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Undiscovered Turkmenistan

Craters & Canyons by Wayfarer Anki

CURATED BY

Ankitha Rajendaran

DURATION

7 Days

PRICE PER PERSON

$ onwards

OFF-BEAT

CULTURE

Plan my Jrny

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Plan my Jrny

Undiscovered Turkmenistan: Craters & Canyons by Wayfarer Anki

DURATION

7 Days

PRICE PER PERSON

$ onwards

Plan my Jrny

About this Jrny

Discover the wonders of Turkmenistan on this epic adventure through Central Asia's most enigmatic corner. Begin in marble-clad Ashgabat with its golden domes and Soviet-futurist charm, then venture into the desert to witness the blazing 'Door to Hell' crater at Darvaza, camping in traditional yurts under starlit skies. Journey to remote Nokhur village in the mountains, meeting locals steeped in ancient folklore. Continue west to Balkanabat before marvelling at Yangykala Canyon's stunning pink cliffs and Martian landscapes. Return to Ashgabat via nostalgic overnight train for a final exploration of the capital's quirky landmarks. Perfect for bold adventurers seeking authentic nomadic experiences.

This Jrny is curated by Ankitha (wayfarer_anki on Instagram), a fearless traveller and storyteller. Her travels and curated itineraries are about unearthing stories and the beauty of cultures that are often misunderstood or unseen.

Highlights

Discover Ashgabat’s striking architecture and cultural landmarks
Witness the fiery glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater
Explore Nokhur’s remote mountain village steeped in tribal traditions
Journey through Balkanabat’s scenic landscapes and local settlements
Take in the striking hues of Turkmenistan’s Yangykala Canyon

Inclusions:

7 Breakfasts & 2 Dinners
Stay in comfortable hotels, shared rooms in homestays and yurts
1 Night in Ashgabat
1 Night in Yurt/Tent Camp
1 Night in Nokhur
1 Night in Balkanbat
1 Night in Overnight Train
1 Night in Ashgabat
Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary with English-speaking guide or driver
Train fare from Balkanabat to Ashgabat (4-berth economy compartment)
Entrance fees

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ashgabat

Day 2

Darvaza Crater

Day 3

Darvaza to Nokhur

Day 4

Nokhur to Balkanabat

Day 5

Balkanabat to Ashgabat, via Yangykala

Day 6

A Day in Ashgabat

Day 7

Depart Ashgabat

Curated By

Ankitha Rajendaran

A fearless traveller and storyteller, with journeys across over 100 countries and 7 continents

36 Jrnys

26 Happy Travellers

Overview

Duration

7 Days

Price per person

$ onwards

onwards

Activity level

Moderate

Travel Style

simple

Suggested Ages

Any

Maximum Group size

Any

Plan My Jrny

Undiscovered Turkmenistan

7 Days from $ / person

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From Undiscovered Turkmenistan'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

Undiscovered Turkmenistan

Stay

Day 1,

1 N

Sport Hotel

Ashgabat

Day 2,

1 N

Yurts in Darvaza

Darvaza

Day 3,

1 N

Homestay in Nokhur village

Nokhur village

Day 4,

1 N

Hotel Nebitchi

Balkanbat

Day 6 - 7, Night

1 N

Sport Hotel

Ashgabat

No Hotels Available.

Your Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ashgabat

Arrive in Ashgabat in the early morning and step into a city where bold modernity meets deep-rooted tradition. Transfer to the hotel and settle in. Take time to refresh after your journey and ease into the rhythm of Turkmenistan's capital. Gaze out at grand white-marble buildings that shimmer in the morning light, and feel the calm of wide boulevards and manicured parks. You’re now in one of Central Asia’s most curious and compelling cities—let the adventure begin.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Meet and greet in Ashgabat

09:00 - 12:00

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

Darvaza Crater

Uncover the surreal charm of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's gleaming capital, where marble-clad architecture and vast cityscapes meet traces of the Soviet past. Stroll through wide boulevards, admire golden domes, and pause at quirky monuments that reflect the city's eccentric personality.

Drive north through the barren beauty of the Karakum Desert, passing the traditional village of Erbent with its modest yurts and grazing camels. The landscape shifts from urban grandeur to raw desert wilderness as you journey deeper into this ancient land.

As dusk falls, arrive at Darvaza—the burning Gas Crater. Walk to the edge of this fiery pit, feel the heat against your face, and watch flames flicker under a star-speckled sky. It's a mesmerising, otherworldly sight best experienced at night.

Stand in awe, soak in the silence of the desert, and let the glow of the "Door to Hell" etch itself into memory. This extraordinary natural phenomenon creates an unforgettable spectacle that epitomises Turkmenistan's mysterious allure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Activities

Ashgabat City Tour

09:00 - 12:00

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.

Drive to Darvaza via Erbent

13:00 - 15:00

Drive across the Karakum Desert this afternoon, stopping at the quaint village of Erbent. Pass shifting dunes and nomadic settlements as you head towards the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater.

Duration: Approx. 6.5 hours
Distance: 274 kms / 170.25 miles

Gas Crater Night Visit

18:00 - 20:00

Witness the surreal glow of the burning gas crater under a starry sky. Stand at the edge, feel the heat, and hear the roar of flames. Take in this natural wonder’s raw power on an unforgettable night visit. Let the desert silence heighten the drama of this fiery phenomenon.

Day 3

Darvaza to Nokhur

Venture into the remote beauty of western Turkmenistan as you drive towards Nokhur, a mountain village tucked away in the Kopet Dag range. En route, stop at the striking Geok Depe Mosque—its dazzling turquoise dome and white marble façade rising against the desert sky. Step inside to admire the peaceful interiors and learn about its spiritual significance.

Head to a horse stable to admire the rare and graceful Akhal-Teke horses. Native to Turkmenistan, they are one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world. Continue the drive through changing landscapes, from arid plains to rugged hills as you approach this hidden mountain sanctuary.

Arrive in Nokhur, a village unlike any other, where time seems to stand still. Walk through narrow lanes lined with stone houses, each uniquely adorned with ram horns—symbols of protection and strength. Meet the Nokhuris, known for preserving ancient customs, superstitions and legends passed down through generations.

Explore the local cemetery, where graves are marked by upright wooden posts wrapped in cloth, and visit a modest shrine hidden among the hills. Absorb the village's mystical atmosphere, surrounded by walnut groves, cascading springs and mountain silence in this timeless corner.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Activities

Drive to Nokhur

09:00 - 11:00

Journey from the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater to the tranquil mountain village of Nokhur. Traverse shifting desert sands, dramatic canyons, and rugged terrain, witnessing Turkmenistan’s raw natural beauty and rich tribal heritage along the way.

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

Akhal-Teke Horse Stables

12:00 - 13:00

Head to horse stables to admire the rare and graceful Akhal-Teke horses. Akhal-Teke horses, native to Turkmenistan, are known for their shimmering coats and unmatched endurance. Often called “golden horses,” they are one of the oldest and rarest horse breeds in the world. Revered for their beauty and speed, they are a national symbol of pride for Turkmenistan.

Nokhur Village

14:00 - 17:00

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 4

Nokhur to Balkanabat

Tucked away in the Kopet Dag mountains, Nokhur village offers a rare glimpse into a remote and fiercely traditional Turkmen way of life. Wander through stone-paved paths lined with walnut trees, discover sacred sites adorned with ram horns, and admire the village's unique cemeteries and spiritual customs.

Locals here hold tightly to ancient beliefs and legends, making every corner feel rich with meaning. Each stone house tells a story, each narrow lane whispers of centuries-old traditions that remain beautifully preserved in this mountain sanctuary.

After exploring the charms of Nokhur, drive towards the quiet town of Balkanabat. Sit back and take in the changing landscapes—from rugged hills to the wide, open plains of western Turkmenistan as you traverse this ancient crossroads.

Experience the dramatic shift from mountain mysticism to desert vastness, watching the terrain transform beneath endless skies. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, revealing the diverse beauty that defines this enigmatic corner of Central Asia.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Activities

Explore Nokhur

09:00 - 12:00

Discover hidden gems in Nokhur including ancient cemeteries with ram-horn gravestones that reflect Nokhur’s ancestral beliefs. Take part in a traditional silk weaving workshop, and hike scenic mountain trails in the Kopet Dag range.

Drive to Balkanabat

13:00 - 17:00

Drive through changing desert landscapes as you leave the mountains of Nokhur behind. Pass tiny villages and wide open plains. Feel the scenery shift as you approach the quiet town of Balkanabat.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 318km/ 197 miles

Day 5

Balkanabat to Ashgabat, via Yangykala

Explore the surreal beauty of Turkmenistan's wild west. Drive from Balkanabat through a stark and silent desert to reach the jaw-dropping Yangykala Canyons. Marvel at layers of rose, rust, and ochre carved by wind and time—this natural amphitheatre feels otherworldly.

Stroll along the canyon edge or simply take in the vast silence that stretches for miles. The dramatic cliffs rise like ancient fortresses, their colours shifting with the light as shadows dance across the sculpted rock faces throughout the day.

Return to Balkanabat by evening and board the overnight train to Ashgabat. Stretch out, settle in, and let the rhythmic clatter of wheels lull you to sleep as the desert slips past your window under a blanket of stars.

Experience the nostalgic charm of rail travel across this ancient land. Watch the landscape transform, feeling the gentle sway of the carriage as you journey through the night towards the gleaming capital that awaits.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Balkanabat to Ashgabat, via Yangykala - Day 5 image

Activities

Drive to Yangykala

09:00 - 11:00

Drive through the stark beauty of the Balkanabat desert and reach the surreal canyons of Yangykala.

Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 168 kms / 104.39 miles

Yangykala Canyon

11:00 - 14:00

Discover the breathtaking Yangykala Canyon in Turkmenistan, where dramatic cliffs painted in fiery hues stretch across the desert. Often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," this hidden gem offers surreal landscapes perfect for adventure and photography lovers.

Drive Yangykala to Balkanabat

14:00 - 16:00

Embark on a rugged journey from Yangykala Canyon to Balkanabat through Turkmenistan's arid landscapes in a 4x4 vehicle. The drive offers stunning views of vibrant sandstone cliffs and remote wilderness.

Duration: 2 hours 13 minutes
Distance: 169 kms / 105 miles

Night Train to Ashgabat

19:00 - 05:30

Board the night train from Balkanabat to Ashgabat.

Train Duration: Approx. 9.5 hours

Day 6

A Day in Ashgabat

Step into the surreal cityscape of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's gleaming white-marble capital. Arrive in the city and settle in with an early check-in before heading out to explore. Gaze up at grand boulevards lined with ornate fountains and futuristic buildings that shimmer in the desert sun.

Visit Independence Square with its towering monuments, stroll through local parks bursting with colour, and take in the architectural marvels that blend Soviet legacy with bold modern vision. Each structure tells a story of ambition and national pride carved in pristine marble.

Wander through the vibrant Russian Bazaar for a taste of daily life and regional flavours. Catch glimpses of the city's quieter corners—from gold-domed mosques to lively street cafés where locals gather beneath the shade of carefully manicured trees.

Ashgabat's contrasts, from its rigid order to unexpected warmth, make it a fascinating first stop. Begin your journey soaking in the eccentric charm and grandiosity of a city like no other, where every corner reveals something wonderfully unexpected.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Explore Ashgabat

09:00 - 15:00

Explore Ashgabat as gleaming monuments rise against the desert skyline. Visit the Palace of Happiness and stroll through Independence Park. Admire striking landmarks along Archabil Street and pause at the Ferris Wheel. Wander Serdar Yolly Park and approach the Way of Health. You explore memorials honouring past wars and the Ashgabat earthquake before browsing the Russian Market and spotting Lenin and Pushkin.

Day 7

Depart Ashgabat

Begin your day with an early morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Ashgabat. The local team ensures everything runs smoothly, assisting with check-in and farewells. Allow yourself a final glance at the white-marble city gleaming in the morning light.

This marks the end of your Turkmenistan journey—an adventure through ancient ruins, striking landscapes, and one of Central Asia's most enigmatic cultures. Carry back stories, snapshots, and the quiet thrill of having explored somewhere truly off the beaten path.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Depart Ashgabat

12:00 - 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

If you're drawn to offbeat destinations and unique landscapes, this Turkmenistan journey is made for you. From the surreal glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater to the pink-hued canyons of Yangykala, and from traditional villages to the futuristic capital of Ashgabat, this trip is a thrilling blend of culture, history and natural wonders. If you're someone who enjoys venturing off the tourist trail and uncovering stories rarely told, this adventure is for you.

- International and domestic flights

- Visa fees USD 90 per person (payable at the border)

- Government arrival tax - USD 15 per person + mandatory COVID-19 swab test - USD 29

- Alcoholic beverages

- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry, tips for guides and drivers)

- Camera/video charges during sightseeing

- Tips for guides and drivers

- Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary

This trip starts and ends in Ashgabat. You should book your flights to and from Ashgabat International Airport (Code: ASB).

A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is a document required to obtain a tourist visa to Turkmenistan. With a pre-approved LOI, you can get the visa on arrival at the Turkmen border or at Ashgabat airport. Visa processing fees are 2-3 weeks. We cannot guarantee approval of your visa support by the Turkmen authorities. In case of a denied visa support you prepayment is refundable in full, but we will charge a service fee of USD 50 per person + bank charges.

Travel insurance is mandatory to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. While suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control.

No mandatory vaccinations are required. We advise you to check with your doctor in case you have any personal requirements. Also check with your local clinic or doctor a few weeks before the trip for any change in recommendations.

Yes, airport transfers are included in this tour. These transfers will be shared with you before your travel.

There are no activities scheduled for the first day. The standard check-in time at the hotel would be 1400 hours, and you can plan your arrival accordingly.

You can depart anytime. Generally, there are no inclusions on the tour on the last day. The hotel check-out time is usually 1100 hours or 1200 hours.

Children under 12 are not allowed on this Jrny. Children above 12 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Normally, yes! In some cases if the exact hotels are unavailable for any reason, we'll make sure you're put up in hotels that are equivalent to the original in terms of location and facilities. Rest assured, your stay will be as promised. Note: The accommodations in Darvaza and Nokhur village will be in basic tents and home stays with shared rooms and common toilets.

Please read through the itinerary in detail to understand the intensity of the activities planned. There are some long walks scheduled. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 2 would be ideal.

Yes, some days involve longer overland journeys—particularly from Darvaza to Nokhur, and the excursion to Yangykala Canyon. These drives are scenic and broken up with stops for exploration.

Absolutely, a variety of vegetarian meal options will be available. Vegan options may be limited but available. As is the case in any Central Asian country, meat is a staple. Some local dishes in Turkmenistan are vegetarian, such as vegetable stews.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Turkmenistan. Expect daytime temperatures of 20–30°C and cooler nights, especially in the desert and mountain areas where it can drop to 5–10°C. Pack layers and something warm for evenings. For updated weather, check weather.com close to your travel date.

We require a 35% advance payment at the time of booking.

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 50 days before the date of travel

We have the following cancellation terms for this tour:

Cancellation up to 91 days from the date of travel: 10% cancellation charges (as per the total trip cost) will be levied, the rest will be refunded to you

From 90 - 46 days from the date of travel: 30% cancellation charges will be levied

45 days or less from the date of travel: 100% cancellation charges will be levied