TURKMENISTAN
Highlights
Ashgabat the capital of marble and gold
The bizarre rock formations of Yangykala Canyon
The 4,000 years of history of ancient Merv
The natural, but not entirely natural, spectacle of the Gate of Hell
Where we stay
Guesthouse, boutique hotel, yurt, tents, night train
How we get around
Minibus, 4×4, train, domestic flight
TRIP TYPE
An intense journey with overland transfers by train, minivan, and 4×4 vehicles in the desert. One night is planned in a tent in the Karakum Desert, along with stays in guesthouses and local homes that require a certain spirit of adaptation.
For further information about our trips, please see the FAQ section.
DAY 1: departure from Italy by flight. Layover and onward flight to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan
DAY 2: arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, completion of customs formalities, and meeting with the local guide and driver. Transfer to the city and hotel accommodation. Start of the exploration of the Turkmen capital along Archabil Avenue, a monumental axis that immediately introduces the city’s unique architectural style, characterized by white marble buildings and vast urban spaces. Continue to the archaeological site of Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most historically significant places in Central Asia. Visit to the Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest in the region, and to the mausoleum of the first President of Turkmenistan.
Evening: visit to the Memorial Complex and a short evening city tour, when Ashgabat lights up, revealing its most scenic and surreal side. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in a hotel.
Morning: breakfast at the hotel and in-depth visit of the National Museum of Turkmenistan, which houses archaeological finds from sites such as Nisa and Merv, as well as collections of carpets, traditional clothing, and historical artefacts. Continue to Independence Park and the Independence Monument, symbols of the country’s contemporary national narrative.
Afternoon: lunch at a local restaurant and transfer to Arkadag, a new administrative city built entirely in marble, an emblematic example of modern Turkmen urban planning. Return to Ashgabat and free time to prepare for departure.
Evening: transfer to the railway station and departure by overnight train to Turkmenbashi. Dinner and overnight stay on board while crossing the country’s desert landscapes.
Morning: arrival in Turkmenbashi, breakfast, and a short visit of the city overlooking the Caspian Sea. Transfer to the coastal area of Avaza with the possibility of a short seasonal beach stop.
Afternoon: departure towards the Yangikala Canyons, crossing increasingly arid and remote landscapes. Arrival at one of Turkmenistan’s most astonishing natural settings: multicoloured canyons in shades of red, yellow, and purple, shaped by wind and ancient sea waters.
Evening: continuation towards the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata or campsite setup near the canyons (depending on conditions). Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Morning and afternoon: departure towards Nohur, crossing the Balkanabat region. Stop along the way for lunch and a short visit of the city. The journey continues towards the Kopet Dag mountains, with landscapes gradually changing from desert to mountain plateaus. Arrival in Nohur, a remote village nestled in the mountains, characterized by traditional stone and mud architecture. Exploration of the village and introduction to the culture of the Nohkuri people, a community distinct from other Turkmen groups.
Evening: dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.
Morning: breakfast and departure towards Ashgabat with a stop in the Gokdepe region to visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, a national symbol of Turkmenistan. The journey continues overland with a stop at Kow Ata, a striking underground cave featuring a famous thermal lake, a place appreciated both for its natural beauty and the healing properties of its warm waters.
Afternoon: lunch in Ashgabat and preparations for entering the desert. Departure towards Darvaza crossing the Karakum Desert, with a stop in the village of Yerbent to observe desert life. Continue towards the gas and water craters, natural phenomena linked to underground gas reserves.
Evening: arrival at the famous Darvaza crater, known as the “Door to Hell.” Observation of the crater at sunset and at night, when the flames create a surreal atmosphere. Barbecue dinner in the desert and overnight stay in a yurt or tent.
*Depending on logistical reasons, the visit to Kow Ata may be rescheduled to subsequent days.
Morning: departure from the desert towards Kunya Urgench, crossing arid and remote landscapes.
Afternoon: visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya Urgench, the ancient capital of the Khorezm Empire. Exploration of the main medieval monuments: mausoleums, minarets, and remains of the ancient city, a testament to the greatness of the Silk Road. Transfer to Dashoguz airport.
Evening: domestic flight to Ashgabat. Arrival, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel.
Morning: breakfast and visit of some of the capital’s iconic sites, including mosques, local markets, and central squares.
Afternoon: overland departure towards Mary, crossing semi-desert landscapes and rural areas. The journey offers a glimpse into the more everyday side of Turkmenistan.
Evening: arrival in Mary, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel.
Morning: transfer to the archaeological site of Merv, one of the most important cities on the Silk Road and among the largest centres of the ancient world. Guided visit of the ruins: citadels, mausoleums, and historical structures immersed in the desert.
Afternoon: return to Ashgabat with stops along the way at minor historical sites such as Abiverd and the Annau Mosque, examples of medieval Silk Road architecture.
Evening: arrival in Ashgabat and final evening tour of the city among its main illuminated monuments. Dinner and transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Return flight to Italy… See you on the next adventure!
