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Ashgabat · Ahal · Turkmenistan
9-Day Ayrakly Oasis Tour
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From $4,690.40 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Our 9-day tour takes you through the most impressive and picturesque parts of the Karakum Desert, including a 3-day desert trekking experience. This itinerary is perfect for those who admire spectacular desert landscapes, with miles of sandy terrain dotted with small bushes stretching endlessly into the horizon. Beyond the natural wonders, it also offers a unique opportunity to experience the wild nomadic way of life. This journey is sure to be a top highlight for any traveler.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Experience the tranquil silence of the desert, far away from civilization
- Marvel at the vast, unspoiled desert landscapes, with golden dunes and endless horizons
- Capture stunning, Instagramworthy photos of the desert’s raw beauty
- Step back in time and live like a true desert nomad
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Ashgabat
Transportation at Gonur Depe. Day 01 - Welcome to Turkmenistan! You will be transferred to the hotel, where you will complete the check-in process.
Continued
Ashgabat
Local Flavor at The State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. Day 01 - Ashgabat: After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will start our first day with a leisurely late morning stroll through the city center. Our first stop will be Nisa Fortress, which holds significant historical value from the Parthian period, as it was once the residence of the Parthian kings. Next, we will visit the State Museum, where its exhibits and findings are truly worth seeing and admiring—missing this would be inexcusable.
Continued
Ashgabat
City/Town Tour at Neutrality Monument. Day 01 - Ashgabat: Take a moment to observe the row of newly built monuments and fountains on the outskirts of this marble city. The most fascinating of these is likely the Arch of Neutrality, which features a 12-meter gold statue of Turkmenistan's President, Saparmurat Turkmenbashi.
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Ashgabat
Day 01 - Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel
Day 2
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 02 - Ashgabat to Ayrakly Oasis: After preparing for our desert trip, we set off early to make the most of the daylight hours. Keep in mind that the journey to the Ayrakly Oasis is about 200 km and can take seven to eight hours to reach our destination. Our route takes us through Yashlyk, a town located 45 km from Ashgabat, known for its local brewery that produces "Berk" beer. Following that, we will embark on a light trek through the desert, where you'll experience the endless sandy mountains and enjoy the stunning scenery and picturesque views of the wild nature. After a long drive, we will arrive at a desert settlement where we can rest and recuperate.
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Ashgabat
Day 02 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 02 - Accommodation: Overnight in nomadic yurt
Day 3
Ashgabat
ATV/UTV & Off Road Tours at Karakum Desert. Day 03 - Karakum Desert: The next morning, we will continue our tour toward Central Karakum to explore remote areas. Our days will be spent climbing sand dunes as we head toward primitive, unspoiled territory. While traveling, the most important thing is not to miss the desert sunset, one of nature's most beautiful phenomena. The most mesmerizing moment will occur at night when you lie in your sleeping bag and gaze up at the desert sky—the stars are so clear and appear so close, unlike anything you’ve seen before.
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Ashgabat
Day 03 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 03 - Accommodation: Overnight in tents
Day 4
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Karakum Desert. Day 04 - Karakum Desert: We will spend a full day exploring the desert, making quick stops along the way to greet local nomads and experience their hospitality. You will be treated to Turkmen bread and chal, which is naturally fermented camel's milk. As we stroll through the village, you’ll witness the daily lives of the nomadic people, including the touching moment of dromedary camel milking. Shortly before sunset, we will set up our camp in a breathtaking area near the numerous pools formed by the overflow of the Tejen River. This abundant water attracts various wildlife, including boars, swans, gazelles, ducks, and other migratory birds.
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Ashgabat
Day 04 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 04 - Accommodation: Overnight in tents
Day 5
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 05 - Ayrakly Oasis to Ashgabat: After an early breakfast, we will take some farewell photos of the sunrise before driving back to Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat
Day 05 - Meals included: Lunch
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Ashgabat
Day 05 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 6
Ashgabat
Transportation at Akjagaýa. Day 06 - Yerbent to Akjagaýa: Our destination is located 350 km from Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Akjagaýa. Day 06 - Akjagaýa: We will visit Akjakaya Hollow, the deepest point in Turkmenistan, which is located 81 meters below sea level.
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Ashgabat
Day 06 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 06 - Accommodation: Overnight in tents
Day 7
Ashgabat
Sightseeing at Darvaza gas crater. Day 07 - Darvaza: After enjoying breakfast in the desert, we will begin our journey toward Darvaza. As we approach, you can spot a red glow in the sky, which is the reflection of the natural gas fire that has been burning for many years at the site of an explosion that created a large hole 25 meters in diameter. We will set up camp near the crater.
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Ashgabat
Day 07 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 07 - Accommodation: Overnight in tents
Day 8
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 08 - Darvaza to Ashgabat: Today is our last day of the trip. After enjoying an early breakfast in the desert and taking farewell pictures of the area, we will depart for Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat
Day 08 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 9
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 09 - We hope you enjoy your trip with us! We will have an early morning transfer to Ashgabat Airport so you can take your flight back home.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Accommodation ESG A/C transport Entrance fees to the sites mentioned Visa support and travel pass Camping gear Food and Drink
Not Included
Tips and gratuity Visa fee Insurance Immigration card
What to Bring
Camera Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat Bag for Essentials Comfortable clothing and footwear
Meeting & Pickup
Pick-up is available from Ashgabat International Airport
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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