Turkmenistan 4 Day Itinerary

Title: 4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Turkmenistan

Day 1: Ashgabat City Tour

  • Morning: Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. After customs, meet your guide and start the city tour.

    • Visit the Neutrality Arch, an iconic symbol of Turkmenistan’s neutral status.
    • Explore the Alem Cultural Center with its unique architecture.
    • Stroll around Ertogrul Ghazy Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.

  • Afternoon: Continue your city tour.

    • Visit the Oguzkhan Complex, a beautiful ensemble of white marble buildings dedicated to Turkmen history and culture.
    • Explore the National Museum of History for an insight into Turkmenistan’s rich history.

  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Turkmen cuisine at a local restaurant, try dishes like “plov” and “shashlyk”.

Things to Know:

  1. Visa: You will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Turkmenistan. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days.
  2. Language: The official language is Turkish, but Russian is widely spoken. English speakers may find it helpful to have a translator or guide.
  3. Currency: The local currency is the Manat (TMT). Credit cards are not always accepted, so it’s best to carry cash.
  4. Climate: Turkmenistan has a continental climate with extremely hot summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly.

Day 2: Ashgabat - Darvaza Gas Crater (The Door to Hell)

  • Morning: Depart early from Ashgabat towards Darvaza Gas Crater. The journey takes about 5 hours.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell”. Witness this surreal sight of a burning gas crater.
  • Evening: Camp overnight near the crater, enjoy dinner around the fire, and spend the night under the starry Turkmenistan sky.

Day 3: Kunya Urgench - Khiva (Uzbekistan Border)

  • Morning: Depart Darvaza early and head to Kunya Urgench. Visit historical sites like the Kutlug Timur Minaret, Sultan Tekesh Mosque, and the ancient city ruins of Kyrk Kyz Kala.
  • Afternoon: Cross the border into Uzbekistan and reach the city of Khiva. Explore the Ichan-Kala fortress, the Khudayar Khan’s Palace, and the Islamic Complex of Pakhlavan Mahmoud.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Khiva.

Day 4: Return to Ashgabat

  • Morning: Depart from Khiva early and return to Ashgabat via air or road. If by road, the journey takes approximately 10 hours. If by air, there are daily flights available.
  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Turkmenistan shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a local cafe before heading to the airport for your departure.