Highlights of Turkmenistan

Day 1: Airport – Ashgabat

Arrival in Ashgabat International airport. You will be met by our representatives and transfer to hotel. Free time.

Day 2: Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat

Breakfats at hotel. Morning transfer to Ashgabat domestic airport for morning flight to Mary. Arrive in Mary. Drive to Merv to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing transfer to Mary airport for back flight to Ashgabat. Arrival in Ashgabat. Accommodation & overnight at a hotel

Day 3: Ashgabat – Darwaza (Gas Crater)

Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (268km) dubbed by locals as “The Door to Hell”. The Darwaza area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. En-route we cross Karakum desert, will make a stop in small desert village Erbent. In the evening watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner at Gas Crater. Overnight in camp

Day 4: Darwaza – Dasoguz

Picnic style breakfast at Gas Crater. Morning drive to Kunya Urgench. Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum. Then drive to Dashoguz city and accommodation & overnight at a hotel.

Day 5: Dasoguz – Ashgabat

After breakfast transfer to Dashoguz airport for morning flight to Ashgabat. Arrival in Ashgabat and drive to Nokhur mountain village. The village itself fills a small depression valley in the mountains of the Kopet Dag Range, and the houses are built with local boulders cemented with mud. The Nohkuri people who populate this remote mountain village are quite different to other Turkmen tribes. They live in a handful of villages in the mountainous border area spanning Turkmenistan and Iran. Drive to Kowata underground lake which is located 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means “father of caves”. This underground area seems like a magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its h reaches 20 m, and its width is at some points 57 m. The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and its warm and gushing water is clear and emerald colored. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You should swim in the lake). After drive to Gokdepe fortress that was attacked in December 1880 by Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy) that was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue colored roof and white marble structure. Later drive to visit Horse Farm to see a national proud of Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Overnight at the hotel

Day 6: Ashgabat – Airport

After breakfast transfer to Airport. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Turkmenistan!