Classic Turkmenistan
Suggested Itinerary
To view images fullscreen please turn device
Overview
One of Central Asia’s most unusual destinations, Turkmenistan is still held in the surreal grip of the personality cult that its former president, Niyazov (or Turkmenbashi as he preferred to be known) created. Home to some of the region’s most friendly people, and one of its least visited destinations, it is a country that offers a fascinating mix of tradition, culture and historical pedigree.
Beginning in Ashgabat you will have a chance to explore the Turkmen capital and ...
One of Central Asia’s most unusual destinations, Turkmenistan is still held in the surreal grip of the personality cult that its former president, Niyazov (or Turkmenbashi as he preferred to be known) created. Home to some of the region’s most friendly people, and one of its least visited destinations, it is a country that offers a fascinating mix of tradition, culture and historical pedigree.
Beginning in Ashgabat you will have a chance to explore the Turkmen capital and dip in the underground Lake Kow with a local guide before continuing to the town of Mary, your gateway onto the Bronze Age wonders of Gonur Depe and the ancient ruins of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once believed to be the largest city in the world.
Flying on to the northern city of Dashoguz, you then have a chance to visit one of the country’s cultural highlights, the ancient capital of Khorezm at Konye Urgench, once one of the greatest of the Silk Road cities. Upon your return to Ashgabat, you’ll drive through the Karakum desert to spend the night wild camping under the stars near the peculiar Darvaza Gas Crater.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE ASHGABAT: CITY TOUR
DAY 1: ARRIVE ASHGABAT: CITY TOUR
Upon arrival in Ashgabat this morning, you will be met by your driver and guide and taken to your hotel to settle in. In the afternoon, discover the Turkmen capital with your guide from the vibrant Tolkucha Bazaar, for a glimpse of local life and perhaps a spot of shopping, to the city’s overly grand constructions such as the Mosque of Spirituality, the Orthodox Church of Alexander and the statue of Lenin.
DAY 2: ASHGABAT: NISA AND LAKE KOW ATA EXCURSION
DAY 2: ASHGABAT: NISA AND LAKE KOW ATA EXCURSION
Today head west of Ashgabat to visit the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the underground Lake of Kow Ata where you will be able to have a swim in the waters that are constantly between 33°C and 37°C and said to have therapeutic properties. The tour ends with a visit to the mosque and ancient fortress at Geok Depe before returning to the capital.
DAY 3: ASHGABAT - ANAU - MARY
DAY 3: ASHGABAT - ANAU - MARY
Depart Ashgabat to the town of Mary, stopping en route at the ancient settlement of Anau which has yielded some of the earliest evidence for farming in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 4: MARY: GONUR DEPE EXCURSION
DAY 4: MARY: GONUR DEPE EXCURSION
Your full day excursion today takes you three hours north of Mary to the impressive Bronze Age fortress, palace, administrative and temple complex of Gonur Depe. As well as its age, the site is impressive in its location, built atop a large natural plateau. It is thought that this may have been the capital of the ancient Margiana civilisation which flourished throughout Turkmenistan from the 16th to 13th centuries BC. Return back to Mary after the tour.
DAY 5: MARY - MERV - DASHOGUZ
DAY 5: MARY - MERV - DASHOGUZ
Today has been set aside to explore the immensely important archaeological site of Merv which covers an area of 125 square kilometres and contains the ruins of five ancient cities, once believed to have been the largest city in the world. With your guide, visit all of the main sights including Sultan Sanjar's Mausoleum and Kys Kala, an unusual windowless castle nicknamed "The House of Maidens Tears”. This evening fly to the city of Dashoguz.
DAY 6: DASHOGUZ - KONYE URGENCH - DARVAZA
DAY 6: DASHOGUZ - KONYE URGENCH - DARVAZA
Undoubtedly one of Turkmenistan’s highlights, Dashoguz serves as the gateway to Konye Urgench (old Urgench), the ancient capital of Khorezm. With your guide admire Central Asia's tallest minaret, measuring 62 metres in height, and the Turanbeg Khanum Mausoleum. Other noteworthy ruins include Tash Kala Caravanserai, the Ak Kala Fortress and the holy Forty Mullahs Hill. In the afternoon drive through the desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater to spend the night camping near this amazing sight.
DAY 7: DARVAZA - BOKURDAK - ASHGABAT
DAY 7: DARVAZA - BOKURDAK - ASHGABAT
The flaming gas craters are the result of Soviet gas exploration and after breakfast at your camp, you will start heading back through the desert to Ashgabat, stopping en route to see two more craters filled with bubbling mud. There will also be the chance to stop at the village of Bokurdak to visit a local family in their house made of unfired brick, before arriving at the capital.
DAY 8: DEPART ASHGABAT
DAY 8: DEPART ASHGABAT
Depending on your departure flight time, you may have a morning at leisure for some last-minute shopping or relaxation before being taken to the international airport for your onward flight, where your tour in Turkmenistan ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Divan Hotel, Ashgabat
The modern, high-end hotel built in 1996 was renovated over the pandemic and is one of the few hotels located within the city, near the Independence Monument and government buildings. The hotel has 128 rooms, all with air-conditioning, colour TV and private bathrooms. There is also an on-site restaurant, lobby bar, business centre and other leisure and fitness facilities including a health club with sauna, swimming pool and tennis courts. Other restaurants and cafes can be found within a 20-minute walk for more variety.
Darvaza Wild Camping, Darvaza
Staying overnight in the majestic desert of Karakum is a fabulous experience. We are privileged to have special camping permits for spectacular wilderness areas. Tents and mattresses are provided to make your stay comfortable, although you must bring your own sleeping bag or use the blankets provided. The wild campsite is very basic with no real toilet or washing facilities. You will be well looked after by the fully qualified, highly skilled staff and breakfast and dinner are included. Turkmen cuisine is mainly based on meat, pilav, Turkmen bureg, chorba (lamb soup) and refreshing soft drink Chal.
Mary Hotel, Mary
Mary Hotel is a three-star hotel located in the heart of Mary, ideally situated opposite the town's bazaar. The hotel is made up of 175 spacious rooms decorated in luxurious colours of beige, cream and gold. Each room is fitted with ensuite bathroom facilities and an air conditioning system. The six-floor building has an onsite restaurant that offers a variety of traditional dishes, a fitness centre, a swimming pool and a sauna for guests to enjoy at their own leisure. Additionally, the hotel has an onsite hairdresser and chemist. The pool is only open during the height of the peak season and services become limited towards the end and just before the summer season. Although services and facilities at the Mary hotel are not what they once were, it remains the best option in the city.
Dashoguz Hotel, Dashoguz
A new hotel near the centre of Dashoguz clad in the obligatory Turkmen white marble with decadent fountains and alleys of trees within the grounds. The hotel is modern and spacious with a contemporary ornate look inside. Rooms are comfortable with the usual amenities including an en suite, telephone, hair dryer and air conditioning decorated in calming cream and coffee colours. The large restaurant and bar serve a menu intertwining national and Eastern European cuisine. When not exploring the nearby monuments and historical sights, make use of the indoor pool and fitness centre. The on-site souvenir shop is ideal for any last-minute gift shopping for loved ones at home.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258