TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan – where the Silk Road meets the unexpected
From marble-clad capital to ancient desert fortresses, Turkmenistan reveals a Silk Road legacy wrapped in mystery. Explore the gleaming cityscape of Ashgabat, wander through the UNESCO-listed ruins of Merv, and marvel at natural wonders like the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater and the painted cliffs of Yangikala Canyon.
In remote mountain villages, traditions remain unchanged for centuries, while in bustling bazaars, carpets and silks still tell the stories of nomadic tribes. Long closed to most of the world, Turkmenistan has only recently opened its doors to a small number of visitors – making a journey here a rare privilege and an unforgettable glimpse into a truly unique corner of the Silk Road.
Two remarkable journeys await you – each unforgettable in its own way. The Explorer Journey offers immersive experiences with comfort in mind,
while the Signature Journey elevates every detail – featuring even more exclusive, hand-picked accommodations.
Explorer
Journey
comfortable accomodations
flexible departure dates
8 days
for 2 or more gueststrip intensity: easy
Signature
Journey
premium accomodations
flexible departure dates
8 days
for 2 or more gueststrip intensity: easy
Explorer
Journey
Turkmenistan – along the hidden paths of the Silk Road
This journey opens a window into one of the Silk Road’s least explored countries – a land of dazzling contrasts and deep-rooted traditions. Thoughtfully paced and rich in discovery, it offers curious travellers an extraordinary look behind the marble facades.
Stand in awe before the gleaming monuments of Ashgabat, wander through the timeless ruins of UNESCO-listed Merv, and gaze into the glowing heart of the Darvaza Gas Crater. Explore the painted cliffs of Yangikala Canyon, soak in the warm waters of Kow-Ata’s underground lake, and meet the people of remote mountain villages whose customs have endured for centuries.
With its recent and limited opening to visitors, Turkmenistan remains a rare and rewarding destination – vivid, surprising, and full of wonder.
Highlights at a Glance:
- Ashgabat – the “white city” of marble, grand boulevards, fountains and monumental architecture
- Ancient Nisa (UNESCO) – Parthian fortress and royal complex with panoramic mountain views
- Darvaza Gas Crater – the spectacular “Door to Hell” flaming in the desert night
- Kow-Ata Underground Lake – warm, mineral-rich waters hidden deep inside a cave
- Mountain village of Nokhur – unique culture, stone houses and ancient traditions
- Yangikala Canyon – dramatic cliffs in shades of pink, red and ochre
- Turkmenbashi – gateway to the Caspian Sea
- Mary & Mary Museum – rich ethnographic and archaeological collections
- Ancient Merv (UNESCO) – Silk Road metropolis, mausoleums and fortress ruins of a lost empire
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – the marble capital of Turkmenistan
You will be met at the airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, a welcome breakfast awaits. There’s time to rest before we begin exploring Ashgabat, often dubbed the “white city” for its striking marble architecture.
This afternoon’s city tour includes highlights such as the Alem Cultural Centre, the Arch of Neutrality and the Memorial Complex. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation:
Grand Turkmen Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Ashgabat – Ancient Nisa – Gas Crater Darvaza
After breakfast, we continue exploring Ashgabat, visiting some of its impressive parks and city squares, as well as the striking Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. We then head to a local stud farm to see the renowned Akhal-Teke horses before visiting the ancient site of Nisa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Parthian Empire. We also stop at Kipchak to see the grand mosque and mausoleum complex.
After lunch, we set out north through the Karakum Desert towards one of Turkmenistan’s most surreal sights – the flaming gas crater at Darvaza. Along the way, we pass bubbling mud and water craters. As night falls, we camp in simple tents to experience the glow of the “Door to Hell” under the stars.
Accommodation:
Simple tents at the crater
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (picnic)
Day 3: Return to Ashgabat – Leisure and Local Colour
After breakfast, we drive back to Ashgabat, the marble-clad capital nestled between mountains and desert. Known for its bold architecture, wide boulevards and unexpected quirks, the city is a striking blend of tradition and ambition.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might explore the city’s elegant parks and monuments, or head to the lively Russian Bazaar – a local favourite full of colour and character, offering everything from spices and textiles to fresh fruit and caviar.
Accommodation:
Grand Turkmen Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Kow Ata Cave – Nokhur – Balkanabat
We begin the day at Kow-Ata, an underground lake hidden in a vast limestone cave. Its warm mineral waters (33–37°C) offer a unique opportunity for a swim.
Next, we travel to the mountain village of Nokhur – a remote community with deep-rooted traditions, stone houses, and narrow alleys. The Nokhuri people have preserved a distinct culture shaped by centuries of isolation.
In the afternoon, we continue to Balkanabat for the night.
Accommodation:
Nebitchi Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Yangikala Canyon – Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat
In the early morning we set off to the spectacular Yangikala Canyon – a vast landscape of colourful limestone formations shaped by wind and time. Once part of an ancient seabed, the canyon glows in shades of red, pink and white. We enjoy a scenic picnic amidst this breathtaking natural amphitheatre.
Later, we continue to the Caspian coast and arrive in Turkmenbashi. In the evening, we take a domestic flight back to Ashgabat, where we spend the night.
Accommodation:
Grand Turkmen Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Mary
After breakfast, we check out and drive east to Mary. En route we stop at the 15th-century Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque in Annau and the ancient site of Abiward – once a prominent Sassanid city with a central mound rising 60 feet.
After checking in and lunch, we visit the Mary Museum. Its ethnographic and archaeological collections include jewellery, carpets, a decorated yurt, and outstanding artefacts from Merv and Margiana – some rival those of the National Museum in Ashgabat.
Accommodation:
Margush Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Ancient Merv
After breakfast we set out to explore Old Merv – once a thriving Silk Road metropolis and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guided tour includes the fortresses of Gyz Gala and Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, the Mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Ibn Zeid, and other impressive remains.
We also visit the nearby site of Margush, the fifth center of ancient civilization in Central Asia, nestled in the Karakum Desert. In the afternoon, we return to Ashgabat.
Accommodation:
Grand Turkmen Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Turkmenistan. Your guide will accompany you to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure.
Take with you lasting memories of ancient cities, warm encounters, and the many impressions along the Silk Road.
Meal plan: Breakfast
What is included?
- Transfer to / from the airports
- 6 nights in selected hotels
- 1 night in a yurt camp
- All transfers and excursions in air-conditioned cars or minibuses
- 8 days local English-speaking guides
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation, register fee, permit fee)
What is not included?
- International flights and airport taxes
- Domestic flight Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat: from 105 EUR/person (one way, subject to change)
- All official visa and entry fees (approx. USD 160–230 pp)
- Photo/video permits at sites
- Personal travel insurance (cancellation, health, etc.)
- Further individual excursions & activities outside the program
Important information
If any accomodation should be fully booked at your travel time, we will reserve an equivalent alternative – this does not constitute a deficiency and does not entitle to a price reduction.
The order in which the activities and tours take place might vary, depending on the best day to travel.
If the route is not passable due to unforeseeable circumstances such as weather conditions, political events or similar, the program will be adjusted accordingly. In doing so, we aim to stay as close as possible to the planned itinerary. This does not constitute a defect and does not entitle you to a reduction in the tour price.
Turkmenistan Explorer Journey – from € 1,899
Price per person sharing a double or twin room (based on minimum 2 participants traveling together)
Single supplement and group rates available on request
Trip Intensity: Easy – relaxed pace, short walks, scenic drives
Signature
Journey
Turkmenistan – along the hidden paths of the Silk Road
This journey opens a window into one of the Silk Road’s least explored countries – a land of dazzling contrasts and deep-rooted traditions. Carefully paced and rich in discovery, it offers curious travellers an extraordinary look behind the marble facades – with the added pleasure of exceptional, hand-picked hotels.
Stand in awe before the gleaming monuments of Ashgabat, wander through the timeless ruins of UNESCO-listed Merv, and gaze into the glowing heart of the Darvaza Gas Crater. Explore the painted cliffs of Yangikala Canyon, soak in the warm waters of Kow-Ata’s underground lake, and meet the people of remote mountain villages whose customs have endured for centuries.
With its recent and limited opening to visitors, Turkmenistan remains a rare and rewarding destination – vivid, surprising, and full of wonder.
Highlights at a Glance:
- Ashgabat – the “white city” of marble, grand boulevards, fountains and monumental architecture
- Ancient Nisa (UNESCO) – Parthian fortress and royal complex with panoramic mountain views
- Darvaza Gas Crater – the spectacular “Door to Hell” flaming in the desert night
- Kow-Ata Underground Lake – warm, mineral-rich waters hidden deep inside a cave
- Mountain village of Nokhur – unique culture, stone houses and ancient traditions
- Yangikala Canyon – dramatic cliffs in shades of pink, red and ochre
- Turkmenbashi – gateway to the Caspian Sea
- Mary & Mary Museum – rich ethnographic and archaeological collections
- Ancient Merv (UNESCO) – Silk Road metropolis, mausoleums and fortress ruins of a lost empire
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – the marble capital of Turkmenistan
You will be met at the airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, a welcome breakfast awaits. There’s time to rest before we begin exploring Ashgabat, often dubbed the “white city” for its striking marble architecture.
This afternoon’s city tour includes highlights such as the Alem Cultural Centre, the Arch of Neutrality and the Memorial Complex. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation:
Archabil Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Ashgabat – Ancient Nisa – Gas Crater Darvaza
After breakfast, we continue exploring Ashgabat, visiting some of its impressive parks and city squares, as well as the striking Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. We then head to a local stud farm to see the renowned Akhal-Teke horses before visiting the ancient site of Nisa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Parthian Empire. We also stop at Kipchak to see the grand mosque and mausoleum complex.
After lunch, we set out north through the Karakum Desert towards one of Turkmenistan’s most surreal sights – the flaming gas crater at Darvaza. Along the way, we pass bubbling mud and water craters. As night falls, we camp in simple tents to experience the glow of the “Door to Hell” under the stars.
Accommodation:
Simple tents at the crater
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (picnic)
Day 3: Return to Ashgabat – Leisure and Local Colour
After breakfast, we drive back to Ashgabat, the marble-clad capital nestled between mountains and desert. Known for its bold architecture, wide boulevards and unexpected quirks, the city is a striking blend of tradition and ambition.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might explore the city’s elegant parks and monuments, or head to the lively Russian Bazaar – a local favourite full of colour and character, offering everything from spices and textiles to fresh fruit and caviar.
Accommodation:
Archabil Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Kow Ata Cave – Nokhur – Balkanabat
We begin the day at Kow-Ata, an underground lake hidden in a vast limestone cave. Its warm mineral waters (33–37°C) offer a unique opportunity for a swim.
Next, we travel to the mountain village of Nokhur – a remote community with deep-rooted traditions, stone houses, and narrow alleys. The Nokhuri people have preserved a distinct culture shaped by centuries of isolation.
In the afternoon, we continue to Balkanabat for the night.
Accommodation:
Nebitchi Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Yangikala Canyon – Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat
In the early morning we set off to the spectacular Yangikala Canyon – a vast landscape of colourful limestone formations shaped by wind and time. Once part of an ancient seabed, the canyon glows in shades of red, pink and white. We enjoy a scenic picnic amidst this breathtaking natural amphitheatre.
Later, we continue to the Caspian coast and arrive in Turkmenbashi. In the evening, we take a domestic flight back to Ashgabat, where we spend the night.
Accommodation:
Archabil Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Mary
After breakfast, we check out and drive east to Mary. En route we stop at the 15th-century Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque in Annau and the ancient site of Abiward – once a prominent Sassanid city with a central mound rising 60 feet.
After checking in and lunch, we visit the Mary Museum. Its ethnographic and archaeological collections include jewellery, carpets, a decorated yurt, and outstanding artefacts from Merv and Margiana – some rival those of the National Museum in Ashgabat.
Accommodation:
Mary Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Ancient Merv
After breakfast we set out to explore Old Merv – once a thriving Silk Road metropolis and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guided tour includes the fortresses of Gyz Gala and Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, the Mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Ibn Zeid, and other impressive remains.
We also visit the nearby site of Margush, the fifth center of ancient civilization in Central Asia, nestled in the Karakum Desert. In the afternoon, we return to Ashgabat.
Accommodation:
Archabil Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Turkmenistan. Your guide will accompany you to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure.
Take with you lasting memories of ancient cities, warm encounters, and the many impressions along the Silk Road.
Meal plan: Breakfast
What is included?
- Transfer to / from the airports
- 6 nights in selected hotels
- 1 night in a yurt camp
- All transfers and excursions in air-conditioned cars or minibuses
- 8 days local English-speaking guides
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation, register fee, permit fee)
What is not included?
- International flights and airport taxes
- Domestic flight Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat: from 105 EUR/person (one way, subject to change)
- All official visa and entry fees (approx. USD 160–230 pp)
- Photo/video permits at sites
- Personal travel insurance (cancellation, health, etc.)
- Further individual excursions & activities outside the program
Important information
If any accomodation should be fully booked at your travel time, we will reserve an equivalent alternative – this does not constitute a deficiency and does not entitle to a price reduction.
The order in which the activities and tours take place might vary, depending on the best day to travel.
If the route is not passable due to unforeseeable circumstances such as weather conditions, political events or similar, the program will be adjusted accordingly. In doing so, we aim to stay as close as possible to the planned itinerary. This does not constitute a defect and does not entitle you to a reduction in the tour price.
Turkmenistan Signature Journey – from € 2,299
Price per person sharing a double or twin room (based on minimum 2 participants traveling together)
Single supplement and group rates available on request
Trip Intensity: Easy – relaxed pace, short walks, scenic drives