3-Day Highlights Circular Tour of Western Turkmenistan from Ashgabat

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Route: Ashgabat (ASB Airport) – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyon – Balkan Region – Nokhur – Kow Ata – Ashgabat (ASB Airport)

A action-packed 3-day circular expedition starting and ending at Ashgabat International Airport! Begin with a tailored exploration of Ashgabat's shimmering white-marble architecture before taking an early morning flight to the Caspian coast at Turkmenbashi. Embark on an off-road desert journey to marvel at the fiery red and pink limestone rock formations of Yangykala Canyon. On day three, journey through the Kopetdag Mountains to experience the tribal culture of Nokhur mountain village, swim in the warm thermal sulfur waters of Kow Ata Underground Lake, and return to Ashgabat for a farewell dinner and seamless airport departure.

No dates scheduled yet. Contact us to request a private tour or specific date.

What is included/not included

What is included

Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors.
Accommodation in standard hotel rooms: twin rooms shared by same-gender guests; double rooms for couples; single rooms arranged when needed (other room categories on request).
Private transport, domestic flights, and train tickets (as specified in your itinerary), along with a professional English-speaking guide for all designated routes.
All expenses of your driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, meeting you at the border and seeing you off at the border.
Daily breakfasts during the tour.
Entrance fees and photography permits for museums and attractions visited with your guide.
Travel insurance.
All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour.
The tour usually starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (other pick-up or drop-off points can be arranged on request).

What is not included

Visa and other border fees are not included. The visa can be obtained either at the embassy or at the border.
International flights and any transport to/from Turkmenistan at the start and end of the tour.
Meals are not included in the program (approximately 5–10 USD per meal per person, depending on the location and restaurant).
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated).
Drones (not allowed in Turkmenistan).

Tour program

Day 1 Arrival in Ashgabat & Tailored Capital Discovery

Flight Arrival & Welcome: Upon your arrival at the Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), clear customs and immigration formalities.

Airport Transfer: Meet and greet by our team at the arrival gate (our guide/driver will recognize you based on your photo). Transfer to a restaurant for breakfast and a quick refresh.

Ashgabat City Highlights: Embark on a private, fully customizable tour of the "White Marble City." Your guide will craft a flexible route tailored to your pace and personal interests, blending ancient Silk Road history with grand futuristic landmarks.

Meals & Leisure: The day is designed around your comfort, featuring carefully timed breaks for a delicious lunch and a relaxed dinner at top local restaurants, where you can sample authentic Turkmen and regional cuisine while reflecting on the city's unique sights.

Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 2 Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi (Flight) → Yangykala Canyon → Balkan Region

Morning Flight to the Caspian Coast: Early check-out and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for a short early morning flight to Turkmenbashi at 6:20 AM. Meet your driver upon arrival at the coastal airport.

Turkmenbashi City & Awaza Highlights: Enjoy a brief orientation tour of this historic port city. View the unique pre-revolutionary architecture built from Caspian limestone, stop by the beautiful 1895 Moorish-style railway station, and catch scenic coastal views of the Caspian Sea. Optional: An excursion to the nearby Awaza Sea Resort can be arranged upon request, depending entirely on whether the zone is open and accessible to visitors at the exact time of your visit.

Lunch: Enjoy a fresh seafood or traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

Scenic Drive & Optional Stop at Gozli Ata Pilgrim Site: Depart east into the desert toward the canyons. Optional & Time Permitting: Make a brief visit to Gozli Ata, one of Turkmenistan’s most revered pilgrimage sites, nestled inside striking white-and-pink cliff formations.

Expedition to Yangykala Canyon: Continue your off-road journey to the breathtaking Yangykala Canyons (~160 km total from Turkmenbashi). Arrive at the canyon plateau to explore the vast, fiery red and pink limestone formations (the ancient Tethys Ocean floor).

Drive to Hotel & Dinner: Drive south from the canyon plateau toward your hotel in the Balkan region (~2 to 2.5 hours). Depending on the season and weather, enjoy an authentic packed picnic dinner directly on the canyon rim, or a warm dinner upon arrival at your destination.

Overnight: Stay at a hotel in the Balkan Region (Balkanabat or surrounding transit hubs based on availability).

Day 3 Balkan Region → Nokhur → Kow Ata → Ashgabat → Ashgabat Airport

Morning Departure: Depart your hotel and drive east along the highway parallel to the Kopet Dag mountain range.

Nokhur Mountain Village: Take a scenic mountain detour up to the isolated tribal village of Nokhur. Tour the unique local cemetery adorned with ancient ibex horns, meet the local mountain residents, and enjoy a traditional home-cooked village lunch at a local family home or local restaurant. (Note: Access to the mountain village depends on favorable weather and road conditions; in case of winter snow or heavy rain, a comfortable alternative lunch will be arranged en route).

Kow Ata Underground Lake: Drive down the mountain paths to the famous Kow Ata Underground Lake (approx. 1 hour). Descend into the deep limestone cave for a unique, relaxing swim in the naturally warm, mineral-rich thermal sulfur waters (constant 35°C year-round).

Return to Ashgabat: Drive the final stretch back to the capital city (~100 km, approx. 1.5 hours).

Farewell Dinner & Airport Transfer: Relax over a delicious farewell dinner at a top local restaurant in Ashgabat. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) for your departure flight back home.

End of Tour.