- Cultural tour
Highlights of Turkmenistan
Explore this mysterious and fascinating country on our 6-day tour that showcases Turkmenistan’s historical and scenic highlights – from the gleaming city of Ashgabat. This longer Turkmenistan tour is suitable for those with a bit more time, who want to see as much of the country as possible. See and experience what Turkmenistan is most famous for, including tracing the legacy of the former President, Niyazov, in the marble capital city of Ashgabat, camping next to the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater.
Places You'll Visit
Itinerary
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!
Map
Book
2 people = $1000 per person
3 people = $900 per person
4 people = $850 per person
5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 people = (On request)
- All transpotation, fuel, petrol
- Accommodation in a hotel
- Sightseeing tour program with local, English speaking guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Economy class tickets for flights: Ashgabat-Mary, Mary-Ashgabat, Dashoguz-Ashgabat;
- Mineral water (1.5 litres per person per day)
- Travel insurance
- Alcohol
- Tax of bank
- Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa;
- Turkmenistan migration tax – 14 USD;
- Tips to local driver and guide (although they would be appreciated);
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Camera fees, charged separately by museums.
- VISA