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Turkmenistan history & culture

Turkmenistan and the Gates of Hell

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Overview

Turkmenistan and the Gates of Hell

Continent

Asia

Days

10 days

Nights

9 nights

Group Size

12 people

Activity

Moderate

Interest

History & Culture

Highlights

  • Enjoy a traditional Turkmen shashlik dinner beside the flaming Gates of Hell.
  • Experience a rejuvenating bath at an underground thermal lake revered for its healing properties.
  • Get special access to a private farm where fabled Akhal-Teke horses are bred. 
  • Tour the stunningly preserved ancient ruins of Merv, once one of the biggest cities of the ancient world.
  • Support grassroots enterprises during cooking classes, carpet-weaving demonstrations, and more in a country where such local projects rarely get the benefit of tourism dollars. 
  • Explore breathtaking Yangykala Canyon, a rival to North America’s Grand Canyon.
  • Uncover the old Soviet charm, narrow alleys, and crumbling 19th century houses of Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan 10 days 9 nights

Epic city structures, desert landscapes & local tea at nomadic settlements.

Day 1

Welcome to Ashgabat

Independence Monument
Independence Monument

Day 2

Exploring Ashgabat

Michal Knitl

Day 3

Mary and Merv

Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum

Day 4

Turkmenbashi

Turkmenbashi
Turkmenbashi

Day 5

Yangykala

Yangykala Canyon
Yangykala Canyon

Day 6

Nokhur and Saparmurat Hajji Mosque

Akhal-Teke horse
Akhal-Teke horse, Artur Baboev

Day 7

Dashoguz and Konye-Urgench

Turabeg Khanym Complex in Konye-Urgench, Turkmenistan
Turabeg Khanym Complex in Konye-Urgench, Turkmenistan

Day 8

Dashoguz & The Gates of Hell

Darvaza Crater - The Gates of Hell
Darvaza Crater - The Gates of Hell
  • Special note

Day 9

Back to Ashgabat

Michael Karavanov © CC BY-SA 3.0

Day 10

Farewell & Departure

Ashgabat
Ashgabat

What is included?


What is not included?


Upcoming departures

6 available dates
  • Sep 25–Oct 4, 2024
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  • Oct 24–Nov 2, 2024
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  • Apr 20–Apr 29, 2025
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  • May 24–Jun 2, 2025
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  • Sep 14–Sep 23, 2025
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  • Oct 19–Oct 28, 2025
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Additional info

Pricing & Trip Deposit

Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.

Balance due 90 days prior to departure.

The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.

Traveling Solo?

You’re in good company.

Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:

2024 departures: $750 USD per person

2025 departures: $770 USD per person

Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. 

If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.

Please note that a single supplement is subject to availability and not guaranteed on Day 8 when staying in the Darvaza Yurts.

Arrival & Departure

You should plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 10. Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia and Europe. The best flight connections to Ashgabat are offered by Turkmenistan Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

Activity Level

Travelers should be reasonably fit and feel comfortable walking three to five miles over the course of each day, and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. We’ll be spending a good amount of time outside and in rural areas, walking up and down stairs, and on dirt paths. We’ll also spend a night camping out in the desert.

Have more questions?

Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.

Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out

  • "Our trip leader's insight into Turkmenistan's post-Soviet experience really made the trip worthwhile."

    Eleanor - Maryland

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