Turkmenistan-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat

Places to Go:

  • Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport
  • Visit the Independence Monument (Neutrality Arch) - a iconic symbol of Turkmenistan’s independence

Activities:

  • Explore the city center and get familiar with the urban planning of Ashgabat, which is heavily influenced by Soviet-style architecture

Things to Know:

  • Learn about the unique blend of Soviet and Islamic cultures in Turkmenistan
  • Understand the importance of respect for local customs and traditions

Visa Requirements:

  • Obtain a tourist visa (usually issued on arrival) or apply for an e-visa before arrival

Transportation:

  • Taxi from the airport to city center ( approx. $10-$15 USD)

Other Things of Interest:

  • Sample some local cuisine, such as plov and shashlik

Day 2: Ashgabat City Tour

Places to Go:

  • Visit the National Museum of History - a great introduction to Turkmenistan’s rich history and culture
  • Explore the beautiful Green Mosque (Turkmenbashi Mosque) - one of the few remaining mosques in Ashgabat

Activities:

  • Wander through the lively bazaars, where you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs

Things to Know:

  • Learn about the country’s history of neutrality and its unique relationships with other nations
  • Understand the importance of state-controlled media and information dissemination in Turkmenistan

Visa Requirements:

  • Same as Day 1 (tourist visa or e-visa)

Transportation:

  • Taxi from city center to museum (approx. $5-$10 USD) and then walk to the mosque

Other Things of Interest:

  • Visit the Ashgabat Ertogrul Gazy Madrasah - a historic Islamic school

Day 3: Darvaza Gas Crater

Places to Go:

  • Fly from Ashgabat to Mary (approx. $50-$70 USD)
  • Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (approx. 1 hour)

Activities:

  • Explore the Darvaza Crater, a natural gas field that has been burning since 1971
  • Watch the stunning sunset over the crater and take some memorable photos

Things to Know:

  • Learn about the geological history of the crater and its unique characteristics
  • Understand the importance of the crater as a tourist destination for Turkmenistan

Visa Requirements:

  • Same as Day 1 (tourist visa or e-visa)

Transportation:

  • Taxi from Mary airport to Darvaza Crater (approx. $20-$30 USD) and then on foot to the crater

Other Things of Interest:

  • Camp overnight near the crater for a truly immersive experience

Day 4: Nisa Archaeological Site

Places to Go:

  • Drive back to Ashgabat from Darvaza Crater (approx. 3 hours)
  • Visit the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Activities:

  • Explore the excavated ruins and learn about the history of the Achaemenid Empire

Things to Know:

  • Understand the significance of Nisa as an archaeological site and its connection to the Silk Road
  • Learn about the cultural and historical context of the city’s development

Visa Requirements:

  • Same as Day 1 (tourist visa or e-visa)

Transportation:

  • Taxi from Ashgabat to Nisa (approx. $50-$70 USD) and then on foot through the archaeological site

Other Things of Interest:

  • Visit the nearby town of Abiwert for some local hospitality

Day 5: Konye-Urgench Historical-Architectural Reserve

Places to Go:

  • Drive from Ashgabat to Kunya Urgench (approx. 4 hours)
  • Explore the historical city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Activities:

  • Visit the grave of Sultan Tekesh - a significant historical figure in the region

Things to Know:

  • Understand the cultural and historical significance of Kunya Urgench as an important stop on the Silk Road
  • Learn about the importance of this site for Islamic culture and history

Visa Requirements:

  • Same as Day 1 (tourist visa or e-visa)

Transportation:

  • Taxi from Ashgabat to Konye-Urgench (approx. $80-$100 USD) and then on foot through the reserve

Other Things of Interest:

  • Take a guided tour of the reserve for more in-depth knowledge

Day 6: Return to Ashgabat

Places to Go:

  • Drive back from Konye-Urgench to Ashgabat (approx. 4 hours)

Activities:

  • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights in the city

Things to Know:

  • Learn about the current state of tourism in Turkmenistan and its future prospects
  • Understand the importance of respecting local customs and traditions as you prepare to leave the country

Visa Requirements:

  • Same as Day 1 (tourist visa or e-visa)

Transportation:

  • Taxi from Konye-Urgench back to Ashgabat airport (approx. $100-$120 USD) for your departure flight