VENTURE TURKMENISTAN

Full itinerary*

The itinerary may be subject to minor adjustments depending on local conditions, timing and operational requirements.

Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat

Arrival in Ashgabat in the early morning and welcome at the airport.

After some time to rest, we begin exploring the capital — a city of white marble, monumental architecture and striking contrasts. Visits include ancient Nisa, the Turkmenbashy Mosque and key landmarks that define modern Turkmenistan.

In the evening, we head out again to see Ashgabat illuminated at night — an almost surreal experience.

Overnight in Ashgabat at AkAltyn Hotel.

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Day 2 — Ancient Merv & the Silk Road

We leave Ashgabat and travel east toward Mary, stopping along the way at historical sites including Anau and the remains of the ancient Silk Road settlement of Abiverd.

In the afternoon, we explore Merv, once one of the largest cities in the world and a major crossroads of the Silk Road. Its vast archaeological complex reveals centuries of trade, conquest and empire.

Overnight in Mary at Mary Hotel.

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Day 3 — Gonur Depe & Overnight Train

We head deeper into the Karakum Desert to reach Gonur Depe, an extraordinary Bronze Age archaeological site and one of Turkmenistan’s lesser-known historical treasures.

We explore its ancient palaces, temples and archaeological remains before returning to Mary, with additional historical stops along the way.

In the evening, we board a sleeper train for an overnight journey across Turkmenistan to Ashgabat.

Overnight on our first sleeper train.

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Day 4 — Mountain Villages & Desert Landscapes

From Ashgabat, we travel west toward Balkanabat, crossing changing landscapes along the way.

We visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm — home to Turkmenistan’s prized national breed — before continuing to Kow Ata, an underground cave lake, and the remote mountain village of Nohur.

Overnight in Balkanabat at Nebitchi Hotel.

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Day 5 — Canyons of Yangykala

We set out across the desert toward the spectacular Yangykala Canyon, where multicolored cliffs rise dramatically from an otherwise empty landscape.

We explore the canyon and visit the remote Gozli Ata mausoleum before returning to Balkanabat.

In the evening, we board our second sleeper train for the overnight journey back to Ashgabat.

Overnight on the sleeper train.

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Day 6 — Into the Karakum & Darwaza

After arriving back in Ashgabat, the morning is free to rest or explore at your own pace.

In the afternoon, we leave the capital behind and drive into the vast Karakum Desert toward the iconic Darwaza Gas Crater — the “Door to Hell” — burning in the middle of the desert.

As darkness falls, we experience the crater at its most impressive before spending the night nearby in traditional yurts under the open desert sky.

Overnight in a traditional yurt in Darwaza.

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Day 7 — Back to Ashgabat

After breakfast in the desert, we make our way back to Ashgabat.

The afternoon is free to relax, explore further, revisit favorite spots or simply observe daily life in one of the world’s most unusual capitals.

Overnight in Ashgabat at AkAltyn Hotel.

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Day 8 — Departure

Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule.

You leave Turkmenistan having crossed the Karakum Desert, explored ancient Silk Road cities and Bronze Age settlements, travelled across the country by sleeper train, stood among the cliffs of Yangykala and watched the flames of Darwaza light up the desert night.​