12-Day Ultimate Turkmenistan Expedition: Silk Road, Canyons & Dinosaur Tracks
Route: Shavat - Kunya-Urgench - Darvaza - Ashgabat - Nokhur - Dehistan - Turkmenbashi - Yangykala - Ashgabat (Train) - Merv - Kerki (Train) - Koytendag - Turkmenabat - Dayahatun - Farap
The complete 12-day Turkmenistan adventure from Shavat to Farap. Explore UNESCO sites Kunya-Urgench & Merv, the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, Yangykala Canyons, and the remote Koytendag dinosaur tracks. Includes the Caspian Sea and authentic overnight train journeys.
12
days
3
groups
0
options
Available Departure Dates
3 open groups
22.04.2026
00:00
4 / 4
seats
Available
1
person:
$877
4
people:
$472
15.05.2026
00:00
4 / 4
seats
Available
1
person:
$877
4
people:
$472
17.06.2026
00:00
4 / 4
seats
Available
1
person:
$877
4
people:
$472
What is included
- Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors.
- Accommodation in standard hotel rooms: twin rooms shared by same-gender guests; double rooms for couples; single rooms arranged when needed (other room categories on request).
- Private transport and English-speaking guide for the days and routes specified in your itinerary.
- All expenses of your driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, meeting you at the border and seeing you off at the border.
- Daily breakfasts during the tour.
- Dinner and overnight in a yurt at the Darvaza gas crater and at Gozli Ata (if included in your itinerary).
- Entrance fees and photography permits for museums and attractions visited with your guide.
- Travel insurance.
- All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour.
- The tour usually starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (other pick-up or drop-off points can be arranged on request).
What is not included
- Visa and other border fees are not included. The visa can be obtained either at the embassy or at the border.
- International flights and any transport to/from Turkmenistan at the start and end of the tour.
- Meals not included in the program (estimated 3–8 USD per meal per person, depending on the location and restaurant).
- Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated).
- Drones (not allowed in Turkmenistan).
- Entrance fees. meal costs and photo fees at the Turkmen Ojagy Ethnographic Complex (if included in your itinerary).
Tour program
* 10:00 AM: Meet and greet at the Turkmen side of the Shavat Border Checkpoint.
* Departure for Kunya-Urgench (approx. 95 km), the ancient capital of the Khorezm Shahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
* Traditional lunch in Kunya-Urgench.
* Full guided tour of the historical park:
Kutlug-Timur Minaret (The tallest in Central Asia).
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum (Famous for its exquisite ceiling mosaic).
Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan.
Caravansaray Gate
* Return to Dashoguz.
* A short evening city tour of Dashoguz, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
* Overnight: Hotel in Dashoguz.
* Departure for Kunya-Urgench (approx. 95 km), the ancient capital of the Khorezm Shahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
* Traditional lunch in Kunya-Urgench.
* Full guided tour of the historical park:
Kutlug-Timur Minaret (The tallest in Central Asia).
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum (Famous for its exquisite ceiling mosaic).
Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan.
Caravansaray Gate
* Return to Dashoguz.
* A short evening city tour of Dashoguz, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
* Overnight: Hotel in Dashoguz.
* 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
* Visit the Bai Bazaar. A great opportunity to experience local life.
* Drive to the ancient Izmukshir Fortress (approx. 25 km). Explore the impressive ruins of this Parthian-era fortress, also known as the birthplace of the great philosopher Al-Zamakhshari.
* Begin the journey to the Karakum Desert (~300 km). We will stop at roadside teahouses.
* Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell").
* Sunset photography followed by a BBQ Dinner near the burning crater. The view is most spectacular after dark.
* Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen Yurt at the crater campsite.
* Visit the Bai Bazaar. A great opportunity to experience local life.
* Drive to the ancient Izmukshir Fortress (approx. 25 km). Explore the impressive ruins of this Parthian-era fortress, also known as the birthplace of the great philosopher Al-Zamakhshari.
* Begin the journey to the Karakum Desert (~300 km). We will stop at roadside teahouses.
* Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell").
* Sunset photography followed by a BBQ Dinner near the burning crater. The view is most spectacular after dark.
* Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen Yurt at the crater campsite.
* Breakfast at the camp and optional pre-dawn sunrise visit to the crater for final photos.
* Drive from Darvaza to Ashgabat.
* En route: Short photo stops at the Water and Mud Craters. Experience these unique natural desert bubbles before leaving the Karakum sands.
* Arrival and Ashgabat City Tour: A flexible program tailored to your arrival and departure times. The final itinerary depends on your personal preferences, your guide’s professional advice, and the time available in your schedule. We will visit as many landmarks as possible, ensuring a perfect balance of history, culture, and modern architecture.
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
* Drive from Darvaza to Ashgabat.
* En route: Short photo stops at the Water and Mud Craters. Experience these unique natural desert bubbles before leaving the Karakum sands.
* Arrival and Ashgabat City Tour: A flexible program tailored to your arrival and departure times. The final itinerary depends on your personal preferences, your guide’s professional advice, and the time available in your schedule. We will visit as many landmarks as possible, ensuring a perfect balance of history, culture, and modern architecture.
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
* After breakfast Ashgabat City Tour: A flexible program tailored to your arrival and departure times. The final itinerary depends on your personal preferences, your guide’s professional advice, and the time available in your schedule. We will visit as many landmarks as possible, ensuring a perfect balance of history, culture, and modern architecture.
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
* Departure from Ashgabat.
* Kow Ata Underground Lake: * Activity: Swimming in the thermal lake.
* Drive to Nokhur.
* Nokhur Village (Lunch & Sightseeing): * Visit: The "Kyz Bibi" shrine and the unique goat-horn cemetery.
* Lunch in Nokur village
* Drive to the Sumbar Valley (Moon Mountains): Sunset Photo Stop.
* Arrival in Gyzylarbat and check-in at a hotel.
* Overnight: Hotel in Gyzylarbat.
* Kow Ata Underground Lake: * Activity: Swimming in the thermal lake.
* Drive to Nokhur.
* Nokhur Village (Lunch & Sightseeing): * Visit: The "Kyz Bibi" shrine and the unique goat-horn cemetery.
* Lunch in Nokur village
* Drive to the Sumbar Valley (Moon Mountains): Sunset Photo Stop.
* Arrival in Gyzylarbat and check-in at a hotel.
* Overnight: Hotel in Gyzylarbat.
* Departure towards Dehistan.
* Arrival at Dehistan (Mashat-Misrian): Explore the two 25-meter minarets and the remains of the Khorezmshah-era mosque portals. Walk through the "Rabat" (craftsmen’s quarters) and see the ruins of the caravanserais.
* Drive to Mashat Necropolis (Shir-Kabir): Drive 7 km north to visit the oldest standing mosque in Turkmenistan (10th century). It is a sacred pilgrimage site.
* A picnic lunch at the site.
* Departure for Turkmenbashi.
* Arrival in Turkmenbashi and hotel check-in.
* Dinner and leisurely walk in Turkmenbashi.
* Overnight: Hotel in Turkmenbashi.
* Arrival at Dehistan (Mashat-Misrian): Explore the two 25-meter minarets and the remains of the Khorezmshah-era mosque portals. Walk through the "Rabat" (craftsmen’s quarters) and see the ruins of the caravanserais.
* Drive to Mashat Necropolis (Shir-Kabir): Drive 7 km north to visit the oldest standing mosque in Turkmenistan (10th century). It is a sacred pilgrimage site.
* A picnic lunch at the site.
* Departure for Turkmenbashi.
* Arrival in Turkmenbashi and hotel check-in.
* Dinner and leisurely walk in Turkmenbashi.
* Overnight: Hotel in Turkmenbashi.
* Departure from Turkmenbashi.
* Yangykala Canyons: Viewing the "Crocodile's Mouth" and the plateau rim.
* Gozli Ata: The mausoleum of the "All-Seeing Father.
* Lunch: A quick picnic at the pilgrim house.
* Kemal Ata (The "Bonus" Stop): See the volcanic spherical rocks and the desert spring.
* Drive to Balkanabat.
* Arrival at Balkanabat Station: Board overnight train departuring for Ashgabat at 18:52.
* Yangykala Canyons: Viewing the "Crocodile's Mouth" and the plateau rim.
* Gozli Ata: The mausoleum of the "All-Seeing Father.
* Lunch: A quick picnic at the pilgrim house.
* Kemal Ata (The "Bonus" Stop): See the volcanic spherical rocks and the desert spring.
* Drive to Balkanabat.
* Arrival at Balkanabat Station: Board overnight train departuring for Ashgabat at 18:52.
* 05:35 – Arrival in Ashgabat: Meet at the Ashgabat Train Station.
* Enjoy a revitalizing break at a local hammam.
* After breakfast departure from Ashgabat heading to Mary/Merv.
* Full Guided Tour of Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece, once the largest building in the Islamic world.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: The iconic "corrugated" mud-brick desert fortresses (7th–12th centuries).
Askhabs Mausoleums: Visit the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Hakim ibn Jabir and Buraidah ibn Al-Husaib).
Ancient Hammam & Sardoba: Discover the remains of medieval public baths and the sophisticated water storage systems of the desert.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala: Climb the ancient citadels for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park.
* Drive to the Turkmen Ojagy ethnographic complex near the ruins of Merv for a traditional lunch and folklore show:
Alabay & Camels: Meet the majestic Alabay dogs, the national pride of Turkmenistan, and take photos with the Bactrian camels.
National Dress: Access a collection of authentic Turkmen costumes. Try on the Telpek (sheepskin hats) and silver-adorned robes for a photo session in a traditional yurt.
Bread-Baking Master Class: Get hands-on experience at the Tamdyr (clay oven), learning the ancient art of baking Chorek (Turkmen flatbread).
* Transition from the ruins of the past to the comfort of the present with a relaxed evening in Mary city, enjoying a farewell regional dinner before your overnight rail journey to the mountains of the south.
* Board overnight train departuring for Kerki at 21:17.
* Enjoy a revitalizing break at a local hammam.
* After breakfast departure from Ashgabat heading to Mary/Merv.
* Full Guided Tour of Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece, once the largest building in the Islamic world.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: The iconic "corrugated" mud-brick desert fortresses (7th–12th centuries).
Askhabs Mausoleums: Visit the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Hakim ibn Jabir and Buraidah ibn Al-Husaib).
Ancient Hammam & Sardoba: Discover the remains of medieval public baths and the sophisticated water storage systems of the desert.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala: Climb the ancient citadels for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park.
* Drive to the Turkmen Ojagy ethnographic complex near the ruins of Merv for a traditional lunch and folklore show:
Alabay & Camels: Meet the majestic Alabay dogs, the national pride of Turkmenistan, and take photos with the Bactrian camels.
National Dress: Access a collection of authentic Turkmen costumes. Try on the Telpek (sheepskin hats) and silver-adorned robes for a photo session in a traditional yurt.
Bread-Baking Master Class: Get hands-on experience at the Tamdyr (clay oven), learning the ancient art of baking Chorek (Turkmen flatbread).
* Transition from the ruins of the past to the comfort of the present with a relaxed evening in Mary city, enjoying a farewell regional dinner before your overnight rail journey to the mountains of the south.
* Board overnight train departuring for Kerki at 21:17.
* Transfer from the train to your vehicle.
* Early breakfast and start sightseeing of Kerki:
Old Town Walk: Walk through the center to see the 19th-century Russian Imperial brick architecture. Kerki is one of the few places in Turkmenistan where this historical "Silk Road town" vibe is still preserved.
Amu Darya Riverside: A short visit to the banks of the Amu Darya. In winter, the river is calm and the morning light is perfect for photos of the local fishermen and the vast river landscape.
* Lunch: Kerki is famous for its fresh Amu Darya fish (fried or in soup). This is the best place in the country to eat it.
* Drive toward Koyten village (~185 km).
* Nature Stop: Gaynar Baba sulfur spring (located right on the route) for a brief rest and photos.
* Arrival: Settle in at the guesthouse in Koytendag.
* Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or base in Koytendag.
* Early breakfast and start sightseeing of Kerki:
Old Town Walk: Walk through the center to see the 19th-century Russian Imperial brick architecture. Kerki is one of the few places in Turkmenistan where this historical "Silk Road town" vibe is still preserved.
Amu Darya Riverside: A short visit to the banks of the Amu Darya. In winter, the river is calm and the morning light is perfect for photos of the local fishermen and the vast river landscape.
* Lunch: Kerki is famous for its fresh Amu Darya fish (fried or in soup). This is the best place in the country to eat it.
* Drive toward Koyten village (~185 km).
* Nature Stop: Gaynar Baba sulfur spring (located right on the route) for a brief rest and photos.
* Arrival: Settle in at the guesthouse in Koytendag.
* Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or base in Koytendag.
* After breakfast, begin your guided exploration of the Koytendag mountain region.
* Dinosaur Plateau (Hojapil): Visit the world-renowned limestone plateau in the morning light. View over 300 fossilized dinosaur tracks—the largest collection of its kind.
* Umbar Dere Gorge: Walk through the narrow, high-walled canyon to see the scenic waterfall.
* Kyrk Gyz Cave: Visit the sacred "Forty Girls" pilgrimage cave, famous for its unique atmosphere and thousands of cloth stalactites.
* Cultural Experience: "Goat Massage" (traditional local experience) if time permits between nature sites.
* Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a meal amidst the spectacular mountain scenery.
* Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or base in Koytendag.
* Dinosaur Plateau (Hojapil): Visit the world-renowned limestone plateau in the morning light. View over 300 fossilized dinosaur tracks—the largest collection of its kind.
* Umbar Dere Gorge: Walk through the narrow, high-walled canyon to see the scenic waterfall.
* Kyrk Gyz Cave: Visit the sacred "Forty Girls" pilgrimage cave, famous for its unique atmosphere and thousands of cloth stalactites.
* Cultural Experience: "Goat Massage" (traditional local experience) if time permits between nature sites.
* Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a meal amidst the spectacular mountain scenery.
* Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or base in Koytendag.
* Departure from Koytendag.
* Heritage Stop:
Astana Baba Mausoleum: Explore this unique 11th–12th-century complex, famous for its "miraculous" water and interconnected tombs.
Alamberdar Mausoleum: Visit the largest standing Seljuk-era monument in the region, known for its magnificent brickwork.
Idris Baba Madrasah: Pay respects at the site where the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy once studied.
* Drive to Turkmenabat.
* Amul Fortress (Amul-Gala): Arrive at the outskirts of Turkmenabat to see the ancient Silk Road fortress.
* Hotel Check-in: and dinner.
* Short Night Tour (optional): A drive through the illuminated center of Turkmenabat, seeing the modern architecture and city lights of Turkmenistan’s second-largest city.
* Overnight: Hotel in Turkmenabat.
* Heritage Stop:
Astana Baba Mausoleum: Explore this unique 11th–12th-century complex, famous for its "miraculous" water and interconnected tombs.
Alamberdar Mausoleum: Visit the largest standing Seljuk-era monument in the region, known for its magnificent brickwork.
Idris Baba Madrasah: Pay respects at the site where the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy once studied.
* Drive to Turkmenabat.
* Amul Fortress (Amul-Gala): Arrive at the outskirts of Turkmenabat to see the ancient Silk Road fortress.
* Hotel Check-in: and dinner.
* Short Night Tour (optional): A drive through the illuminated center of Turkmenabat, seeing the modern architecture and city lights of Turkmenistan’s second-largest city.
* Overnight: Hotel in Turkmenabat.
* Early departure north toward the remote Dayahatun Caravanserai.
* Dayahatun Caravanserai (The Architectural Masterpiece): Explore the 11th-century Seljuk ruins.
* Return to Turkmenabat: Drive back through local villages and cotton fields.
* Lebap Regional Museum: Visit the museum to see the ethnographic and archaeological collections of the Amu Darya region.
* Amu Darya River: Enjoy a photo stop by the majestic Amu Darya, the largest river in Central Asia, on your way toward the border.
* Drive to Farap and drop-off at Farap border (Turkmen side; escort through formalities as per permit).
* End of Tour.
* Dayahatun Caravanserai (The Architectural Masterpiece): Explore the 11th-century Seljuk ruins.
* Return to Turkmenabat: Drive back through local villages and cotton fields.
* Lebap Regional Museum: Visit the museum to see the ethnographic and archaeological collections of the Amu Darya region.
* Amu Darya River: Enjoy a photo stop by the majestic Amu Darya, the largest river in Central Asia, on your way toward the border.
* Drive to Farap and drop-off at Farap border (Turkmen side; escort through formalities as per permit).
* End of Tour.
