

    

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