• Overall

  Join experts in Turkmenistan travel, Koryo Tours, on this epic journey to Central Asia’s most enigmatic and least-visited country, Turkmenistan.

  We will see history unfold as we travel from ruined ancient cities to gleaming modern marble-clad towers. From flaming pits deep in the desert to deep subterranean pools of health-infusing water. We will make sure to visit the main sites during our time in Turkmenistan, such as Ashgabat and the Darvaza Gas Crater (Gates of Hell), but also take you off the beaten path to really experience and understand Turkmenistan.

  Meet local people, and learn about their lives and history; their differences and commonalities.

  We look forward to sharing it with you in Turkmenistan!

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  If dates don’t suit you, check out our Turkmenistan tour in October, or contact us to organise a private tour.

  Scroll down for an overview of the Turkmenistan Tour highlights, tour itinerary, transport options, Turkmenistan visa information, and extra add-ons.

  Highlights

  • Ashgabat | Marvel at the World's largest collection of marble buildings. Like 'Pyongyang meets Las Vegas'!
  • Darvaza Gas Crater | Also known as the 'Gates of Hell', it is a wonderfully hypnotic sight. It is one of the strangest and most spectacular things you will possibly ever get to see!
  • Konye-Urgench | A UNESCO-listed testament to the Silk Road’s golden age.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 9

  1. May 8 | Saturday

     Arrival in Ashgabat

     • For those who arrived in Turkmenistan earlier, there will be an optional walking tour around Ashgabat this afternoon. We'll see some architecture, local markets, and a slice of local life.

     Flights to Ashgabat

     • Arrive at Ashgabad International Airport (ASB) from a handful of international destinations.
        
     • Airport pickups will be arranged wherever you fly in from.

     Welcome group dinner

     • We start our tour with a group dinner of some excellent local food, coordination, and a briefing session, before the adventure ahead!
        

     Accommodation | Sports Hotel, Ashgabat

     Built for the 2017 Asian indoor martial arts game, this well-located and modern hotel allows access to malls, shops, and restaurants. It provides guests with quality facilities in a fascinating part of the city.

     Included Meals | Dinner

  2. May 9 | Sunday

     Ashgabat City Tour

     • Tolkuchka Bazaar | The nation's largest market, built outside the city and home to various sections selling household goods, clothes, the famous Turkmen carpets, camels, other animals, and much more!
        
     • Ashgabat Hippodrome | Sunday is a day at the races, with the sacred Ahal-Teke horses in full display.
        
     • Cooking course | For today's lunch, we attend a local restaurant which gives us a tutorial and the opportunity to bake some local Turkmen pies. If it's not for you, don't worry, you'll be able to relax whilst your meal is cooked for you.

     Afternoon city tour of Ashgabat

     • Independence Park and Independence Monument | Constructed to celebrate the independence of Turkmenistan on the 27th of October 1991.
        
     • Monument of Neutrality | From Independence to Neutrality, we go! Our next visit is the Monument of Neutrality built in 1998; a gold statue of Turkmenbashi tops this impressive structure.
        
     • Earthquake Monument and Museum | We hope you’re not too tired of statues just yet as we have a few more to go! Next up, is the Earthquake Monument and Museum.

     A grim reminder of the terrible earthquake that struck Ashgabat in 1948, killing 110,00 people and leveling the city. Both are tastefully presented and very educational.

     • Free evening for a night out in the city.

     Accommodation | Sports Hotel, Ashgabat

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  3. May 10 | Monday

     Bokhurdag and Darvaza Gas Crater

     • Desert adventure! We head off in a fleet of 4x4 vehicles into the deep desert today.

     Bokhurdag

     • Our first stop is the small desert village of Bokhurdag. It is here that we stop to sample the local cuisine and learn a little more about living outside the bright lights of Turkmenistan’s flamboyant capital.

     Desert Trip (Mining History)

     • Once our journey resumes, we’ll continue stopping as we travel to see other examples of the desert’s mining history, visiting two other craters (one filled with water, the other with mud). A perfect pretext for the great Darvaza Gas Crater.

     Darvaza Gas Crater

     • Finally, we arrive at the stunning and unforgettable Darvaza Gas Crater in the center of the country and the scene of a 40-year-old industrial accident that ended with a giant flaming pit burning to this day. A hypnotic sight and one of the strangest and most spectacular things you can possibly see.
        
     • We camp tonight beside the crater as it is best seen at night.
        
     • Our accommodation provides us with the best opportunity to see the burning bit from sunset to sunrise.
        
     • Dinner will be cooked on the spot.

     Accommodation | Camping at the Darvaza Gas Crater

     Camping in the desert with tents, sleeping bags, and roll mats provided. We will also provide tents based on your rooming options.

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. May 11 | Tuesday

     Ashgabat

     • We return to Ashgabat, driving through the morning with a stop at the Basmachi Revolutionary Monument. It was built here as this area was a Basmachi stronghold during the 1920s. The Basmachi were an Islamic group fighting the occupying Soviet forces.

     Free time in Ashgabat at your leisure

     • Once back in the capital the rest of the day is yours to do with as you please.
        
     • You can explore, relax, shop, or take a side trip.
        
     • Drivers are available for hire.
        
     • We and our local guides can give advice on the spot.

     Accommodation | Sports Hotel, Ashgabat

     Included Meals | Breakfast

  5. May 11 | Wednesday

     Dashoguz & Konye-Urgench

     Flight to Dashoguz

     • We take an early morning flight from Ashgabat to the northern city of Dashoguz, in the Uzbek-majority part of the country.

     Dashoguz

     • Dashoguz is a vibrant northern hub located near the Uzbekistan border, originally founded as a vital Silk Road stop. The city is a multicultural centre known for its lively bazaars and unique blend of Turkmen and Uzbek traditions. Today, it serves as the gateway for travellers heading to the ancient UNESCO-listed ruins of Konye-Urgench.
        
     • Dashohuz Bazaar | We will stroll through the local bazaar to observe the daily commerce and regional trade of this northern provincial capital. The market provides a practical look at the distinct Uzbek-influenced culture and traditions that define life in this border region.

     Konye-Urgench

     • A UNESCO-listed archaeological site, representing the remains of the ancient capital of the Khorezm region, once one of the most significant stops on the Silk Road.
        
     • Between the 10^th and 14^th centuries, the city flourished as a major Islamic cultural and commercial centre. Its prominence eventually declined after enduring devastating invasions by Genghis Khan and later Timur, followed by a shift in the Amu Darya river’s course.
        
     • We will explore iconic structures like the 60-meter-tall Kutlug Timur Minaret and the intricately tiled Turabek Khanum Mausoleum. The site also features various ancient tombs and mosques that showcase the evolution of medieval Central Asian architecture.
        
     • In the afternoon, we will return to Dashoguz, where we will spend one night. 

     
     Accommodation | Hotel Uzboy, Dashoguz

     This local hotel may be basic, although there are not many options in this far-flung town. It does offer us the chance to walk out into the local streets and experience life away from the marble city of Ashgabat.

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. May 13 | Thursday

     Nisa Fortress and Ashgabat

     Return to Ashgabat

     • We’ll take another early morning flight back to Ashgabat and get on with some more touring activities straight upon arrival.
     • After a refreshing coffee in one of Ashgabat's new, growing cosmopolitan coffee shops, we'll be on the road for our first visit.

     Nisa Fortress

     • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress of Nisa was the former capital of the mighty Parthian Empire in ancient times.
        
     • We will also visit a stud farm where Ahal-Teke horses are bread. This Turkmen horse breed is considered a heavenly and sacred beast in Turkmenistan. The farm visit will show you why. You can also have a ride on one of the horses if you like.

     Memorial Mosques

     • After lunch, we will visit a couple of large mosques. First, the Geok Deppe Mosque. It was built on the site of a late 19^th-century massacre that marked the beginning of Russian dominance in the region.
     • Then we see the even more massive Gypjak Mosque. This mosque was built on the site of the 1949 Earthquake that devastated the city. This is also home to the Turkmenbashi Mausoleum, which we will visit.
     •  Back to the city for a relaxing evening before beginning the final day of this adventure!
     Accommodation | Sports Hotel, Ashgabat
      
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  7. May 14 | Friday

     Ashgabat City Exploration

     Morning at Leisure

     • The morning is free for independent exploration, final shopping, or relaxation. We will reconvene in the afternoon for the final leg of the tour.

     National Museum

     • The National Museum showcases Turkmenistan's history and cultural heritage through extensive collections of ancient artefacts, art, and ethnographic exhibits.

     Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre

     • We visit the Alem Centre to see the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel. This distinct structure offers a unique perspective on the city's modern architectural style.

     Evening City Tour

     • The day concludes with an evening drive to view the city's marble architecture and nighttime illuminations. We will stop at various viewpoints for photography before our final group dinner.
     Accommodation | Sports Hotel, Ashgabat
      
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Dinner

  8. May 15 | Saturday

     Departure

     • Airport transfers are provided to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) for everyone regardless of the time of flight or where they are flying.

     Included Meals | Breakfast

     End of Tour

     OR

     Optional Mary and Margush Extension (+650 EUR)

     Mary and Margush

     • Flight from Ashgabat to Mary International Airport (MYP) on Turkmenistan Airlines domestic flight.
        
     • Mary is in the center of the country and the nearest city to the ancient Silk Road metropolis of Merv.
        
     • Gonur-Deppe (Margush) is another ancient city in this area with some lovely extent architectural features.
        
     • Back to Mary City and explore this modern town, mix with the locals, and go to parks, bars, etc as you like. A sleepy area with welcoming and friendly locals.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Mary

     Included Meals | Breakfast

  9. May 16 | Sunday

     Optional Mary and Margush Extension

     Ancient Merv

     • Excursion to Ancient Merv, probably the most important city in the world at certain times of its history.
        
     • At this place, you will learn a great deal about the history of Central Asia, the rise and fall of dynasties and cities, the Silk Road, and human civilization in this part of the world in general.
        
     • This vast area is roamed by animals, explorers, extant buildings, and ruins all contributing to a sense of the dynamism of the ancient Silk Road.

     Return to Ashgabat

     • Fly back to Ashgabat for a final rest or night out before departure.
        
     • Please let us know if you wish to book an extra night in Ashgabat.

     Included Meals | Breakfast

     End of Tour Extension

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Turkmenistan

    The default rooming option for this tour is shared hotel room or tent (one night). Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $50 USD per night

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • English-speaking local guide
  • Koryo Tours tour leader
  • Accommodation
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary
  • All transportation in the country, including internal flights and airport transfers
  • All included sightseeing
  • All taxes and entrance fees to protected areas

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Optional single supplement ($50 USD per night)
  • Optional extension to Merv ($650 USD)
  • Visa issuing fee ($80-$140 USD, depending on nationality)
  • Extra nights at the hotel in Ashgabat ($120 USD)
  • International flights to and from Turkmenistan

• Notes

  How To Apply

  Simply click on the application button listed with this tour and fill out the online form. Upload a passport copy and photo (or send it to us by email) and you can consider yourself booked on this adventure!
  
  For any questions or comments about this trip get in touch with Rich Beal at [email protected].
  
  We ask for applications to be completed a minimum of one month in advance of the tour, ideally six weeks or more if possible.
  
  Please note that you must apply at least 4 weeks before the tour departure date as the Letter of Invitation (LOI) that we need to obtain in order to facilitate the visa can take several days to be issued by the Turkmenistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  
  Please also indicate where you plan to join the tour from and where you are headed after the tour. We can offer advice on this. Drop us a line to discuss.
  
  We also require a deposit to be paid at this time as we start taking on administrative costs as well as an obligation to pay for the visa invitation as soon as we send off an application.

  We ask for a deposit of 50% of the tour fee.

  
  Turkmenistan Visa

  Please note that for this tour you are required to pay the fee for the issuance of the visa yourself.
  
  Koryo Tours will provide you with a Letter of Invitation (LOI) which acts as a guarantee of a visa and the actual issuance of the visa itself is a matter of procedure from this point on.
  
  Due to the extended amount of time that it takes to have a visa authorized and sent to an Embassy of Turkmenistan, it is much simpler to collect the visa on arrival at Ashgabat Airport or any other point of entry to the country.
  
  The fee payable on arrival varies according to your nationality. It ranges between $50-$150 USD.
  
  Visa on arrival is payable in cash only.
  
  The visa is stamped in your passport and is the same as it would be if issued at a Turkmen Embassy.
  
  If you would prefer to have it issued at the Turkmenistan Embassy in your home country or have any questions at all about the visa process, please contact us early!
  
  The LOI will be issued to coordinate as closely as possible with the tour dates.

  If you need extra days at each end of your journey, please do let us know in advance of your application.
  
  To read in detail about the Turkmenistan visa-issuing process and its complexities, please read our blog post on Turkmen visas here.

  
  Flights to Turkmenistan

  If you are joining the tour from somewhere other than Beijing and buying a ticket via our offices we email the e-ticket voucher to you. If anyone else is joining the tour from your place of departure we will inform you so that you can meet up on the way to join the tour.
  
  If you are purchasing your own flight ticket via alternate airlines or agents we need these flight details as soon as possible.
  
  It is entirely possible to join the tour by flying in from other destinations. We can also accommodate people joining the tour after entering by land or sea.
  
  A range of exit methods are available to those joining this tour.

  
  Cancellation and Refunds

  The deposit is non-refundable if the tourist cancels himself.
  
  If however, we cannot arrange visas or for whatever reason, it is not possible to travel at the specified time and you cannot make rescheduled dates, a full refund will be made.
  
  Should the client wish to cancel after the visa application has been made, charges imposed on us will be paid out of the 50% deposit with the balance being returned to the client.
  
  If you have paid in full we will return 50% plus the balance of what is left after the cancellation fee we pay to our partners in Turkmenistan.
  
  If you book and cancel a plane ticket through us, we charge only the airline’s cancellation fee.
  
  In all cases, we return as much as we can and we do not take a fee for client's cancellation.
  
  Please be sure that you will definitely be joining the tour when you send all application details.
  
  Please note that we can not accept any liability for delayed flights and any issues associated with times in relation to Letters of Invitations.

Please apply by 1st April, 2026.