Turkmenistan Tour – in the Land of golden Sand and fast Horses - 11 Days

Turkmenistan Tour: An Expedition Through the Land of Golden Sand Dunes and Cultural Treasures

A Turkmenistan Tour opens doors to a land with a fascinating history, characterized by golden sand dunes, swift horses, and intricate carpets. The first scientific findings of human settlements in the areas of present-day Turkmenistan date back to the Neolithic era. With the development of agriculture during the Bronze Age, the first permanent settlements emerged, including renowned sites like Namazgah-Tepe, Altyn-Tepe, and Kara-Tepe.

From the 4th to the 6th century, ancient Turkmenistan experienced a tumultuous history, being conquered by various empires. Initially, the territories fell to the Achaemenids, then they became part of the empire of Alexander the Great and later the Parthian Kingdom under the rule of King Mithridates II. Particularly, the city of Merv, present-day Mary, flourished during this time and became a significant center along the Great Silk Road.

The UNESCO has listed three significant historical and architectural sites in Turkmenistan as World Heritage Sites: Kunya Urgench, Merv, and Nisa. Each of these sites holds rich cultural and scientific value, attracting visitors from around the world who wish to experience the fascinating past of the country during their Turkmenistan journey.

Another area of cooperation with UNESCO focuses on the intangible heritage of the Turkmen people. The ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011 laid the groundwork for the recognition of important cultural elements. For example, in 2015, the epic art of the Turkmen people, “Gorogly,” was inscribed on the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” In the following years, more entries followed, including the Turkmen national art of singing and dancing, “Kushtdepdi,” in 2017, and the traditional Turkmen art of carpet making in 2019.

The rich cultural and historical diversity of Turkmenistan offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating past and vibrant present of this captivating land. A Turkmenistan tour promises unforgettable experiences, from ancient ruins to vibrant cultural traditions, inviting exploration of the beauty and diversity of this country.

Day 1: Day of Entry

Day 2: Ashgabat – Treasure in the Desert!

Day 3: In the Village Nohur

Day 4: Balkanabat – industrial centre of Turkmenistan

Day 5: Natural wonder Yangikala Canyon and the holy Place Gozli Ata

Day 6: Turkmenbashi

Day 7: Turkmenbashi → Dashoguz → Kunya Urgench → Darvaza

Day 8: Ashgabat – Treasure in the Desert!

Day 9: In the Kingdom of Margiana

Day 10: Ashgabat – Treasure in the Desert!

Day 11: Transfer to the Airport and Departure

Day 1
Day of Entry (-/-/-)

Arrival in Ashgabat, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 2
Ashgabat - Treasure in the Desert (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel we visit modern side of Ashgabat, ruined cities like Nisa<>/b. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 3
In the Village Nohur (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Nohur via the Gök Depe Mosque. We get to know the Village Nohur and visit home workshop for silk production. Afterwards we drive on to Serdar. Dinner and Overnight stay with the Turkmen family.

Day 4
Balkanabat - industrial centre of Turkmenistan (B/-/D)

After breakfast with the family we drive through the “Moon Mountains” from Karakala to Dehistan (Dekhistan). In Dehistan we visit the preserved Minarets and then we continue to Mashat Ata. In Mashat Ata we visit an old cemetery with the oldest Mausoleum (10th century) in Turkmenistan. We drive through the villages and through the Kopetdag Mountains to Balkanabat. Dinner in Balkanabat and Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 5
Natural wonder Yangikala Canyon and the holy Place Gozli Ata (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Yangikala Canyon, which was formed by the drying up of the prehistoric Lake Tetis, whose waters receded about 5 million years ago. Then we drive to the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata, where pilgrims visit the grave of the man who could see into the soul of man. Later in the evening we drive to the Caspian Sea, Turkmenbashi. Dinner at the local restaurant in Turkmenbashi and Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 6
Turkmenbashi (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, free time at the Caspian Sea. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 7
Turkmenbashi → Dashoguz → Kunya Urgench → Darvaza (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the Airport and we fly to Dashoguz. We drive on to Kunya-Urgench. We will visit the historical Monuments such as Ak Kala (15-17 c.), Gurganj, Gyaur Kala, Complex Ibn Khadjib (14-16 c.), Mausoleum Il Arslan (12 c.) ), Mausoleum Tyurabek Khanum (14th c.), Minaret Kutlug Timur (11th c.), Mausoleum Najmiddin Kubro (14th c.) and many other historical places. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we drive to Darvaza – Gate of Hell, a miracle of nature. Dinner and overnight in a tent.

Day 8
Ashgabat - Treasure in the Desert (B/L/D)

After breakfast in the tent we drive to Ashgabat. In Ashgabat we will visit historical places like Anau (archaeological excavations from the V-III century B.C.). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 9
In the Kingdom of Margiana (B/L/D)

After breakfast Transfer to the Airport and we fly to Mary (TUA 129: dep.09.40 – arr. 10.20) In ancient times Mary was an oasis town in Turkmenistan. The ruins of the city were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The place was once an important station of the Silk Road. We visit the ruins of the cities of Alexandria, Antioch. We will visit Gonur Depe, one of the largest excavations in Central Asia. Some highlights of Gonur Depe are the palace, the necropolis, the Zoroastrian temple “Temenos” and the temple of water. In the afternoon we continue to Merw. In the ruined city of Merv we will visit the historical places around Margush (Margiana) such as Sultan Kala (10-11 c.), Erk Kala (7 c. BC), Gyaur Kala (ca. 3 c. BC. Period of Antioche I), Karavansaray Dandanakan (Middle Ages), Kyz Kala (8-12 c.), Mausoleum Askhabov (15 c.), Mausoleum Sultan Sanjar (12 c.) and Mosque and Mausoleum Muhammad ibn Zaid (12 c.). Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 10
Ashgabat - Treasure in the Desert (B/-/D)

After breakfast excursion to Merv, then Transfer to the Airport and we fly to Ashgabat (TUA 130: dep.11.15 – arr. 11.55). In Ashgabat we will have lunch in a restaurant and in the afternoon we will visit Horse Farm (Ahal-Tekin Horses). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 11
Transfer to the Airport and Departure (-/-/-)

Services included in Price:

  • 6 Nights in a 4 star hotel in a double room with Shower/WC
  • 2 Nights in 2-3 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
  • 1 Night with the family (mattresses on the floor, bed linen available, Shower/WC outside)
  • 1 Night in a Tent (mattresses on the floor, bed linen available, Shower/WC outside)
  • 9x Breakfast, 2x Lunch, 9x Dinner
  • Mineral water (1,5 l per person and per day)
  • All transfers according to itinerary (mainly in air-conditioned vehicles)
  • Visa support for Turkmenistan
  • Flight ticket: Turkmenbashi → Dashoguz
  • Flight ticket: Ashgabat → Mary
  • Flight ticket: Mary → Ashgabat
  • Registration in the Hotels (Turkmenistan)
  • All entrance fees for the sights according to the itinerary
  • English speaking tour guide during the entire duration of the trip

Do not include:

  • Personal expenses & special services at the Hotel
  • International flights
  • Visa fees for Turkmenistan
  • Travel insurance of any kind
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Turkmenistan Tour – in the Land of golden Sand and fast Horses
Price From
$ 2,130 Per Person
Number of passengers Total price
1 Adult USD 2,130
2 Adults USD 4,260
3 Adults USD 6,390
4 Adults USD 8,520
5 Adults USD 10,650
6 Adults USD 11,640
7 Adults USD 13,580
8 Adults USD 15,320
9 Adults USD 17,235
10 Adults USD 19,150
11 Adults USD 20,515
12 Adults USD 22,380
13 Adults USD 24,245
14 Adults USD 25,480
15 Adults USD 27,300
16 Adults USD 28,720
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Trip Facts

  • TT0060
  • $ 250,-
  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 4 - 16
  • Medium
  • Turkmenistan
  • Ashgabat
  • Ashgabat