TURKMENISTAN

March 16 - 23, 2026
Turkmenistan
tour to Turkmenistan

Dates: March 16 – 23, 2026

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Number of participants: 6 – 12

Cost of participation per person:

• 2 450 USD for 11 - 12 participants,
• 2 650 USD for 9 - 10 participants,
• 2 790 USD for 6 - 8 participants.

10% early booking discount (in case you book before September 16, 2025)

Everything is included (including domestic flight and 3 meals a day), except for:
- International flights to and from Ashgabat,
- Medical insurance,
- Turkmenistan visa.
(Cost of visa organization for Russian citizens: 210 USD, including: Visa fee (160 USD), Migration tax (15 USD), PCR test (30 USD), and Bank fee (5 USD). This amount is to be paid in cash in US dollars at Ashgabat airport. To obtain a visa, it is necessary to submit a completed application, a copy of the passport, and a 5x6 photo in electronic form at least 3 weeks before departure. Based on these documents, an invitation letter will be issued, upon which we will obtain a visa upon arrival.

Estimate cost of the Moscow - Ashgabat - Moscow flight: from 500 USD.

Single supplement: 380 USD (provided throughout the entire route).



TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Turkmenistan

Day 1: March 16, 2026 (Monday). ASHGABAT

Arrival in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan — one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Check-in at the Sport Hotel and rest.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: Sport Hotel in Ashgabat

*Recommended flights:
– S7, flight S7-3235, departure from Moscow on March 16 at 11:10, arrival in Ashgabat on March 16 at 17:00 AM
– Turkish Airlines TK - 322, departure from Istanbul on March 16 at 02:00, arrival in Ashgabat on March 16 at 07:45
– Any other flight from any city arriving in Ashgabat any time on March 16.


Day 2. March 17, 2026 (Tuesday). ASHGABAT – TURKMENBASHI – KARA BOGAZ GOL – YANGYKALA CANYON (200 km)

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a local flight from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi at 6:20 (the flight lasts 1 hour. Flight schedules may vary). Upon arrival in Turkmenbashi, we will head to the amazing lake, once a bay of the Caspian Sea. In translation, "Kara Bogaz" means "black throat" or "black trap." The Caspian Sea waters rushed into Kara Bogaz through a narrow strait, ranging from 200 to 1000 meters wide, at a tremendous speed of up to 1 meter per second. Where the waters went was unclear, and this created fears about the place. Now it is understood that the lake is surrounded by a scorching desert, and the water simply evaporates. Depending on the water level in the lake, it now resembles the Dead Sea or the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.

Next, we will head north to see the amazing natural wonder - the Yangykala Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," a stunningly beautiful place with formations of pink, white, and yellow sandstone, breathtaking views, and the captivating rock formation known as the "crocodile's mouth." The canyon is located in the Balkan Region of Northwest Turkmenistan. From the Turkmen language, Yangi-kala translates to "fiery fortresses." These canyons got their name due to the predominant red color of the rocks that form the mountain ranges and cliffs. The canyons offer an incredibly beautiful sight, especially stunning at sunset when everything around is painted in fiery tones. Here we will set up our tented camp and prepare dinner over an open fire.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents


Day 3. March 18, 2026 (Wednesday). YANGYKALA CANYON – BALKANABAD – DURUN – NOHUR – KOV-ATA – ASHGABAT (600 km)

After breakfast, on the way to Balkanabad we will visit the Gozli Ata shrine. It is said that Gozli Ata was a respected Sufi who lived in the early 14th century.

Balkanabad or Nebit-Dag (Oil Mountain) is the capital of Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry. The city's symbol is a monument in the shape of an oil derrick silhouette against the backdrop of the mountain. A brief tour of the city’s main attractions followed by a transfer to the village of Durun (the drive will take approximately 4–5 hours). In this village, we will visit a local resident whose family has been engaged in traditional carpet weaving for generations. Here, you’ll see how Turkmen women hand-weave carpets and share fascinating details about this ancient craft.

Next, we will travel to the village of Nohur. Nohur is listed among the "100 most romantic places in the world." The road to this "paradise corner" is long and challenging with ascents, descents, and mountainous serpentine roads. However, all the hardships of the journey are forgotten upon seeing this exceptionally beautiful place surrounded on all sides by high mountains.

In Nohur, there is an ancient plane tree with a hollow large enough to accommodate several people. On the outskirts of the village, there is a special place for making wishes called Gyz-bibi, a narrow crack in the rock that locals believe is one of the doors to paradise. Make a wish, and it will surely come true. Additionally, there is an unusual cemetery here, where all tombstones are adorned with the horns of argali sheep.

We will then visit the underground lake of Kov-Ata, located 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name Kov-Ata means "Father of Caves." At first glance, this underground chamber looks like a magnificent auditorium. The cave floor is covered with clusters of dissolved limestone (stalagmites) and filled with warm, flowing water of emerald color. The water maintains a constant temperature of 33–37°C, and swimming is allowed for up to 30-40 minutes.

Afterward, we return to Ashgabat for accommodation at our Sport hotel and relaxation.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Sport Hotel in Ashgabat


Day 4. March 19, 2026 (Thursday). ASHGABAT – HORSE FARM – TURKMENBSHI MAUSOLUEM – DAMLA

After breakfast, we will head to the horse farm, where we’ll get acquainted with the pride of the Turkmen people – the Akhal-Teke horses. There will be a traditional tea break, a short show featuring the Akhal-Teke horses, a photo session, and a tour of the stables.
We will also visit the mausoleum of Turkmenbashi, the first president of Turkmenistan, and the nearby unique mosque, which is decorated not with Quranic surahs but with quotes from Turkmenbashi himself.
Afterwards, we will set off northward in off-road vehicles to the village of Damla, where we will take part in a falconry experience the following morning.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: basic guest house in Damla


Day 5. March 20, 2026 (Friday). DAMLA – DARVAZA CRATER

This morning, we will meet an experienced falconer, learn the secrets of this ancient art, and, of course, take part in a falconry hunt.
Later, we will head north to visit the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Hell - Gates". You will have the opportunity to admire the fantastic view of the crater, feel the heat, listen to the wind, and experience the sounds created by this giant furnace. Nearby, we will visit two more craters—one filled with mud and the other with turquoise-colored water.
We will spend the night in traditional yurts near the crater.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: night in yurts near the crater


Day 6. March 21, 2026 (Saturday). DARVAZA – ASHGABAT – CARPET MUSEUM – СITY TOUR (280 km)

In the morning, we will observe the crater and have a photo session. After breakfast, we will return to Ashgabat and check into the hotel. After lunch, we will visit the Carpet Museum, where you can explore the history of the carpet industry in Central Asia. This museum holds the largest collection of Turkmen carpets among all museums. It boasts a rich collection of Turkmen carpets from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including over 1000 carpets from the 19th and 20th centuries.
In the evening, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, including Independence Park, the Arch of Neutrality, and a panoramic viewpoint. The tour will continue with a visit to Ashgabat’s Ferris wheel, known as Alem, which means “The Universe.” The Guinness World Records has recognized Alem as the tallest indoor Ferris wheel in the world.
If time permits, we will visit the Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque, built in honor of Ertuğrul, the father of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire.
Alternatively, we may stop by the Magtymguly Pyragy Monument. Erected at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains to mark the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet's birth, this 60-meter-tall sculpture is part of a new cultural park complex featuring 24 statues of world-famous writers and poets from various countries and eras.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Sport Hotel in Ashgabat


Day 7. March 22, 2026 (Sunday). ASHGABAT – NOVRUZ BAYRAM CELEBRATION IN AK-OY – ASHGABAT (100 kм)

After breakfast, we start driving to Ak-Oy, a spot where celebrations for the main spring festival, Novruz Bayram, will be taking place. Here, we can participate in mass festivities, taste traditional dishes, and enjoy the sweet "semeni" prepared in honor of Novruz Bayram. Additionally, festive swings will be available for a joyful experience.

Novruz (Navruz) is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the New Year in the astronomical solar calendar observed by Iranian and Turkic peoples. Novruz is an international tradition unrelated to Islamic customs. It gained official status in the Achaemenid Empire as a religious holiday of Zoroastrianism. Novruz has continued to be celebrated universally even after Arab conquests, up to the present day. In modern times, it is observed on the days corresponding to the spring equinox. On September 30, 2009, Novruz was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and March 21 has since been declared International Novruz Day.

Afterwards, we will visit the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, named after Ertugrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire.
If time permits, we will also stop by the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, built to honor those who perished in the Geoktepe Battle, the 1941-1945 war, and the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake.
Alternatively, we may visit the Makhtumkuli Fragi Monument, a 60-meter sculpture erected at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the renowned Turkmen poet. This monument is part of a new cultural park complex that features 24 statues of famous writers and poets from various countries and eras.
Return to Ashgabat and overnight stay at the hotel.


Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Sport Hotel in Ashgabat


Day 8. March 23, 2026 (Monday). ASHGABAT – NISA – NATIONAL MUSEUM

Today after the breakfast we head to Nisa, once the capital of the Parthian Empire. In 2007, the ancient fortresses of Nisa were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as outstanding universal values. The fortresses of Nisa were recognized by UNESCO not only as cultural monuments but also as objects of the "cultural landscapes" category.

Next, we’ll visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan, home to unique collections of paintings, graphics, and sculpture, showcasing not only Turkmen fine art but also masterpieces by renowned Russian and Western European artists.
After lunch, transfer to the airport. International flight home.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: no

*Recommended flights:
– S7, Flight S7-3236, departure from Ashgabat on March 23 at 18:10 pm, or
– Turkish Airlines, Flight TK 323, departure from Ashgabat on March 24 at 04:15 am, or
– Another flight from Ashgabat to any city, departing after 17:00 on March 23.


*The schedule of the program may be adjusted for the benefit of the expedition based on weather conditions, road conditions, or safety considerations.