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Ashgabat · Ahal · Turkmenistan
8-Day Turkmenistan Desert Tour
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From $3,820.24 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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The Experience
What your day looks like
This 8-day Turkmenistan Desert Tour offers an immersive journey through the country’s rich historical and natural landscapes, starting in Farap and traveling through key locations like Turkmenabat, Dashoguz, Darvaza, and Ashgabat. The adventure begins with visits to ancient caravanserais, such as the 12th-century Daya Khatyn, followed by scenic drives along the Oxus River and exploration of the historic Kunya-Urgench. Travelers will experience the awe of Darvaza's famous gas crater, the remote beauty of the Damla Oasis, and the nomadic traditions of the Yomud and Teke tribes. The tour culminates in Ashgabat, with visits to the vibrant Tolkuchka Bazaar and a relaxing drive to the Chulli Gorge. With a mix of cultural encounters, historical sites, and stunning desert landscapes, this tour captures the essence of Turkmenistan’s unique allure.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Step back in time as you explore the impressive 12thcentury ruins of Daya Hatyn
- Enjoy a scenic drive along the Oxus River, one of Central Asia's most legendary waterways
- Witness the aweinspiring Darvaza Gas Crater, a fiery natural phenomenon
- Discover the charm of Damla, a remote oasis in the heart of the Karakum Desert
- Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Turkmenistan's largest openair market
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 01 - Welcome to Turkmenistan! We'll pick you up from the airport, then, proceed by 4WD vehicle to Turkemnabad.
Continued
Ashgabat
Archaeological Exploration at Dayahatyn. Day 01 - Dayahatyn: Shortly outside Turkmenabat, you can find the impressive ruins of the 12th-century caravanserai of Daya Khatyn. However, since it is located near a military area, obtaining permission to visit this site can be challenging
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 01 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 01 - Accommodation: Overnight in a tent
Day 2
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Amu Darya. Day 02 - Oxus River: It will be a long day as we travel along the left bank of the Oxus River, heading downstream toward Dashoguz (formerly Tashauz) in the region of ancient Khwarazm, or Chorasmia. The journey offers beautiful views of the Oxus, with plans for a picnic lunch by its banks. Due to the Uzbek border cutting across the main road, we'll switch to off-road vehicles at Gazachak for the remaining 150 km to Dashoguz.
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 02 - Meals included: Lunch
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 02 - Accommodation: Stay at Uzboy Hotel 2*
Day 3
Ashgabat
Archaeological Exploration at Konye-Urgench. Day 03 - Konye-Urgench: Today, we continue our trip by visiting the Izmukshir Fortress, which dates back to the 12th century. Our next stop will be Kunya-Urgench, where we will explore several sites, including the Mausoleum of Soltan Tekesh (12th-13th centuries), the Monument of Torebeg Hanum (12th century), and a visit to the Minaret of Kutlug Temur, the highest minaret in Turkmenistan, built in the 11th-12th centuries. Finally, we will drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 03 - Meals included: Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 03 - Accommodation: We'll settle a camp near the gas crater.
Day 4
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Karakum Desert. Day 04 - Karakum Desert: After breakfast, we will drive to Damla village. The Damla Oasis is one of the most remote oases of the Yomud and Teke tribes, located in the heart of the Karakum Desert. This breathtaking place features flat-roofed villages and yurts found in almost every household, offering a glimpse into simple and beautiful nomadic traditions that transport rare visitors back in time.
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 04 - Meals included: Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 04 - Accommodation: Overnight in Damla
Day 5
Ashgabat
Local Flavor at Erbent. Day 05 - Erbent: After breakfast, we'll set off for Ashgabat, with a stop to visit Erbent village along the way, arriving by lunchtime.
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 05 - Meals included: Lunch
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 05 - Accommodation: Night in a hotel
Day 6
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Kopet Dag. Day 06 - Chulli Gorge: Today, we will drive to Chulli Gorge, located at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, for a picnic. In the evening, we will return to Ashgabat.
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 06 - Meals included: Lunch
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 06 - Accommodation: Night in a hotel
Day 7
Ashgabat
Local Flavor at Altyn Asyr Bazaar. Day 07 - Altyn Asyr Bazaar: The Tolkuchka Bazaar in Ashgabat is Turkmenistan's top attraction, and a visit is a must. Vibrantly dressed locals from across the country gather here to trade on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Nearly everything of importance is exchanged within this 50-hectare open-air market, from camels and sheep to amulets, antiques, carpets, and jewelry. With its authenticity and lively atmosphere, the Tolkuchka Bazaar easily rivals the famed Kashgar Bazaar.
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 07 - Accommodation: Night in a hotel
Day 8
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 08 - We hope you enjoyed your trip with us! We'll leave early in the morning to transfer you to the airport for your departure home.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Accommodation as indicated ESG A/C transport Entrance fees to the sites mentioned Visa support and travel pass Camping gear Food and Beverage
Not Included
Tips and gratuity Visa fee Insurance Immigration card
What to Bring
Camera Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat Bag for Essentials Comfortable clothing and footwear
Restrictions
The minimum age requirement is 5 years old.
Meeting & Pickup
Pick-up is available from the Ashgabat International Airport
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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