TURKMENISTAN
Highlights
Ashgabat, the capital of marble and gold
The extraordinary rock formations of Yangykala Canyon
The 4,000 years of history of ancient Merv
The otherwordly spectacle of the legendary Gate of Hell
Where we will stay
Guesthouse, boutique hotel, yurt, tents, night train
How we move around
Minibus, 4×4, train, domestic flight
TRIP TYPE
An intense and adventurous journey featuring overland travel by train, minivan, and 4×4 vehicles across the desert landscapes of Turkmenistan. One night will be spent camping in the Karakum Desert, alongside stays in guesthouses and local homes, requiring a certain degree of flexibility and adaptability from travelers.
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 check-in. Our exploration of the Turkmen capital begins along Archabil Avenue, a monumental boulevard that immediately reveals the city’s striking architectural identity, defined by gleaming white marble buildings and vast open spaces. We then continue to the archaeological site of Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of the most historically significant places in Central Asia. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in the region, as well as the mausoleum of Turkmenistan’s first president.
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 followed by an in-depth visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan, home to archaeological treasures from ancient sites such as Nisa and Merv, alongside collections of traditional carpets, clothing, and historical artefacts. We will then continue to Independence Park and the Independence Monument, iconic symbols of Turkmenistan’s modern national identity.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Arkadag, a newly built administrative city entirely clad in marble, representing one of the most striking examples of contemporary Turkmen urban planning. Return to Ashgabat and free time to prepare for departure.
Evening: Transfer to the railway station and departure aboard an overnight train to Turkmenbashi. Dinner and overnight stay on board as we cross the vast desert landscapes of the country.
Morning: Arrival in Turkmenbashi, breakfast, and a short tour of the city overlooking the Caspian Sea. Transfer to the coastal resort area of Avaza, with the possibility of a brief seasonal stop by the beach.
Afternoon: Departure towards the spectacular Yangikala Canyons, crossing increasingly remote and arid landscapes. Arrival at one of Turkmenistan’s most breathtaking natural wonders: multicoloured canyons painted in shades of red, yellow, and purple, sculpted over millennia by wind and ancient seas.
Evening: Continuation towards the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata or setup of the campsite near the canyons, depending on local conditions. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Morning and afternoon: Departure towards Nohur, crossing the Balkanabat region. Along the way, we will stop for lunch and a brief visit to the city. The journey then continues towards the Kopet Dag Mountains, as the landscapes gradually shift from vast desert plains to rugged mountain plateaus. Arrival in Nohur, a remote mountain village known for its traditional stone-and-mud architecture and its unique cultural identity. We will explore the village and gain insight into the traditions of the Nohkuri people, a community with customs distinct from those of other Turkmen groups.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.
Morning: After breakfast, departure towards Ashgabat with a stop in the Gokdepe region to visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, home to Turkmenistan’s iconic national breed. The journey then continues overland with a stop at Kow Ata, a remarkable underground cave known for its thermal lake, appreciated both for its natural beauty and for the reputed healing properties of its warm waters.
Afternoon: Lunch in Ashgabat and preparations for entering the desert. Departure towards Darvaza across the vast Karakum Desert, with a stop in the village of Yerbent to observe everyday life in the desert. The route continues towards the gas and water craters, extraordinary natural phenomena linked to underground gas reserves.
Evening: Arrival at the famous Darvaza crater, widely known as the “Door to Hell.” We will admire the crater at sunset and again after dark, when the flames create a truly surreal atmosphere. Barbecue dinner in the desert and overnight stay in a yurt or tent.
*Depending on logistical conditions, the visit to Kow Ata may be rescheduled to a later day.
Morning: Departure from the desert towards Kunya Urgench, crossing arid and remote landscapes.
Afternoon: Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya Urgench, once the ancient capital of the Khorezm Empire. We will explore its remarkable medieval monuments, including mausoleums, minarets, and the ruins of the ancient city, enduring testimony to the grandeur of the Silk Road civilization. Transfer to Dashoguz Airport.
Evening: Domestic flight to Ashgabat. Arrival, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel.
Morning: Breakfast followed by visits to some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including mosques, local markets, and central squares.
Afternoon: Overland journey towards Mary, crossing semi-desert landscapes and rural areas. Along the way, we will gain a glimpse into the more authentic and everyday side of Turkmenistan, far from the monumental architecture of the capital.
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 of the Silk Road and once among the greatest urban centres of the ancient world. Guided exploration of the vast ruins, including citadels, mausoleums, and historic structures scattered across the desert landscape.
Afternoon: Return journey to Ashgabat with stops along the way at lesser-known historical sites such as Abiverd and the Annau Mosque, remarkable examples of medieval Silk Road architecture.
Evening: Arrival in Ashgabat and final evening tour of the city, admiring its illuminated monuments and surreal nighttime atmosphere. Dinner followed by transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Return flight to Italy… See you on the next adventure!
