Turkmenistan Cultural and Natural Tour
6 DAYS IN TURKMENISTAN TOUR
Tour Details
-
Period
April - October -
Tour length and Participants
5 days, 2 - 10 participants -
Price from
$1012 / person (for a group of 10)
Turkmenistan Tour Highlights
Start on a captivating journey through Turkmenistan, where stunning contrasts of nature and culture await. Explore the dazzling white marble architecture of Ashgabat, with iconic landmarks like the Arch of Neutrality and the Wedding Palace.
Witness the dramatic beauty of Yangykala Canyons, also known as the “Fire Fortress,” where vibrant, colorful rock formations paint the landscape. Venture into the lunar-like terrain of Moon Mountain in the Syunt-Khasardag Nature Reserve, offering otherworldly vistas. Experience the remote village of Nokhur, steeped in rich traditions, home to a sacred wish tree and a unique cemetery. Delve into the country’s heritage by discovering the intricate art of Turkmen carpet weaving, a craft that has been passed down for generations.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, our representatives will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for early check-in. Enjoy some free time to relax and settle in.
In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive Ashgabat city tour, exploring the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights include the elegant Wedding Palace, the modern Yyldyz Hotel, the Ashgabat Ferris Wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Independence Monument and Park, the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, the Ashgabat Olympic Stadium, and the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Discover the blend of modern architecture and cultural heritage that makes Ashgabat unique. Overnight stay at your hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Balkanabat
In the morning, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your flight to Turkmenbashi at 06:20. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a brief city tour of Turkmenbashi before driving to Yangykala Canyons (180 km, approximately 3 hours), one of Turkmenistan’s most striking natural wonders.
The name “Yangykala” means “fire fortress” in Turkmen, and the dramatic cliffs, ranging in shades of white, yellow, ochre, purple, and red have been beautifully sculpted by wind and rain, resembling fantastical stone castles. Explore the canyons and take in their unique formations. After your visit, continue to Balkanabat (185 km, about 3 hours) for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 3: Balkanabat – Karrykala – Nohur – Ashgabat
In the morning, drive to Karakala (278 km, about 4 hours), passing through the Syunt-Khasardag Nature Reserve to visit Moon Mountain. Here, you can explore landscapes that resemble the surface of the Moon.
Afterwards, continue to Nokhur, a mountain village (129 km, around 2 hours) nestled in a small valley of the Kopet Dag Range. The village’s narrow streets, flanked by high stone retaining walls, barely fit a car. The Nohkuri people who live here are distinct from other Turkmen tribes. Local legends say that Noah’s Ark came to rest here, releasing animals and planting various seeds, giving the area a unique character.
Explore the village’s highlights, including a majestic tree and an unusual, isolated cemetery where nearly every grave is marked with a wooden post topped with mountain goat horns. Don’t miss the wish tree, Kyz Bibi, where visitors can make sacred wishes. After sightseeing, drive back to Ashgabat (157 km, about 2 hours) for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 4: Ashgabat – Darvaza
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat, one of the finest carpet museums in Central Asia. The museum showcases exquisite designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik, and Chodor tribes. With around 2,000 exhibits, including rare and historic carpets, the museum is a true cultural hub. Highlights include the smallest carpet designed to hold keys and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, covering 301 m², which earned a spot in the Guinness Book of Records in 2003.
In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable journey to the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater, a top international tourist attraction. Located in the heart of the Karakum Desert, the crater has been burning continuously for over 50 years, creating a mesmerizing glow in the desert night. Explore nearby water and mud craters, enjoy the fresh desert air, and experience traditional nomadic life. Overnight camping will be in a Turkmen yurt or private tents, with a barbecue dinner under the spectacular light of the Gas Crater a truly unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Day 5: Darvaza – Ashgabat - Nissa
Start the day with a picnic-style breakfast in Darvaza before driving back to Ashgabat (approximately 5 hours). In the afternoon, visit the historic Nissa Fortress, also known as the Sanctuary of the Parthian Kings. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Nissa is considered one of the earliest capitals of the Parthian Empire. Founded by Arsaces I (c. 250–211 BC), the site is believed to have served as either a royal residence or a necropolis for Parthian kings. The ruins are located 18 km from Ashgabat, near Bagyr village, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient history.
Next, visit a Turkmen horse farm to see the legendary Akhalteke horses, a national pride of Turkmenistan. These horses have been bred for over 5,000 years and remain a pure, unique breed admired worldwide. Famous historical figures, including Alexander the Great and Darius I, coveted these magnificent horses. The farm is home to over 35 beautiful Akhalteke horses, and local tradition holds that anyone who touches one of these horses will recover from illness. Return to Ashgabat for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Ashgabat – Departure
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. Departure.
Tour information
Service includes:
- Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass)
- Accommodation in DBL/Twin room – 5 nights
- Yurt Camp – 1 night (including sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light)
- Escort English-speaking guide service
- Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles and 4×4, where terrain requires
- Flight ticket: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi
- Entrance fee: per program
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza
- 5 L water per person per day
- Travel tax
Service does not include:
- International flights
- Cost of Turkmen visa and border fees (70 – 100 USD)
- PCR test
- Payment for photo and video
- Meals: L & D
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Medical insurance
- Services not shown in the program
Price 2026
Price per person on USD
| Pax | Option 1 3*Hotel | Option 2: 4*Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1955 | 2145 |
| 2 | 1363 | 1489 |
| 3 | 1334 | 1461 |
| 4 | 1139 | 1236 |
| 5 | 1081 | 1190 |
| 6 | 1046 | 1139 |
| 8 | 1018 | 1109 |
| 10 | 1012 | 1104 |
| Single Room | 98 | 190 |
Option 1:
Ak Altyn 3* BB Hotel – 4 nights, Nebitchi 3* BB Hotel – 1 night
Option 2:
Sport 4* BB Hotel – 4 nights, Nebitchi 3* BB Hotel – 1 night
Notes:
- Due to changing road and traffic conditions, the actual driving time may be slightly more or less than the estimated times mentioned in the program. Please note that the mentioned driving times do not include stops.
- Flight times are subject to change by Turkmenistan Airlines. The handbag is 5kg, and the baggage is 20kg per person. If the baggage is overweight, you pay between 2-3$ per kg.
- If the traveller stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on the local Tourist Board.
- An express PCR test for COVID-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs between 33 USD.
- Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures.
- Make sure you have spare change (1, 5, and 10 USD banknotes) with you to facilitate and expedite visa and other procedures at the airport. Please ensure the banknotes are new or in good condition, not damaged or torn, and issued no earlier than 2009.
- Most places accept only cash, and credit cards often do not work.
- To communicate with your contacts (family, friends, or colleagues) during your stay, we recommend downloading the IMO messaging app on your phone before your travel. Please also inform the people you will be contacting to install and using this application.
Book your tour here
If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by the tour operators.
Turkmenistan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency in Turkmenistan is known as the manat. You can utilize a Visa card for transactions or cash withdrawals in some hotels and banks across the country; however, most ATMs exclusively accept local Turkmen cards. Notably, the majority of shops and restaurants operate on a cash-only basis. It is advisable to carry your funds in cash, preferably in new US dollars as Euro bills are not widely accepted.
While US dollars can be easily exchanged throughout Turkmenistan, euros are readily exchanged only in Ashgabat. Money exchange services are legally available at banks. Exercise caution and exchange only what you anticipate using, as converting manat back to dollars is not possible. The fixed exchange rate is 3.50 Manat for 1 dollar (2024). There is no fixed rate for Euros. Having a reserve of cash during Central Asia excursions is prudent for unexpected situations but especially in Turkmenistan.
Safety
Safety
Turkmenistan is considered a secure country as long as you adhere to the law. Crossing any boundaries could result in unpleasant consequences. It is advisable to wear a money belt, be vigilant about your belongings, avoid poorly lit streets at night, and refrain from using unofficial taxis when traveling alone. Additional recommendations include:
- During your travels throughout the country, it is essential to have identification with you at all times.
- Exercise caution when taking photographs, as capturing specific subjects like military zones, transportation hubs, and government buildings is prohibited by law. Turkmen individuals may also be sensitive about being photographed without their consent.
- Several social media applications and websites are restricted within the country and you can’t use them there (at least not without a VPN service).
- Steer clear of any public displays of affection, and bear in mind that homosexuality is illegal. It’s best to avoid forming relationships with Turkmen women, as it may lead to fines and deportation.
- Topics such as politics, human rights, religion, or criticism of the president, the country, or its people should be avoided in conversation.
- During Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims lasting 30 days in April-March, there are specific restrictions. Consuming food, drinks, smoking, or chewing gum in public is forbidden during daylight hours. Additionally, playing loud music, dancing, wearing revealing clothing, and engaging in public swearing are forbidden.
- Smoking is prohibited in all public areas, but there are assigned areas for smokers. Engaging in the possession or use of illegal drugs may result in a considerable prison sentence.
- Turkmenistan is susceptible to earthquakes, mainly tremors, but occasionally stronger earthquakes occur.
- Drones are in practice banned in Turkmenistan.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
A visa is essential for all international visitors planning to travel to Turkmenistan. To obtain a tourist visa, you will need an invitation letter (LOI) approved by the Migration Service of Turkmenistan, which must be submitted by a licensed tour operator in the country. Further details can be found here. If you are booking a tour through Central Asia Guide, we will always organize the necessary invitation letters and visa can be obtained at arrival to Turkmenistan through the land borders or Ashgabat airport.
Best time to go
Best time to go
Turkmenistan is characterized by a dry continental climate, making it one of the hottest regions in Central Asia. The months of July and August witness scorching temperatures in the capital, Ashgabat, reaching up to 50°C, making it the least favorable time for a visit. While most of Turkmenistan’s significant attractions lie in the treeless desert, areas surrounding the Caspian Sea generally offer milder temperatures compared to the inland regions, making them suitable for summer exploration.
December signals the arrival of cold weather, with temperatures dipping below 0°C and occasional frost even up to –20°C, along with snowfall in various parts of the country. The optimal periods for visiting Turkmenistan are from March to June, when sunshine prevails and temperatures are pleasant, and from September to November. Spring, especially, charms with a brief burst of delicate flowers and green landscapes.
Health
Health
To prevent traveler’s diarrhea, refrain from consuming non-bottled, unfiltered, or non boiled water. Avoid using tap water for oral hygiene or ice-making. Steer clear of ice cream. Choose thoroughly cooked and hot-served meat and fish. Boil vegetables and peel fruits before consumption. It is advisable to receive vaccinations against diphtheria, hepatitis A, and tetanus. Ensure comprehensive coverage for unforeseen medical scenarios, including repatriation. Medical services in Turkmenistan are rudimentary at best. In the event of urgent medical needs, promptly contact your travel insurance provider. Check for any restrictions associated with traveling with medications.
Other tours to Turkmenistan
Tour updated 16.1.2026