Itinerary

1. Day 1: Ashgabat – Mary – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat

   • Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport and complete arrival formalities, including the required COVID test payable in USD.
   • Meet your guide at the arrivals area and transfer to the hotel for early check in and rest.
   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Drive approximately three hours to Mary.
   • Visit Merv, one of Central Asia’s most significant archaeological sites and a major Silk Road hub.
   • Explore the 12th century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn Zeyd, noted for their Seljuk brickwork and architectural detail.
   • Enjoy a short city tour of Mary.
   • Drive back to Ashgabat.

   Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

2. Day 2: Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyon

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Drive to Yangikala Canyon, one of Turkmenistan’s most striking natural landscapes.
   • Admire the dramatic multicoloured cliffs in shades of white, red, yellow and ochre, often referred to as the Fire Fortresses.
   • Spend time exploring the canyon and capturing panoramic views, especially at sunset when the colours are at their most vivid.
   • Continue to Balkanabat for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

3. Day 3: Yangikala – Nokhur – Kow Ata – Ashgabat

   • Drive in the morning to Nokhur, a remote mountain village known for its distinctive traditions and scenic landscapes.
   • Explore the surrounding nature, observe rural lifestyle and discover local crafts.
   • Continue to Kow-Ata Underground Lake, a natural cave lake with warm crystal clear waters ranging from 33 to 37 degrees Celsius, where swimming is permitted.
   • Visit Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and its adjoining mausoleum in Gypjak.
   • Return to Ashgabat for overnight stay at the hotel.

4. Day 4: Ashgabat – Old Nisa – Darvaza Gas Crater

   • Breakfast at the hotel.
   • Ashgabat City Tour begins with a visit to Old Nisa fortress, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007).
   • Continue sightseeing in Ashgabat, including: Olympic City, Independence Monument and Park, Magtymguly Monument, Wedding Palace (in the Guinness Book) and Earthquake Victims Park
   • At 15:00, drive approximately 4 hours north to Darvaza Gas Crater, a massive flaming crater, best viewed at sunset.
   • Dinner served picnic style at the camp.

   Overnight stay in a traditional yurt at Darvaza.

5. Day 5: Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Shavat Border

   • Early breakfast at the camp.
   • Depart from the camp to Kunya Urgench (approximately 5-hour drive).
   • Explore the northern province of Turkmenistan and its historical monuments in Old Urgench, the capital of Khorezm in the 17th century.
   • Visit notable sites in Old Urgench, including: Mausoleum of Nejmeddin al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Alp-Arslan and Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey
   • Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest minaret in Central Asia
   • Transfer to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border (Shavat Border) (approximately 2-hour drive).
   • Complete border formalities and cross into Uzbekistan.