Aviara Tours
From Dinosaurs to Caspian sea
Tour snapshot
Group Size:
30 persons
30 persons
Location:
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan
Tour Type:
Adventure Tour
Adventure Tour
Overview
Discover Turkmenistan on an unforgettable nine-day family adventure combining cultural encounters, outdoor exploration and spectacular natural landscapes. Meet the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, try traditional Turkmen crafts, experience the magic of the Karakum Desert beneath a star-filled sky, and follow ancient dinosaur footprints in the Koytendag Mountains.
From the sparkling white-marble capital of Ashgabat to the shores of the Caspian Sea and the colourful cliffs of Yangykala Canyon, every stage offers something special for travellers of different generations. With interactive activities, local cuisine and time to relax, this journey creates meaningful experiences and lasting family memories.
Included/Excluded
Accommodation
English-speaking guide
All transfers and transport
Entrance fees
Meals as mentioned
International flights
Visa fee
Migration fee
Other personal expenses
Important information
Travel Styles
- Cultural
- Nature & Adventure
- Activities
Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrival in Ashgabat: Discover the White City
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, meet the Aviara Tours team and transfer to your hotel. After settling in and enjoying a relaxed lunch, take part in a fun family introduction to Turkmenistan, discovering local traditions, words and cultural symbols.
Later, explore the capital’s monumental squares, elegant fountains and impressive white-marble architecture. Visit the Independence Monument area and the Arch of Neutrality, with opportunities for family photographs and a playful landmark challenge. As evening falls, admire the illuminated city before enjoying a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine.
2
Day 2
Akhal-Teke Horses, Crafts and Turkmen Traditions
Travel into the Ahal countryside to meet the magnificent Akhal-Teke horses, one of Turkmenistan’s most treasured national symbols. Learn about their history, discover how they are cared for and, where available, enjoy a supervised feeding or gentle horse-riding experience.
Continue with a traditional countryside lunch and family games inspired by Turkmen culture and equestrian heritage. Take part in a hands-on craft activity, such as decorating a shopper bag, and discover the art of baking traditional Turkmen bread in a tamdyr oven. Enjoy scenic views of the Kopet Dag mountains before returning to Ashgabat for a relaxing evening.
3
Day 3
Into the Karakum Desert: Under a Thousand Stars
Leave Ashgabat behind and journey into the vast Karakum Desert, where open horizons and golden sands create a remarkable sense of adventure. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops and discover the unique desert environment.
Meet Bactrian camels and, where available, experience a camel ride while learning about these remarkable animals and their adaptation to desert life. Enjoy a traditional lunch surrounded by the desert landscape before continuing towards the famous Darvaza Gas Crater.
As sunset transforms the sands, watch the dramatic crater glow against the darkening horizon. After dinner at the desert camp, enjoy a relaxed evening of storytelling, traditional music and family games. End the day beneath a spectacular star-filled sky, far from the lights of the city.
4
Day 4
Desert Morning and Family Leisure in Ashgabat
Enjoy a peaceful morning in the Karakum Desert, with time for photographs, a short exploration of the dunes or an optional camel experience. Then return to Ashgabat, watching the desert scenery gradually give way to the capital’s monumental architecture.
After lunch, enjoy free time at the hotel to rest, swim or relax together. In the evening, visit Gala restaurant, surrounded by mountain scenery and offering a lively family atmosphere with entertainment, a swimming pool and delicious cuisine.
5
Day 5
Koytendag: Walking with Dinosaurs
Transfer to Ashgabat Airport for your domestic flight to Kerki, followed by a scenic journey towards the spectacular Koytendag Mountains.
After a mountain break and lunch, discover one of Turkmenistan’s most fascinating natural treasures: the Dinosaur Plateau. Explore ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock and imagine the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this region millions of years ago.
Turn the visit into a family dinosaur expedition, searching for different tracks, comparing their sizes and learning how these remarkable traces survived through time. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the experience offers an exciting blend of nature, geology and discovery. Continue to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
6
Day 6
From Ancient Footprints to Ashgabat
Return to Kerki for your domestic flight to Ashgabat. After lunch in the capital, visit the Turkmen Carpet Museum to discover the artistry and cultural significance of traditional Turkmen carpet weaving. Admire intricate patterns, rich colours and the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Continue to the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, home to its famous indoor Ferris wheel. Enjoy panoramic views of Ashgabat from above and see the city from a different perspective. Later, return to the hotel for some free time before dinner and a relaxing evening.
7
Day 7
Caspian Sea: A Day by the Coast
Fly from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi and travel towards the Caspian coast. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed seaside experience with time to appreciate the fresh sea breeze and coastal scenery.
Depending on the season and local conditions, activities may include beach time, swimming where permitted, sandcastle building, family games and a gentle walk along the shore. A boat excursion offers another perspective of the Caspian coastline, subject to availability and weather conditions.
As evening approaches, enjoy the changing colours of the sea before dinner. Stay overnight in Turkmenbashi, ready for the spectacular landscapes awaiting you the following day.
8
Day 8
Yangykala Canyon: Nature’s Colourful Masterpiece
Set off towards Yangykala Canyon, one of Turkmenistan’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. Discover dramatic cliffs and rock formations in shades of red, pink, white and gold, shaped by nature over countless years.
Explore scenic viewpoints, enjoy gentle walks at your own pace and capture memorable family photographs against the spectacular surroundings. Weather and local conditions permitting, enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the canyon.
Later, return to Ashgabat for a final evening in the capital. Admire the illuminated white-marble buildings, monumental squares and fountains before gathering for a farewell dinner and reflecting on the adventures shared throughout the journey.
9
Day 9
Farewell to Turkmenistan
Enjoy your final breakfast in Ashgabat before checking out of the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure.
Leave Turkmenistan with wonderful family memories of magnificent horses, traditional crafts, desert stars, prehistoric footprints, Caspian Sea breezes and the colourful cliffs of Yangykala Canyon.
FAQs about
From Dinosaurs to Caspian sea
Yes! The tour combines cultural experiences, gentle outdoor activities and relaxation, making it suitable for families with different ages and interests. Some excursions involve longer drives and uneven terrain.
Meet Akhal-Teke horses, discover the Darvaza Gas Crater, explore dinosaur footprints in Koytendag, relax by the Caspian Sea and admire the colourful Yangykala Canyon.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally the best seasons for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, lightweight clothing, a jacket for cool desert evenings, a valid passport and sufficient cash, as card payments may not be available everywhere.
Absolutely! Enjoy traditional Turkmen dishes, freshly baked tamdyr bread and local specialties throughout your journey, including memorable meals in the countryside and desert camp.
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