9 days

From £3,090

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Trip Type

Private Travel

Destinations

Turkmenistan

Group Size

Private

Reserve Online Or Call 0208 350 6199

Private Tour

Turkmenistan's Desert Wonders: An Epic Journey

Dashoguz to Ashgabat – 9 Days

Expedition Overview

Take this 9 -days tour of Turkmenistan: travelling from Dashoguz to the Karakum Desert and Ashgabat. This journey takes you through the old and the new, showing you the country’s culture, history and natural beauty. We start at the Uzbekistan border, then into the medieval mysteries of Kunya-Urgench, camp beside the Darvaza Gas Crater and explore traditional life in the desert village of Damla.

The adventure continues with urban elegance of Ashgabat, historical Mary and Merv and archaeological Gonur Depe. Each step of the journey gives you a different perspective on Turkmenistan’s past and present, from Bronze Age civilisations to modernity. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Turkmenistan's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.


Highlights

KUNYA-URGENCH: Step back in time at Kunya-Urgench, the ancient capital of the Khorezmshah Empire, where stunning mosques and mausoleums tell the story of architectural and historical significance in Central Asia.

DARVAZA GAS CRATER: Marvel at the Darvaza Gas Crater's breathtaking flames, also known as the Door to Hell, casting a mesmerizing glow under the vast, starlit desert sky, offering a unique spectacle in Turkmenistan.

ASHGABATS MARBLE WONDERS: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, with its white marble buildings, monuments and museums showing off the city’s modernity and grandeur.

ANCIENT CITY OF MERV: Explore the ancient city of Merv, a corner of the Silk Road, a journey through one of the oldest and best preserved urban centres, revealing centuries of history and culture.

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Why Asian Geographical?

The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.

DAY 1

Dashoguz

Your Turkmenistan adventure starts at the Uzbekistan border, where after customs you meet your guide and drive to Dashoguz. This northern capital is your introduction to the country’s culture and history. Check into your hotel and have the evening to relax and get ready for the days of discovery ahead, to immerse yourself in the unknown of this mysterious country.


DAY 2

Darvaza (Door to Hell)

After breakfast in Dashoguz you’ll drive to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO site that tells the story of the Khorezmshah Empire through its ruins. Your exploration here bridges the past with the surreal present as you cross the Karakum desert to Darvaza. See the crater at night, a natural gas pit on fire in the middle of the desert, under the starlit sky. Evening nomadic dinner and camping near this natural wonder.


Darvaza (Door to Hell)

DAY 3

Damla

Breakfast at Darvaza then drive deeper into the Karakum desert to Damla. This journey through takyrs and dunes is a testament to the beauty of Turkmenistan’s landscapes. Damla, a village untouched by time, gives you a glimpse into rural life in the desert, overnight in a national house for a cultural experience.


DAY 4

Ashgabat

From Damla you’ll drive to Ashgabat, a city famous for its white marble architecture. En route a stop at Yerbent shows you the contrast between traditional and modern desert life. Arrive in Ashgabat and have the late afternoon and evening to explore the city, from its streets to its monuments, before checking into your hotel.


DAY 5

Mary & Merv

Drive east along the ancient Silk Road to Bagabad and see the remains of a Timurid citadel and the Seyit Jemaleddin mosque. Then to Mary, a site of great archaeological importance in the Karakum desert. Here you’ll explore the city’s history and stay overnight to soak up the Turkmen heritage.


Mary & Merv

DAY 6

Mary & Merv

From Mary you’ll drive to Gonur Depe to see the Bronze Age civilization of the Margush country. This archaeological site allows you to connect with the ancient world through its ruins and relics. After lunch you’ll return to Mary and visit the local history museum to get more insight into Turkmenistan’s past.


DAY 7

Ashgabat

Before returning to Ashgabat the day is dedicated to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the Silk Road. The drive back to the capital also includes a visit to the ruins of Abiverd, another piece of Turkmenistan’s trading history. Evening in Ashgabat to reflect on the journey.


Ashgabat

DAY 8

Ashgabat

Spend your last full day in Turkmenistan exploring the historical and cultural landmarks of Ashgabat and its surroundings. From the ancient fortress of Old Nisa to the grand mosque in Kipchak, each site visited tells the story of Turkmenistan from ancient empire to modern state. The day sums up Turkmenistan, a complete picture of its heritage before another night in Ashgabat.


DAY 9

Ashgabat Departure

Early morning departure to the airport to end your journey through Turkmenistan. This adventure from the deserts to the capital, from ancient ruins to modern wonders leaves you with memories of a country rich in history, culture and natural beauty ready for your next destination.



The story

This tour was designed to captivate those with a thirst for adventure and a curiosity about the road less travelled.

Inspired by Turkmenistan's blend of historical depth, cultural richness, and natural beauty, we aimed to craft an experience that traverses time—from the ancient Silk Road to the modern marvels of Ashgabat.

The decision to explore UNESCO sites, camp near the Darvaza Gas Crater, and visit both medieval and modern locales was driven by a desire to showcase the diverse tapestry of Turkmen life and landscapes. 

This expedition is perfect for adventurers interested in activities that span cultural exploration, nature, and history.
 


What To Expect

Our expedition services offer a comprehensive, worry-free experience across Turkmenistan. From comfortable accommodations in Ashgabat to camping under the stars near the Darvaza Gas Crater, every detail is meticulously planned. 

Enjoy guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, immersive cultural encounters in medieval villages, and insightful explorations of the white-marbled capital. 

Transportation is provided through scenic desert routes, ensuring a seamless journey across this captivating landscape. 

With our expert guides leading the way, travellers can expect a journey filled with discovery, learning, and unforgettable memories.

Dates & Prices

Date
Double
Single

Date

1 Jun - 01 Jun, 2025 Reserve online

Prices From

£3,090 pp

Ship

N/A

Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.

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