Private Travel
Turkmenistan
Private
Private Tour
Dashoguz to Ashgabat – 9 Days
Explore Turkmenistan on this 9-day tour that takes you from the northern city of Dashoguz to the burning Gates of Hell in the Karakum Desert, onward to the white marble capital Ashgabat, and east to Mary and Merv. Begin at the Uzbekistan border, where your local guide will assist with a smooth crossing into one of Central Asia’s least-explored nations. Visit the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, once a key stop on the Silk Road, and camp under the stars beside the flaming gas crater of Darvaza, a surreal sight in the desert night.
Continue to Damla, a desert village where camels still roam and life follows the rhythms of nature. In Ashgabat, see futuristic buildings and grand monuments before heading to the ruins of Abiverd, the Bronze Age site of Gonur Depe, and the historic cities of Mary and Merv, both rich in archaeological heritage. Learn about Turkmenistan’s past and present—from ancient empires to its iconic Akhal-Teke horses and modern-day identity. This Turkmenistan tour offers a deep and memorable look at a country shaped by time, trade, and tradition, all within a professionally guided and well-organised itinerary.
FLAMES OF THE KARAKUM DESERT: GATES OF HELL: Visit the famous Gates of Hell in the heart of the Karakum desert. Watch the burning gas crater at night—an unforgettable sight under the stars. This surreal stop on your Turkmenistan tour includes a nomadic dinner and desert camping, making it one of the journey’s most thrilling highlights.
ANCIENT CITIES AND SILK ROAD WONDERS: Explore the UNESCO site of Kunya-Urgench, the ancient cities of Merv, and the archaeological ruins of Gonur Depe. These stops reveal Turkmenistan’s rich past as a crossroads of the Silk Road, where empires rose and fell. Discover ancient mosques, citadels, and one of Central Asia’s most important archaeological sites.
CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS IN DAMLA VILLAGE: Drive across sand dunes to Damla, a remote desert village where life remains traditional. Ride camels and sleep in a national house for a true cultural experience. This stop brings you close to local life in the desert and showcases the beauty and simplicity of rural Turkmenistan.
WHITE MARBLE CITY & AKHAL-TEKE HORSES: In Ashgabat, marvel at the gleaming white marble buildings and grand monuments. Visit Old Nisa and Kipchak Mosque to trace the country’s transformation from ancient to modern. Optional visits around the capital may include seeing the elegant Akhal-Teke horses, a proud national symbol of Turkmenistan’s heritage.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Private Travel
Moderate
Premium
Turkmenistan's Desert Wonders is a 9-day adventure through ancient cities, vast deserts, and modern marvels. Discover UNESCO sites, the flaming Gates of Hell, and remote desert villages. From archaeological ruins to white-marble Ashgabat, this tour reveals the rich history, culture, and surreal beauty of Turkmenistan with expert guidance throughout.
Your Turkmenistan adventure starts at the Uzbekistan border, where after customs you meet your guide and drive to Dashoguz. Located in the north of Turkmenistan, 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.
After breakfast in Dashoguz you’ll drive to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO site that was a key city along the old Silk Road and 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 burning, flaming gas 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.
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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. In Damla, camels are an integral part of traditional desert life, used for transport, trade, and connecting the village to nearby markets. 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.
From Damla you’ll drive through the diverse land of Turkmenistan, witnessing the changing landscapes as you make your way 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.
Drive east along the ancient Silk Road to Bagabad and see the remains of a Timurid citadel and the Seyit Jemaleddin mosque. Then continue to Mary, where you can discover ancient cities like Merv, once a thriving center of the Parthian Empire. These cities enjoyed great wealth and prosperity due to their strategic location on the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. The historical and architectural influences of Mary and Merv extended into neighboring Iran and Afghanistan, shaping the region's development during the Islamic period. Here you’ll explore the city’s history and stay overnight to soak up the Turkmen heritage.
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.
Before returning to Ashgabat the day is dedicated to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the Silk Road. Ancient Merv was historically renowned as a crossroads of major trade routes, connecting north, south, east, and west, which contributed to its significance as a strategic trading hub. 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.
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.
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.
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 tour is carefully crafted to provide visitors with a comprehensive experience of Turkmenistan's history, culture, and landscapes, ensuring that every traveler can fully appreciate what the country has to offer.
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.
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.
During the trip, you will have the chance to hike to scenic viewpoints and natural attractions such as canyons, waterfalls, and caves. In the evenings, watch the sunset over the desert or canyon landscapes, taking in the vivid colours and breathtaking views.
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.
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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Discover Turkmenistan's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes on a 6-day tour, from the modern marvels of Ashgabat to the ancient ruins of Merv and the traditional life in Bokurdak.
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
