5-Day Nowruz Celebration and Cultural Tour in Turkmenistan
Highlights
Ashgabat, Darvaza, Mari
cultural, historical, sightseeing
Private Tour
5 Days
Easy
Arabic, English, Persian, Polish, Russian, Turkish
Languages
Arabic, English, Persian, Polish, Russian, Turkish
Description
Experience Turkmenistan’s ancient heritage during Nowruz, the season of renewal and celebration. This 5-day journey explores UNESCO World Heritage sites including Old Nisa and Ancient Merv, once great centres of the Parthian and Silk Road civilizations. Discover Ashgabat’s iconic monuments, witness the dramatic Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset, and immerse yourself in Nowruz festivities with traditional music, dances, and seasonal cuisine. A rare and sophisticated way to experience Turkmenistan’s history at its most vibrant.
Itinerary
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Day 1 – Arrival & Ashgabat Evening City Tour
- Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Visa formalities and COVID-19 testing (cash, USD).
- Meet your guide, transfer to the hotel, check-in and rest.
- Evening city tour highlights: Olympic City, Magtymguly Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace, Ruhnama Book
- Monument, Oguzkhan & Six Sons Fountain Ensemble, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque.
- Optional visit to a shopping or entertainment center.
Overnight at the hotel
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Day 2 – Darvaza Gas Crater & Desert Nowruz Celebration
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (≈3 hours), famously known as the “Gate of Hell”.
- Explore the crater and surrounding desert landscapes during the day.
- Sunset: witness the dramatic flames and hear the roaring sounds of the crater.
- Nowruz Pre-Celebration in the Desert:
- Live folk music and traditional dances
- Fire-jumping rituals and New Year customs
- Picnic-style dinner with Nowruz treats (sweet pastries, tea, seasonal snacks)
- Return to Ashgabat.
Overnight at the hotel
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Day 3 – Mary, Ancient Merv
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to Mary (≈3 hours).
- Visit the Central Bazaar – spices, textiles, and local souvenirs.
- Pokrovskaya Church, Mary — a colorful red-brick church from the early 20th century, reflecting the city’s history and cultural diversity. (Optional visit).
- Explore Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Ibn Zeid Mausoleum
- Nowruz Celebration in Mary: music, dance, traditional sweets, and spring rituals.
- Return to Ashgabat (≈3 hours).
Overnight at the hotel
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Day 4 – Old Nisa, Carpet Museum & Akhal-Teke Horse Farm
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Morning visit to Old Nisa Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ancient Parthian capital.
- Visit the National Carpet Museum or Historical Museum to discover Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage through exquisite carpets, traditional patterns, and centuries-old craftsmanship
- Continue to the Akhal-Teke Horse Farm to see Turkmenistan’s national pride—the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, famous for their elegance, endurance, and 5,000-year-old lineage.
- Evening: Ashgabat Nowruz Festival:
- Streets decorated with flowers and spring symbols
- Folk music, traditional dances, and games
- Seasonal Nowruz foods: Semanu, Sutluk, Pishme
- Craft workshops, communal celebrations, and photo opportunities
- Optional visit to Gulistan (Russian) Bazaar for final sightseeing or souvenir shopping.
Overnight at the hotel
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Day 5 – Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Hotel check-out and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport according to flight schedule.
- End of Tour
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
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| 7 to 8 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 1 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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