Grand Tour of Turkmenistan: 13-Day Odyssey
The Grand Tour of Turkmenistan is curated for travelers seeking to experience the diverse tapestry of the nation—from the ancient cities of the Great Silk Road and the rugged alpine landscapes of Koytendag to the vast Karakum desert and the kaleidoscopic canyons of western Turkmenistan. Your odyssey begins in Ashgabat before venturing to Mary, Ancient Merv, and the archaeological marvel of Gonur Depe. The route then leads through Turkmenabat to Koytendag, where the Dinosaur Plateau, deep mountain gorges, and the spiritual Gainar-Baba spring await. Following a domestic flight from Kerki, you will spend a night by the mesmerizing Darvaza Crater, visit the historic monuments of Kunya-Urgench, and return to Ashgabat. The western leg of the journey includes the Kow-Ata underground lake, the mountain village of Nohur, the Sumbar Valley, ancient Dehistan, and the surreal Yangykala Canyon. The tour concludes with a return to Ashgabat and a seamless transfer to the international airport.
Trip Highlights
- Ancient Merv and the Great Silk Road heritage
- The Bronze Age archaeological site of Gonur Depe
- The Dinosaur Plateau and Koytendag mountain gorges
- The healing spring of Gainar-Baba and Astana-Baba complex
- A starlit night by the Darvaza 'Door to Hell'
- UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Kunya-Urgench
- The white-marble majesty of Ashgabat
- The thermal waters of Kow-Ata and the highland village of Nohur
- Ancient Dehistan and its medieval minarets
- Sunset and camping at the breathtaking Yangykala Canyon
- A comprehensive East-to-West traverse of Turkmenistan
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
- LOI and comprehensive visa support
- All airport and land transfers
- Professional expert guide throughout the route
- All ground transportation per program
- Domestic airfares as per itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, and camps
- Meals as specified in the daily itinerary
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Complimentary bottled water during transit
- Premium camping equipment
Not Included
- Visa and migration fees
- International airfare
- Personal expenses
- Meals not specifically mentioned
- Photography/video fees at specific sites
- Early check-in or late check-out
Accommodation
Luxury and boutique 3★–5★ hotels in Ashgabat, Mary, and Turkmenabat; traditional guesthouses or tourist camps in Koytendag; a family guesthouse in Garrygala; a yurt camp at Darvaza, and wilderness tent camps at Dehistan and Yangykala Canyon. Private bathroom facilities are provided in hotels; shared facilities are standard in guesthouses and camps.
Transport
Comfortable sedans, minivans, or luxury coaches depending on group size. For expeditions to Koytendag, Gonur Depe, Dehistan, Darvaza, and Yangykala, specialized 4x4 off-road vehicles are utilized. The itinerary includes domestic flights (Ashgabat—Mary, Kerki—Ashgabat, and Dashoguz—Ashgabat) subject to current schedules.
Good to Know
This expedition includes domestic flights, long scenic drives, treks across uneven mountain and desert terrain, and several nights in rustic camp settings. We recommend sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, a daypack, and warm layers for desert nights. The itinerary sequence may be adjusted based on flight schedules, weather, or road conditions.