Turkmenistan’s 4 Best Tours & Experiences

Turkmenistan might not be the first country that springs to mind for a travel adventure, but it offers some truly unique experiences for those willing to venture off the usual path. The country’s vast deserts, imposing monuments, and ancient cities make it a fascinating place to explore. We especially love the chance to witness the Darvaza Gas Crater—a natural phenomenon that glows like a fiery portal at night—and the opportunity to connect with Turkmen tribal life in the desert. These experiences are authentic, memorable, and often surprisingly accessible through well-designed tours. If you’re after a trip that combines history, surreal landscapes, and a touch of adventure, Turkmenistan has plenty to offer.

For those considering their options, we’ve put together a list of the best Turkmenistan tours and experiences. From quick two-day excursions to comprehensive five-day adventures, each tour is tailored to different interests and schedules. Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, like the UNESCO-listed Kunya Urgench, or want to see the fire-breathing Darvaza crater, there’s a perfect fit here.

Quick Overview

This list highlights four top tours, each with its own focus and flavor. The 3-day Golden Sands and Fiery Nights Tour offers a balanced mix of modern and ancient sights, including Ashgabat’s marble cityscape and the glowing Darvaza Crater. The 2-day Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench, and Darvaza trip is a shorter escape for travelers pressed for time but eager to see the key highlights. The 5-day Explore Turkmenistan Highlights gives a thorough look at major sites like Nisa and Merv, perfect for those who want a deeper understanding of history. Finally, the 15-day Central Asia adventure covers all five Stans, with Turkmenistan as just one part of a broader Silk Road journey. For more details, visit these tours, the 2-day tour, the 5-day trip, and the 15-day adventure.

1. Golden Sands and Fiery Nights 3 Days Across Turkmenistan

At number one, this 3-day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Turkmenistan’s highlights. The tour kicks off in Ashgabat, with a guided exploration of its grand marble boulevards and modern architecture. From there, you head into the Karakum Desert to witness the Darvaza Gas Crater — a stunning, fiery pit that roars and glows after dark. The experience of spending a night under the desert stars is genuinely unforgettable.

On day two, you’ll meet local desert families and learn about their nomadic lifestyles, gaining a rare glimpse into traditional Turkmen culture. Participating in a photo session near a yurt and sampling homemade dishes makes this tour stand out. The final day includes a visit to the Kunye-Urgench UNESCO site, where ruins and monuments reveal a history of resilience against Genghis Khan. The tour’s value is clear, especially given the inclusion of all admissions for a seamless experience.

Bottom line: This tour combines culture with dramatic landscapes, perfect for first-timers eager to see both ancient and modern Turkmenistan.

2. 2-Day Tour to Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench And Darvaza

For travelers with limited time, the 2-day tour hits the high points without sacrificing depth. Starting in Dashoguz, you’ll explore the ancient city of Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO Heritage Site, full of impressive ruins and history. The tour then moves into the Karakum Desert to see the Darvaza Gas Crater, where the fiery glow at night is a surreal sight. A unique feature of this trip is the picnic dinner by the crater, offering a memorable dining experience in the middle of the desert.

This journey is ideal for those who want an intense, focused experience that covers both history and natural wonders in a compact package. The tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and cultural interaction, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule but with an appreciation for authentic experiences.

Bottom line: A quick, efficient tour ideal for travelers looking to tick off Turkmenistan’s top highlights without a lengthy commitment.

3. Explore Turkmenistan Highlights 5 Days Adventure with Private Car

For those seeking a comprehensive look at Turkmenistan’s most iconic sites, the 5-day adventure offers a well-paced journey. This trip takes you from Ashgabat, with stops at the National Museum of History and the Halk Earthquake Monument, to the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient architecture. You’ll also visit Ancient Merv, another UNESCO site that once thrived as a Silk Road hub.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on sites of historical significance and the opportunity to explore more remote locations like Nisa and Merv, with a private car making the logistics smooth. The tour concludes with a visit to Kunya Urgench, giving a thorough overview of Turkmenistan’s Silk Road legacy. The guide’s extensive knowledge makes the history come alive, making this a great choice for history enthusiasts.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a detailed, in-depth exploration with comfort and flexibility.

4. 15 Days Adventure to Five Stans of Central Asia

Finally, if your ambition reaches beyond Turkmenistan, the 15-day Central Asia tour delivers an epic journey across all five former Soviet republics. Starting in Ashgabat, the trip covers Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, with highlights like Samarkand’s blue domes, mountain lakes, and dramatic canyons. Turkmenistan’s white-marble boulevards and the fiery Darvaza crater are just the beginning of a vast adventure.

This tour is operated as a group experience, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy shared journeys and guided logistics. It’s the most expensive option but offers a rundown of Central Asia’s diverse cultures and landscapes, making it perfect for those with a longer time frame and a desire to understand the region holistically.

Bottom line: For travelers wanting to experience the full breadth of Central Asia, this tour offers an unmatched, sweeping perspective.

How to Choose Your Perfect Turkmenistan Tour

When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you prefer a quick taste of highlights, the 2-day trip provides efficient access to key sites. For deeper immersion into history and culture, the 5-day adventure is ideal, especially if you enjoy guided exploration at a relaxed pace. Budget-conscious travelers might find the shorter tours more appealing, but if you’re looking for a full experience and don’t mind the cost, the 15-day Silk Road journey is hard to beat.

Booking early is recommended, particularly for the longer tours, as they tend to fill up quickly. The best time to visit Turkmenistan is during spring or autumn when temperatures are milder, making outdoor excursions more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Turkmenistan’s tours are a mix of ancient cities, spectacular natural sights, and unique cultural interactions. For a quick dose of highlights, the Golden Sands and Fiery Nights offers a balanced experience. If you prefer a more in-depth exploration, the 5-day highlights will give you a broader look at the country’s most important sites.

For those with the time and interest in the broader Central Asian region, the 15-day tour offers a comprehensive Silk Road adventure. Whichever you choose, early booking guarantees a smoother journey into this fascinating and often overlooked destination.