Jeep-Safari in Turkmenistan (10 Days)

Overview

This tour includes 10 days jeep safari in Turkmenistan. The jeep safari is a real joy for those who want to explore the diverse landscapes and life in the Turkmen Karakum desert. Unlike other tours, it includes a comprehensive visit to Ashgabat and its post-independence architecture, and provides a good insight into the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Turkmen. However, the main feature of this tour is visiting the various natural landscapes that Turkmenistan offers: mountains, underground lakes, volcanoes, salt lakes, sand dunes, coastlines, prehistoric gorges, ancient river banks and of course the massive 60 meter craters of Darwaza.

Day 1: Arrival Ashgabat

Arrival in Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat

Departure from hotel lobby for city tour, including visits of Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace Viewpoint. Afternoon drive out of the city into the Kopetdag Mountains, with visits of Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum and Geok Depe Mosque on the way. Camp dinner and overnight in tents in the foothills of the Kopetdag, with a view on Peak Dushak Eretdag (2450m).

We drive the short distance to Kowata cave where those interested can take a swim in the mineral-rich waters of the underground lake. We carry on through the foothills and valleys of the mountains to the peculiar grey mounts that are widely known as Moon Mountains. Picnic lunch on the way. Camp dinner and overnight in tents in the Moon Mountains area.

A drive of several hours takes us to Gumdag. Not far from here we visit the extinct mud volcano of Boyadag. Those who wish, can make the 30-minute climb to the top and back. We then carry on to Balkanabad, where we visit the local bazaar before carrying on to the sand dunes of Cheleken peninsula. Picnic lunch on the way. Camp dinner and overnight in tents in Cheleken sand dunes.

We drive the short distance back to the main road, but make a stop at Mollagara where you can to a swim in the  salt lake. The phenomenon is the same as the Dead Sea. From here we drive several hours across the highland plateau to the coastal cliffs of the Garabogaz. You can continue to Yangisuw Canyon on foot or by 4x4. Picnic lunch on the way. Camp dinner and overnight in tents in Yangisuw area.

We drive the short distance from Yangisuw to Yangikala Canyon. Time to explore the canyon area. From Yangikala we drive in several hours to the white cliffs of Koymat. Picnic lunch on the way. Camp dinner and overnight in tents in Koymat area.

Today we travel along the white cliffs and the banks of the dried-up Uzboy River to the desert settlement of Balishem. We pass several traditional villages on the way. Picnic lunch on the way. Camp dinner and overnight in tents in the dunes near Balishem.

We start with a long drive northwards, passing several villages, until we reach the cliffs of Akchagaya. Close to sunset we reach Darwaza. Picnic lunch on the way. Camp dinner and overnight in tents near Darwaza crater.

Today we travel over tarmac in 4 hours back to Ashgabat. Lunch is free. This afternoon is free to do some souvenir shopping or visit any further city sights. After our traditionally Turkmen farewell dinner we make a city-by-night tour through the post-independence district and the main avenues of downtown Ashgabat, with stops at the Neutrality Arch, Ferris Wheel and the Wedding Palace Viewpoint.

Transfer to the airport. Return home.

Services included: Services not included:
  • ►Round trip / excursions and transfer in air-conditioned modern vehicles
  • ►4x4 Jeep for a trip to the desert.  
  • ►Overnight accommodation in middle-class hotels in a double room
  • ►7x tent stay in desert and mountain
  • ►English-speaking local tour guide throughout the trip
  • ►Entrance to the museums and monuments according to the program
  • ►Full board according to the program
  • ►Tourist Map
  • ►International flights (can be booked through us)
  • ►Tips
  • ►Meals and drinks not mentioned
  • ►The fees for using a camera in some of the attractions in the museums
  • ►Personal expenses

Number of participants: 2- 12 people
From 2 people as a private tour on your desired date.

The prices are valid for 2021 and are based on 2 people, with reduced prices for larger groups on request.

Gallery

On request