1
Kow-Ata Underground Lake
Highlights: Swim in 33-37C mineral-rich underground lake, Dramatic limestone cave with stalactites, Therapeutic sulfurous waters, 267 steps descent to the lake
Day Trips Guide
Best Day Trips from Turkmenistan 2026
Discover the best day trip destinations and excursions from Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is a fascinating Central Asian nation known for its surreal marble-clad capital Ashgabat, the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater (Gates of Hell), and ancient Silk Road cities. This mysterious country offers a unique blend of Soviet-era grandeur, traditional nomadic culture, and vast Karakum Desert landscapes.
Top 10 Day Trips
The best excursions from Turkmenistan.
2
Nohur Village
Highlights: Mountain Turkmen village with distinct culture and dialect, Unique wolf-head grave markers in village cemetery, Traditional apricot orchards and mud-brick homes, Panoramic Kopet Dag mountain views
3
Anau Ruins and Sultan Sanjar Mosque
Highlights: 15th-century Timurid mosque ruins with mosaic dragons, Ancient Anau burial mound settlement over 8,000 years old, Working local bazaar in Anau town, Easy half-day excursion from capital
4
Kunya-Urgench UNESCO Site
Highlights: UNESCO-listed medieval Islamic architecture, Gutlug Timur Minaret tallest minaret in Central Asia at 62m, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum with turquoise cone, Ruins of ancient Khwarezm capital
5
Ashgabat Hippodrome Sunday Horse Racing
Highlights: Watch the legendary Akhal-Teke golden horses race, Major social event for Ashgabat families, Photography of the world most beautiful horse breed, Festive atmosphere with local snack vendors
Day Trips by Distance
Plan based on how far you want to travel.
Under 1 Hour
Quick Escapes
Anau Ruins and Sultan Sanjar Mosque (20 min by taxi, $5); Ashgabat Hippodrome for Sunday horse racing (15 min by taxi)
1-2 Hours
Easy Day Trips
Kow-Ata Underground Lake (1.5 hr by hire car, $40-60); Ancient Nisa UNESCO site (30 min by taxi); Geok Tepe Battle Fortress (45 min by hire car)
2-4 Hours
Full Day Adventures
Nohur Mountain Village (2 hr by hire car, $50-70); Kopet Dag foothill hiking areas (2-3 hr by hire car)
4+ Hours
Extended Trips
Darvaza Gas Crater (5-6 hr drive — overnight trip strongly recommended); Ancient Merv from Mary city (30 min from Mary — fly to Mary); Kunya-Urgench (6 hr drive or overnight train to Dashoguz then taxi)
Complete Day Trips Guide
20+ destinations with detailed itineraries and transport info.
Getting There
Transport options for day trips.
Organized
Guided Tours
Organized day tours to Kow-Ata and Nohur from $60-80/person; Darvaza overnight tours from $100-200/person — all include transport
Private
Private Car & Driver
Hire car with driver from $40-80/day for Ashgabat-area destinations; 4WD with driver required for Darvaza and desert destinations from $120/day
Public
Public Transport
State buses serve Geok Tepe ($2, 1 hour) and Anau ($0.50, 30 minutes from Chandybil bus station); intercity trains serve Mary and Dashoguz for Merv and Kunya-Urgench
Rental
Self-Drive
Self-drive rental not recommended for foreigners in Turkmenistan — very limited options and checkpoints require local driver knowledge; hire car with driver strongly preferred
Tours vs. Independent Travel
Decide the best approach for you.
🎫 Organized Tours
- ✓ All logistics handled
- ✓ Expert guides with local knowledge
- ✓ No navigation worries
- ✓ Often includes meals
- ✓ Meet other travelers
- ✗ Fixed itinerary
- ✗ Less flexibility
- ✗ Larger groups
- ✗ Higher cost
🚗 Independent Travel
- ✓ Complete flexibility
- ✓ Set your own pace
- ✓ Can be cheaper
- ✓ Personalized experience
- ✓ Spontaneous discoveries
- ✗ Navigation challenges
- ✗ Language barriers
- ✗ More planning required
- ✗ Miss expert insights
Day Trip Planning Tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — all desert and outdoor sites are best visited in the morning before heat builds; aim to leave Ashgabat by 8AM for day trips
Arrange permits in advance for sites near the Iranian border — a licensed local agency handles this but needs 24-48 hours notice
Carry sufficient water for any trip outside Ashgabat — minimum 4L per person for desert destinations
Bring your passport on all day trips — road checkpoints between cities may request documents
Explore Beyond Turkmenistan
Get our complete day trips guide with detailed itineraries, transport guides, and insider tips.
Download Day Trips Guide