Turkmenistan-7-days: offbeat-culture

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

The National Museum of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat showcases the rich history and culture of the country through stunning archaeological finds, ancient artefacts, and ethnographic displays. Its grand, marble-clad architecture is as impressive as the treasures within, including relics from the Merv and Nisa civilisations. A visit here offers a fascinating insight into Turkmenistan’s Silk Road heritage and modern identity.

Erdoğan Mosque is an impressive mosque reflecting modern architecture with a mix of traditional Islamic design.

The Independence Monument is a towering symbol of Turkmenistan's freedom, surrounded by lush gardens and statues.

Neutrality Arch is an iconic monument topped with a revolving golden statue of the country’s former president.

Fly from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi for a swift and scenic journey across Turkmenistan. Enjoy aerial views of desert landscapes and the Caspian Sea coast. Ideal for quick access to the beaches, resorts, and port city attractions of Turkmenbashi.

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.

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

Explore the grandeur of Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, one of Central Asia’s largest mosques. Located in Gypjak, it stuns with white marble, golden domes, and intricate interiors. A symbol of Turkmen identity, it offers a serene and striking insight into the nation’s spiritual heritage.

​The Balkanabat Regional Museum in Turkmenistan offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's history, culture, and natural environment. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, traditional Turkmen crafts, and displays on local flora and fauna, providing insights into the area's rich heritage.

Independence Square and City Center is the vibrant heart of the city, blending historic charm with modern life. Lined with grand buildings, lively cafés, and bustling shops, it’s a hub for culture, events, and people-watching—perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere.

Drive from Balkanabat to Nokhur through the M37 and into the Kopet Dag Mountains. The route shifts from desert plains to lush valleys. Nokhur, a remote village, offers ancient traditions, horn-adorned graves, and sacred sites—blending cultural depth with striking natural beauty.

Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 316 kms / 196.35 miles

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.

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 Darvaza reveals a striking shift from lush mountains to the vast Karakum Desert. The journey ends at the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, a surreal blaze in the sands known as the “Door to Hell,” burning brightly since 1971.

Duration: 5 hours 20 minutes
Distance: 398 kms / 247.3 miles

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

The route cuts through the vast Karakum Desert, offering stark yet stunning desert landscapes.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 274km/ 170 miles

The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, is a striking example of Ottoman-style architecture, inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. Named after the father of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire, it symbolises the cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey. With its grand domes and elegant minarets, it stands as one of Ashgabat’s most iconic landmarks.

Head to a serene horse farm 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.

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