Off the Beaten Track Turkmenistan

Experience the main highlights in Turkmenistan on this adventurous 11-day itinerary and travel off-the-beaten-track more remote areas in this incredible country. In Ashgabat visit the famous Tolkuchka Bazaar, Galkynyash Square and the Turkmen Carpet Museum before travelling overland in a 4WD vehicle to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian coast. Venture through the Kopetdag Mountains and onto the remote canyons of the Karakum Desert spending four nights camping as you make your journey to the sea. Discover waterfalls, stunning mountain scenery and pass through the wilderness in the north to the flame coloured canyons of Yangy Kala.

For more information, contact Carl Meadows, Regent's Central Asia Specialist.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO ASHGABAT

Fly to Ashgabat .

DAY 2

ARRIVE ASHGABAT

Arrive into Ashgabat in the early hours. Meet with the local guide and transfer to the hotel. Spend some time relaxing before embarking upon a sightseeing tour. Visit the famous Tolkuchka Bazaar on the edge of the city - one of Central Asia’s most impressive markets - and discover all manner of goods, from camels to cars. Return to the city centre for lunch and in the afternoon commence an introductory tour of Ashgabat, including the World War II Memorial, Earthquake Monument, Galkynyash Square (formerly Turkmenbashy Square) and Gulustan Bazaar (the pleasant central city market). (B,L)

DAY 3

ASHGABAT

Today enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. Discover Nisa, the Turkmen Carpet Museum and the Fine Arts Museum. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Ashgabat. (B)

DAY 4

ASHGABAT TO NOKHUR

Depart the capital in a 4WD vehicle heading west towards the Caspian Sea. Visit Geok Depe and Geokdepe Mosque before arriving at the underground lake/cave at Kov Ata. Here visit the lake and perhaps go for a swim before entering the Kopetdag Mountains. Drive to Nohur, the main settlement in the region. The night will be spent in tents near Khurkhuri Waterfall, or in a homestay. (Total driving distance today will be approximately 160km) (B,L,D)

DAY 5

NOKHUR TO KOSH DEMIR WATERFALL

Head higher into the mountains and reach a point 1900 metres above sea level, on the northern ridge of the Kopetdag Mountains. Explore this attractive mountain area in detail before travelling to Koshdemir Waterfall, where the night will be spent camping. (Total driving distance today will be approximately 110km) (B,L,D)

DAY 6

KOSH DEMIR TO BALKANABAT

Drive down the Sumbar valley towards Balkanabat, stopping en route to visit the shrine of Shibli-Baba before taking a break for lunch in Paraw. Rejoin the main road and continue to the city of Balkanabat. On arrival check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (Total driving distance today will be approximately 345km) (B, L)

DAY 7

BALKANABAT TO YANGY KALA CANYONS

Depart Balakanabat on a journey in to the wilderness of the north and to the flame coloured canyons of Yangy Kala. Travel 195km through spectacular and stark scenery. Overnight in tents at Yangy Kala. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

YANGY KALA CANYONS TO YANGYSUV

In the morning explore this land of red canyons and admire the mars like scenery of this barren region. After lunch at one of the canyons continue further north, to Kara-Bogaz-Gol and the canyons of Yangysuv. Camp overnight at this remote site. (B,L,D)

DAY 9

YANGYSUV TO TURKMENBASHI

Drive 210km from the canyons of Yangysuv to Turkmenbashi, traversing the empty steppe in a 4WD vehicle. On arrival on the Caspian coast check into the hotel for an overnight stay and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

DAY 10

TURKMENBASHI TO ASHGABAT

Spend the day exploring in and around Turkmenbashi. Discover the city bazaar, local museum, Russian Orthodox Church, the Japanese War Cemetery and the sea resort of Awaza. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon and fly to Ashgabat. On arrival return to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)