Turkmenistan Group Trip

Dashoguz - Darvaza - Ashgabat

Duration
5 days
Group size
1-15
From
595

Highlights

  • Darvaza Burning Gas Crater: Experience the breathtaking sight of this iconic natural wonder, known for its fiery glow in the Karakum Desert. Enjoy a barbecue dinner while camping in traditional Turkmen yurts or tents.
  • Cultural Landmarks in Ashgabat: Explore the stunning architecture and monuments of Ashgabat, including the Wedding Palace, Arch of Neutrality, and the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, showcasing the city’s modern grandeur.
  • Turkmen Carpet Museum: Visit one of Central Asia’s finest museums, featuring over 2,000 carpets, including the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, a true testament to Turkmen craftsmanship.
  • Akhalteke Horse Stables: Discover the pride of Turkmenistan—Akhalteke horses. Learn about their unique history and cultural significance, renowned for their beauty and endurance.
  • Gulistan Bazaar: Immerse yourself in local culture at one of the largest markets in Ashgabat, offering fresh produce, spices, and handmade souvenirs.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ashgabat / Dashoguz (Uzbekistan border)

Option1: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel (check in on time). Overnight at hotel.

Option2: Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border ‘Shavat’. Transfer to your hotel in Dashoguz (15km). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Darvaza

Breakfast at the hotel. Afternoon drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater, one of the top international tourist destinations. The area is rich in natural gas. Burning over 50 years, Darvaza Gas Crater shines like a pearl in the Karakum desert. One of the most vivid and addictive features of this trip is the fresh air of the desert and experiencing the nomadic life in person. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater hits the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and have a barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape will fascinate you and you will want to come again.

Day 3 - Darvaza – Ashgabat

Picnic-style breakfast in Darvaza. After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat (276km).Afternoon you will have an Ashgabat city tour. You will see the Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium and Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 4 - Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to visit the Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of the cultural centres of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. For example, the museum has the smallest carpet to wear keys, as well as the world’s largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records. Then drive to visit Horse Stable to see a national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Afternoon, visit Gulistan Baazar (Russian Bazaar), which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets and a must-visit for any traveller to Ashgabat. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. There are also stalls selling spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor of the bazaar is home to a variety of shops selling clothing, and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 - Departure

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the flight home.
Optional: Morning flight to Dashoguz or Turkmenabat, followed by transfer to the Turkmen/Uzbek border near Khiva (from Dashoguz) or Bukhara (from Turkmenabat). (additional 110 USD p/p)

What's included / excluded

The tour price includes

  • Letter of Invitation in Turkmenistan
  • Accommodation in DBL/Twin room:
    Sport hotel – 2 night
    Dashoguz Hotel – 1 night
  • Stantrips Yurt camp (Tent/Yurt) stay – 1 night (incl sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light)
  • Escort guide services
  • Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles and 4x4 where terrain requires
  • Entrance fee: per program
  • Meals: BF at hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza
  • 1.5 L water per person per day
  • Travel tax

The tour price doesn't include

  • International flights
  • Cost of Turkmen visa & border fees (85 – 100 USD)
  • PCR test (33-35 USD)
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Payment for photos and videos in UNESCO sites & museums
  • Meals: L & D
  • Medical insurance
  • Services not shown in the program
  • Pricing is based on shared accommodation. A single supplement fee (105 USD) will be required if no suitable roommate is found, and the single supplement is only applicable in hotels.

Trip map

Dates & Availibility

Mar 14 Availiable $595
Mar 28 Availiable $595
Apr 11 Availiable $595
Apr 25 Availiable $595
May 9 Availiable $595
May 23 Availiable $595
Jun 6 Availiable $595
Jun 20 Availiable $595
Jul 4 Availiable $595
Aug 15 Availiable $595
Aug 29 Availiable $595
Sep 5 Availiable $595
Sep 15 Availiable $595
Oct 3 Availiable $595
Oct 17 Availiable $595
Oct 24 Availiable $595
Nov 7 Availiable $595

Reviews