Turkmenistan Independence Day Tour (8 Days)


September 27 – October 4, 2026

⬇️ Going ⬇️

This itinerary is built around one of the most interesting dates in Turkmenistan’s calendar: Independence Day in Ashgabat, on 27 September. The tour begins in the capital during the celebrations, then continues west to the Caspian coast, east to Mary and its archeological sites, and finishes with an overnight at Darvaza gas crater.

The route brings together Turkmenistan’s main highlights in a practical sequence: Ashgabat, Ancient Nisa, Kow-Ata, Nokhur, Turkmenbasy, Yangykala Canyon, Ancient Merv, Mary, Gonur Depe, and Darvaza. One domestic flight and one overnight train are included to keep the journey efficient and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

As is often the case in Turkmenistan, flight schedules shape part of the program. International arrivals and departures in Ashgabat usually happen late at night or in the early morning, and the tour has been planned with those timings in mind.

  • Day 1 – September 27
    • Early arrival in Ashgabat, hotel rest, Independence Day activities in the capital. Overnight in Ashgabat.
  • Day 2 – September 28
    • Visit Ancient Nisa, Kow-Ata underground lake, and Nokhur village; evening train to Turkmenbasy. Overnight on train.
  • Day 3 – September 29
    • Arrive in Turkmenbasy; visit the city and Caspian surroundings. Overnight in Turkmenbasy.
  • Day 4 – September 30
    • Full-day excursion to Yangykala Canyon. Overnight in Turkmenbasy.
  • Day 5 – October 1
    • Early flight to Ashgabat; continue to Mary, with possible time in Ashgabat and/or Mary depending on flight schedule. Overnight in Mary.
  • Day 6 – October 2
    • Visit Ancient Merv and Gonur Depe. Overnight in Mary.
  • Day 7 – October 3
    • Drive from Mary to Darvaza gas crater. Overnight at Darvaza.
  • Day 8 – October 4
    • End of tour; either return to Ashgabat with day-use hotel and airport transfer, or continue toward the Uzbekistan border via Koneurgench.

NomadMania group at the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center in Ashgabat

 

Day 1 – Arrival in Ashgabat / Independence Day in the Capital
[September 27, 2026]

Participants should arrive in Ashgabat late night or in the early hours of the morning. Since most international flights land during the night or shortly after (from 9PM-7AM), hotel rooms will be available from arrival so the group can rest, shower, and recover properly after the journey. The same hotel is used for the first overnight.

Later in the day, we head out into the capital to experience Independence Day in Ashgabat. The exact program will depend on access and on what is taking place in the city, but we expect to spend time around major avenues, monuments, and public spaces, with Ashgabat at its most decorated and ceremonial. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Independence Day Parade  – by Kerri-Jo Stewart, CC2.0

Wedding Palace Ashgabat – by Rawpixel, CC1.0

 

Day 2 – Nisa, Kow-Ata, Nokhur and Night Train to Turkmenbasy
[September 28, 2026]

After breakfast, we leave Ashgabat and head first to Ancient Nisa, one of the country’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the most important remains of the Parthian period. From there we head west to the Kow-Ata underground lake. Those who wish may swim in the warm mineral water, while others can simply enjoy the cave setting and the stop itself.

Later in the day we visit Nokhur, one of Turkmenistan’s most distinctive mountain villages, known for its local traditions and cemetery with ram-horn grave markers. From there we board the overnight train west to Turkmenbasy.

Nokhur Cemetery – by Hans Birger Nilsen, CC.2.0

 

Day 3 – Arrival in Turkmenbasy / Caspian Coast
[September 29, 2026]

The train arrives in Turkmenbasy in the morning. After transfer to the hotel and time to freshen up, we begin visiting the city and its coastal surroundings. Turkmenbasy offers a very different setting from Ashgabat, with its Caspian port atmosphere and more open layout.

Depending on timing, the day will include the city itself, the waterfront, and the nearby resort area of Awaza. This is a lighter sightseeing day after the overnight train, but it still gives a good look at western Turkmenistan and the Caspian side of the country. Overnight in Turkmenbasy.

Türkmenbashi train – by Laika Ac, CC2.0

Resort city of Awaza – Bayram A, CC.4.0

 

Day 4 – Yangykala Canyon
[September 30, 2026]

After breakfast, we depart for a full-day excursion to Yangykala Canyon, one of Turkmenistan’s most impressive natural landmarks. The canyon is known for its layered cliffs and striking colors, and it remains one of the strongest visual highlights of any trip through the country.

We allow proper time on site for views, short walks, and photography along the rim. This is one of the major landscape visits of the tour and deserves a full day rather than a brief stop. Return to Turkmenbasy for the night.

Yangykala Canyon – by Allan Mustard, CC.4.0

Yangykala Canyon – by Hotel Kaesong, CC.2.0

 

Day 5 – Flight to Ashgabat / Onward to Mary
[October 1, 2026]

This morning we take an early domestic flight from Turkmenbasy back to Ashgabat. From there we continue east toward Mary. The exact rhythm of the day will depend partly on the flight schedule and on arrival times.

Upon arrival to Mary we have a city tour including visit to a magnificent local museum. Overnight in Mary.

Honor Guard at Oguzkhan Presidential Palace in Ashgabat – by Rawpixel, CC1.0

 

Day 6 – Ancient Merv and Gonur Depe
[October 2, 2026]

Today is dedicated to the main historical sites around Mary. We begin with Ancient Merv, Turkmenistan’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great Silk Road cities of Central Asia. The site is large and historically one of the most important in the region.

Later we continue to Gonur Depe, one of Central Asia’s major Bronze Age archeological sites. Visiting both on the same day gives a broad historical view of eastern Turkmenistan. Return to Mary for the night.

Turkmenistan Merv city – by Kalpak Travel, CC.4.0

 

Day 7 – Mary to Darvaza Gas Crater
[October 3, 2026]

After breakfast, we leave Mary and begin the long drive toward Darvaza gas crater. This is one of the longest overland stretches of the tour, but it leads directly to the country’s best-known natural landmark.

We aim to arrive with enough time to see the crater before sunset and again after dark, when the fire is at its most dramatic. Accommodation here is simple (think Yurts), but the overnight stay makes the visit much more worthwhile than a rushed stop. Dinner and overnight near the crater.

NomadMania group at the gas crater

 

Day 8 – Darvaza / End of Tour
[October 4, 2026]

After breakfast and final time at the crater, the tour ends in one of two ways. Most participants will return to Ashgabat, where a hotel room will be booked in their name for the duration of the day. They will be free to rest or walk independently near the hotel — an airport transfer will be arranged close to flight time.

For this option, participants should book flights departing between 22:00 and 08:30 the following morning. Unfortunately, we cannot offer additional extensions in Ashgabat beyond this final day arrangement.

Participants who prefer to continue to Uzbekistan may do so for an additional €75, including the drive north, visit to Köneürgench, lunch, and transfer to the border.

Ashgabat International Airport – by Bayram A, CC4.0

Cost

  • Price per person: €1480
    • Single-room supplement: €350
    • Uzbekistan border ending: +€75

Included

  • Visa support and invitation letter
  • 1 domestic flight & 1 overnight train ride
  • 8 days / 9 nights accommodation in 3~4 star hotels or the best available
  • All activities and transportation as listed
  • All meals
  • English-speaking local guide

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa (visa cost is around USD $95~130 depending on nationality, paid on arrival)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver

Payment

You can follow the link below for the deposit payment.
The remaining payment must be brought in cash to Ashgabat for payment on arrival on day 1 of the tour.

  • Your spot is only confirmed after the deposit is done

    For any questions regarding this tour please feel free to reach out

      Or contact us directly at pedro@nomadmania.com 

      🇹🇲 See you in Turkmenistan! 🙂 

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