Private Tour of Turkmenistan with Exclusive Guide and Car
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About This Tour in Turkmenistan
Why Visit Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Turkmenistan provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Turkmenistan
You can reach Turkmenistan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, TraveL Pass)
- Entrance fees for mentioned sights visited.
- Service of English-speaking guides per itinerary.
- Dinner
- Transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
- Economy class airfares of Mary - Ashgabat, Dashoguz - Ashgabat.
What's Not Included
- International flight into and out of Turkmenistan.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Turkmenistan visa fee.
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.).
- Personal travel insurance.
- Not suitable for people over 80 years old.
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Itinerary
Arrival in Ashgabat, Airport pick-up
Welcome to choose our 7 days Turkmenistan tours... 1 hour
Welcome to choose our 7 days Turkmenistan tours to discover this mysterious country! Upon arrival, our guide and the driver will greet you at the airport and whisk you away to the hotel in a private car for check-in. Then, it’s time to enjoy an exciting city tour of Ashgabat!
Let’s start sightseeing at the Parthian Fortresses of... 1 hour 30 minutes
Let’s start sightseeing at the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Parthian Empire (247 BC-224 AD), consisting of Old and New Nisa. Old Nisa was once a prosperous city, but it is now only left with adobe city walls and labyrinthine alleys after wars and earthquakes.
Then head to Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque),... 1 hour
Then head to Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque), a tribute to the country’s first president, Niyazov, who held the revered title of “Turkmenbashy”, meaning the leader of all Turkmens. You’ll marvel at the golden dome, towering minarets, and waterfall-style fountains of the mosque. All parts of this lavish structure cost over USD 100 million! Nearby, you’ll find the mausoleum of the president, featuring five stone coffins, with his family surrounding him in eternal rest.
After that, visit the Earthquake Memorial Complex and... 1 hour
After that, visit the Earthquake Memorial Complex and Makhtumkuli Park, which honors a beloved Turkmen poet, and finally we’ll escort you back to the hotel for a restful evening.
Ashgabat Highlights: National History Museum, Akhal-Teke Horse Stable, and Gulistan Bazaar
After breakfast, make our way to the National... 1 hour
After breakfast, make our way to the National History Museum, home to ivory rhytons from Old Nisa. They are unique drinking vessels shaped like animal horns and engraved with the 12 Olympic Gods, reflecting Greek cultural influence in Central Asia. You can also appreciate some rare ancient paintings, statues, carpets and furniture while strolling around. Just a quick note: In some areas, photography is prohibited or a small fee is charged, and it is better to confirm with your guide in advance.
After witnessing the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel... 30 minutes
After witnessing the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel at Alem Center, with its impressive 57-meter (187-foot) diameter glass and white-steel casing, let’s ascend to the Wedding Palace Viewpoint for a panoramic view of Ashgabat, where you might see couples in traditional attire celebrating their special day.
Besides, Earthquake Memorial, Independence Park, Neutrality Arch and... 2 hours
Besides, Earthquake Memorial, Independence Park, Neutrality Arch and Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque are also on our today's visiting list.
Today’s tour will conclude at Gulistan Bazaar 1 hour
Today’s tour will conclude at Gulistan Bazaar. From aromatic spices and fresh vegetables to shoes and books, it encapsulates the essence of Turkmen life. You can also savor local flavors that echo the country’s nomadic traditions, characterized by lamb, beef, and dairy products. Why not try crispy Samsa? It is a flatbread filled with minced beef, spinach, potatoes, and pumpkin, baked in a clay oven. At last, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.
Drive to Mary: Ancient Merv, Pokrovskaya Church, Juma Mosque, and Local Bazaar
Today, we’ll travel 4 hours to Mary, also... 30 minutes
Today, we’ll travel 4 hours to Mary, also called Merv, and stop by Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque Ruins in Annau en route.
Upon arrival, follow our guide will to step... 2 hours
Upon arrival, follow our guide will to step back in time to one of the oldest oasis cities along the ancient Silk Road, Ancient Merv. Wandering among the remains of fortresses, towers, and mosques in the State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv, you may find it hard to believe this was one of the world’s largest cities during the 12th century. Walk on and explore its most iconic structure, Sultan Sunjar Mausoleum, named after the last Sultan of the Seljuk Empire (1037-1194), featuring double-layered domes and beautifully crafted arches, a true testament to Merv’s past glory.
Next, head to Pokrovskaya Church in downtown Mary 30 minutes
Next, head to Pokrovskaya Church in downtown Mary. Built by the Russian army in 1900, this church was constructed only with bricks due to the scarcity of wood in the arid desert.
Our next stop is Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque (Juma... 1 hour
Our next stop is Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque (Juma Mosque), whose golden dome glistens under the sunshine, with exquisite mosaics and gilded crescent decorations. Explore a local bazaar to wrap up the day, which is much quieter than bazaars elsewhere in Central Asia. Take your time to browse local specialties, from handmade silk textiles to wonderful camel hair handicrafts. Finally, we’ll escort you to the hotel to stay overnight.
Fly from Mary to Ashgabat, Visit Carpet Museum and Local Bazaar, Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater
This morning, we’ll take a 40-minute flight back... 1 hour
This morning, we’ll take a 40-minute flight back to Ashgabat, which may be replaced by a 4-hour drive depending on the flight schedule.
Upon arrival, get ready to immerse yourself in... 1 hour
Upon arrival, get ready to immerse yourself in the time-honored art of carpet weaving at the Turkmen Carpet Museum, which houses over 2,000 carpets from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
In the afternoon, a 4-hour 4WD trip will... 2 hours
In the afternoon, a 4-hour 4WD trip will take you to the highlight of this itinerary, the Darvaza Gas Crater, across the Karakum Desert, with a stop at the small Mud and Water Craters. The rugged terrain and roads can be challenging, so we recommend bringing some medicines for motion sickness. With a diameter of 70 meters (230 feet), a width of 50 meters (164 feet), and a depth of 30 meters (98 feet), this crater, known as the Door to Hell, presents a stunning fiery spectacle, ablaze for over 50 years since Soviet geologists ignited the inner methane gas to prevent its spread. Vibrant red flames dance against the night sky, visible from miles away, and allegedly, can even be spotted by astronauts in space. Keep a safe distance when appreciating and taking photos, as the crater radiates intense heat!
Drive to Dashoguz, Visit Kunya Urgench Historical Park, Fly back to Ashgabat
Get up as early as possible if you... 2 hours
Get up as early as possible if you want to watch the enchanting fire of the Darvaza Gas Crater during the day! After having a picnic breakfast, we’ll drive to Dashoguz in 4 hours and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kunya Urgench Historical Park. Once known as Gurganj, Kunya Urgench served as the capital of the Khwarazmian Empire (1077-1231), thriving due to its complete urban planning and prosperous trade along the ancient Silk Road.
After delving deep into the rich history of... 1 hour
After delving deep into the rich history of Kunya Urgench, let’s head to Dashoguz Airport for a 50-minute flight back to Ashgabat, and there the driver will transfer you to the hotel.
Ashgabat Surrounding Discovery: Kow Ata Underground Lake, Nokhur Village, Gokdepe Fortress
After breakfast, we’ll set out for Nokhur Village,... 30 minutes
After breakfast, we’ll set out for Nokhur Village, situated 4 hours away from Ashgabat. On the way, stop to visit Kow Ata Underground Lake in a natural cave. The lake is rich in minerals, primarily sulphur, maintaining a temperature of 35-37°C (95-98.6℉), perfect for a therapeutic soak.
Continuing to Nokhur Village, you’ll be greeted by... 1 hour
Continuing to Nokhur Village, you’ll be greeted by a scenic tribal community, surrounded by apricot and pomegranate trees, which is known as one of the world’s 100 most romantic places. After enjoying a picnic lunch, our guide will lead you to visit a century-old parasol tree, whose hollow trunk invites you to capture magical photos, with nearby locals selling spices. Exploring tribal cemeteries will further elevate your cultural experience, where each tomb is uniquely marked by wooden pillars adorned with goat horns, as locals consider goats to be sacred protectors to ward off evil spirits and help the souls of the deceased ascend to heaven. Down the road stands the Qyz-bibi Shrine, a pilgrim site for many Muslim women seeking blessings for pregnancy.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Ashgabat... 1 hour
In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Ashgabat via Gokdepe Fortress, where the resilient Turkmen tribes fought against Russian forces in the 19th century. Besides the historical architecture, you’ll be guided to the Saparmyrat Hajji Mosque (Gokdepe Mosque) inside. It has an eye-catching blue dome, and was built to memorialize the soldiers who defended the fortress. Finally, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.
Departure from Ashgabat, Airport see-off
Today we will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule 1 hour
Today we will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Thank you very much for choosing us as your service provider. Wish you a pleasant journey home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
