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Turkmenistan-6-days: offbeat-adventure

Ashgabat-Darvaza-Nokhur

DURATION

6 Days

PRICE PER PERSON

$ onwards

OFF-BEAT

ADVENTURE

CULTURE

Plan my Jrny

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Plan my Jrny

Turkmenistan-6-days: offbeat-adventure: Ashgabat-Darvaza-Nokhur

DURATION

6 Days

PRICE PER PERSON

$ onwards

Plan my Jrny

About this Jrny

Discover Turkmenistan, a captivating and little-known gem of Central Asia. This enigmatic land boasts sweeping deserts, majestic mountains, and the dazzling cityscape of Ashgabat, famed for its white marble architecture and golden domes.

Explore ancient Silk Road sites like Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage city where mausoleums and minarets bring centuries-old history to life. In the vast Karakum Desert, witness the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater, the “Door to Hell,” glowing against the night sky. Spend a night under the stars, savoring traditional Turkmen dishes at our desert camp. High in the mountains, visit Nokhur, where the village people uphold unique customs, warm hospitality, and handmade crafts.

This Turkmenistan tour offers an ideal blend of ancient history, natural wonder, and modern marvels in a destination still off the beaten path.

Are you ready to uncover Turkmenistan’s best-kept secrets? Let’s make this extraordinary journey a reality!

Highlights

Explore the magnificent monuments, grand boulevards, and beautiful parks that make Ashgabat one of the most fascinating cities in Central Asia.
Visit Kunya-Urgench, an ancient Silk Road city and UNESCO World Heritage site.
See the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the "Door to Hell." Witness the mesmerizing sight of the crater burning bright against the dark desert sky.
Spend the night under the stars, staying in traditional tents or yurts, enjoying a rustic campfire dinner in the Karakum desert.
Explore Nokhur's hidden gems - experience the warm hospitality, traditional dishes, and customs of the local people.

Inclusions:

5 Breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 Dinners
Stay in comfortable hotels in the city, homestays and yurts (specified in the itinerary or similar)
3 nights stay in Ashgabat
1 nights yurt (tent) stay in Darvaza
1 nights homestay in Nokhur Village
Arrive and departure airport transfers
Local flight from Ashgabat to Dashoguz

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ashgabat

Day 2

Ashgabat city tour

Day 3

Into the Heart of the Desert

Day 4

A Journey into Tradition

Day 5

Discovering the Mystical Mountains

Day 6

Departure from Ashgabat

Overview

Duration

6 Days

Price per person

$ onwards

onwards

Activity level

Moderate

Travel Style

comfort

Suggested Ages

Any

Maximum Group size

Any

Plan My Jrny

Turkmenistan-6-days: offbeat-adventure

6 Days from $ / person

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From Turkmenistan-6-days: offbeat-adventure's Jrnys

The highlight was the entire group that I travelled with! I appreciate the pre-trip document that was shared, which included all the details about preparing for the trip and basic phrases in the language.

Alex Mathew

Turkmenistan-6-days: offbeat-adventure

Stay

Day 1 - 2, Night

2 N

Sport Hotel

Ashgabat

Day 3,

1 N

Yurts in Darvaza

Darvaza

Day 4,

1 N

Homestay in Nokhur village

Nokhur village

Day 5,

1 N

Sport Hotel

Ashgabat

No Hotels Available.

Your Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ashgabat

Welcome to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan! It is famous for its striking white marble architecture and grand, surreal cityscape. Known as the 'City of White Marble', it is in the Guinness World Records for having the highest concentration of white marble buildings. Nestled between the Karakum Desert and Kopet Dag mountains, Ashgabat boasts a mix of modernity and traditional Turkmen culture.

Meals included: None

Activities

Meet and greet in Ashgabat

00:00 - 23:59

Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB). Once you pass immigration retrieve your luggage and clear customs, look for the JrnyOn representative holding a placard with your name. Proceed to your hotel in a pre-arranged transfer vehicle.

Duration: 16 minutes
Distance: 12 kms / 7.4 miles

Day 2

Ashgabat city tour

We start the Turkmenistan adventure with a city tour of Ashgabat, known as the 'City of White Marble'. Begin by exploring the magnificent monuments, grand boulevards, and beautiful parks that make Ashgabat one of the most fascinating cities in Central Asia. Visit the Independence Monument, Neutrality Arch, Erdoğan Mosque and Turkmen Carpet Museum.

Meals included: Breakfast

Activities

Ashgabat City Tour

09:00 - 17:00

Visit the Independence Monument, stroll through lush gardens, see the Neutrality Arch with its golden statue, admire the modern Erdoğan Mosque, and explore the vibrant Turkmen Carpet Museum.

Day 3

Into the Heart of the Desert

In the morning we transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Dashoguz, a city in the northern part of Turkmenistan. Upon arrival, drive to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the historic ruins of Kunya-Urgench, once a vital Silk Road hub and capital of the Khorezm Empire. You will visit the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, Kutlug Timur Minaret, and Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum.

Set out on an exhilarating 7 hour drive to the heart of the Karakum Desert, where the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater awaits. Witness the mesmerizing sight of the crater burning bright against the dark desert sky. Spend the night under the stars, staying in traditional tents or yurts, enjoying a rustic campfire dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Into the Heart of the Desert - Day 3 image

Activities

Flight: Ashgabat to Dashoguz

09:00 - 10:00

Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Ashgabat (airport code ASB) to Dashoguz, (airport code TAZ), a city in the northern part of Turkmenistan.
Duration: 1 hour

Explore Kunya-Urgench

12:00 - 15:00

Kunya-Urgench is a UNESCO WOrld heritage site. It was once a vital Silk Road hub and capital of the Khorezm Empire. See the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, Kutlug Timur Minaret and Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum.

Darvaza Gas Crater

16:00 - 18:00

Take a drive across the Karakum desert to see the Darvaza Gas Crater. It is famously known as the "Door to Hell." Witness the mesmerising sight of the crater burning bright against the dark desert sky. Capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience as you watch the flames dance and illuminate the surrounding dunes.

Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 274 km/ 170 miles

Day 4

A Journey into Tradition

In the morning we depart from Darvaza and drive through the desert landscapes towards Nokhur Village. En route, stop at the impressive Geok Depe Mosque, an architectural marvel with turquoise domes that stand out against the arid landscape.

We continue our journey to Nokhur, a remote mountain village known for its distinct culture, traditions, and breathtaking scenery. Once you arrive, settle into a cozy local homestay, where you’ll experience the warm hospitality of the Nokhur people.

Free time in the evening: Discover Nokhur’s unique customs, visit small workshops where artisans craft traditional items.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

Geok Depe Mosque

11:00 - 12:00

In the morning, depart from Darvaza and drive through the desert landscapes towards Nokhur Village. Explore Geok Depe Mosque, an architectural marvel with turquoise domes that stands out against the arid landscape. Learn about the mosque’s historical significance and its role in local culture.

Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 393 kms / 244.19 miles

Nokhur Village

15:00 - 18:00

Take a leisurely stroll through the village, and interact with the locals. Discover Nokhur’s unique customs, visit small workshops where artisans craft traditional items, and perhaps participate in preparing a local meal with your hosts.

Day 5

Discovering the Mystical Mountains

We spend the morning further exploring Nokhur.
Discover hidden gems like ancient cemeteries with ram-horned gravestones symbolizing Nokhur traditions, silk weaving workshops showcasing age-old crafts, and scenic mountain trails with stunning views of the Kopet Dag range.

In the afternoon we depart from Nokhur and drive back to Ashgabat. If time permits, visit Anau Mosque Ruins, a site steeped in history that offers a glimpse into the architectural styles of the past.

We check-in at our hotel in Ashgabat for a final night. Use this free time to relax, do some last-minute shopping, or enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local eatery.

Meals included: Breakfast

Discovering the Mystical Mountains - Day 5 image

Activities

Explore Nokhur Village

09:00 - 12:00

Discover hidden gems such as: Ancient cemeteries with unusual gravestones decorated with ram horns, reflecting the Nokhur people's ancestral beliefs. Participate in a silk weaving workshop, where you can see traditional handicrafts that have been passed down through generations. Walk scenic mountain trails that reveal breathtaking views of the Kopet Dag range.

Drive from Nokhur to Ashgabat

13:00 - 15:00

If time permits, visit Anau Mosque Ruins on the way, a site steeped in history that offers a glimpse into the architectural styles of the past.

Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 152 kms / 94 miles

Day 6

Departure from Ashgabat

Early Morning: Transfer to Ashbagat airport (code ASB) for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the hidden wonders of Turkmenistan.
We hope you return home with amazing memories, stunning photos, and a newfound appreciation for this unique corner of the world!

Meals included: Breakfast

Activities

Depart Ashgabat

00:00 - 23:59

Transfer to Ashgabat airport (airport code ASB) for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the hidden wonders of Turkmenistan.

Duration: 16 minutes
Distance: 12 kms / 7.4 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), is the primary international airport serving Turkmenistan. It is the main gateway for travellers arriving in the capital city.

Visa fees - USD 60 per person is payable at the border. With a pre-approved LOI (USD 35) you can get the visa on arrival at the Turkmen border or at Ashgabat airport. Ensure passport validity and stay informed about specific visa requirements for your nationality.

- International flights

- Visa fees $60 per person is payable at the border. $35 for the pre-approved LOI (subject to change)

- Government arrival tax - $ 15 per person + COVID 19 SWAB test - USD 29

- Sleeping bags rental $10 per day (required for 3 nights)

- Tips for driver and local guide

Yes, all JrnyOn tours include private airport transfers for arrival and departure between the airport and the tour hotel. In the case of Social or JrnyMaestro trips, these transfers will be shared with other members of your tour.

There are no activities scheduled on Day 1 of the trip. So you can arrive anytime. Hotel check-in time varies and generally will be around 2:00 pm.

You can depart anytime. Generally there are no activities on the last day. The hotel check out time is usually 11am or 12noon.

Turkmenistan's urban exploration involves moderate walking, suitable for various fitness levels. Outdoor excursions in the desert may require a higher level of fitness.

The itinerary involves a long 7 hour drive from Kunya-Urgench to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Travelers should verify the specific transportation modes and durations with the tour organizer, ensuring they are well-prepared for any potential long drives during the tour.

There are no mandatory vaccinations specified for the tour. Travellers are advised to stay informed about vaccination recommendations, checking with local health authorities, the World Health Organization, and official health advisories. Stay vigilant for any changes in health guidelines, especially considering the evolving global situation.

Tipping is not obligatory, and service charges are often included in restaurant bills. While a small tip (around 5-10%) is appreciated for service, it is not expected. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is discretionary.

Layered clothing is key to adjusting to varying temperatures. Nights in the desert are chilly, so pack extra layers for camping. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat is recommended for sunny days.

Turkmenistan has a cold semi-arid climate. Weather in Turkmenistan in spring is the best for traveling. In March, temperature reaches +15° С during the daytime and +22° С in April. The temperature falls to 5-6° С at night, so warm clothes are a must. You can expect about 3 to 8 days of rain.

The official currency is the Turkmenistani Manat (TMT), widely accepted for transactions. ATMs are prevalent for convenient withdrawals, and credit/debit cards are commonly used in urban areas. While cards are accepted in many places, having some USD in cash is advisable, particularly for smaller establishments and markets. Travellers should stay informed about any potential fees related to currency exchange or card transactions.

- A 30% advance payment is required to confirm the booking.

- Balance full payment to be done 90 days before the date of travel

- Till 91 days, 10% cancellation charges

- From 90 - 46 days 30% cancellation charges

- From 45 days onwards 100% cancellation charges.