Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival and Ashgabat City Tour

   • Meet and greet at the at the airport, followed by a friendly lunch at the local restaurant in Ashgabat.
   • After hotel check-in, embark on a full-day exploration of the capital.
   • Visit Old Nisa Fortress (UNESCO), the ancient royal seat of the Parthian Empire, and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak — one of Central Asia’s largest and most impressive.
   • Continue to the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, honoring the heroes and victims of Turkmenistan’s past, then see the Ahalteke horses at the Ashgabat Hippodrome.
   • After lunch, explore the National Museum, Carpet Museum, Independence Park, and the lively Berkarar Center, where tradition meets modern life.
   • Visit Ashgabat’s top landmarks by night, including the Yyldyz Hotel and Happiness Palace, for an evening photo and video session overlooking the illuminated city.

   Overnight stay at the hotel.

2. Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Ashgabat

   • Breakfast at the hotel.
   • Visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan
   • Visit the Turkmen Carpet Museum
   • After lunch at a local café, explore Ashgabat’s most vibrant markets — Gulistan Bazaar, Teke Bazaar, and Berkarar Shopping Mall, to experience the daily life and colors of the capital.
   • Drive to Mary along the modern high-speed highway. (~3.5 hours)
   • Dinner: Enjoy a festive dinner at a traditional restaurant, celebrating your journey across Turkmenistan.
   • Transfer to the hotel.

3. Day 3: Bayramali and Ancient Merv

   • Have breakfast at the hotel.
   • Explore Bayramali and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv:
   • Visit Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
   • Discover Gyaur Kala
   • Explore Erk Kala and Grand Kyz Kala
   • Stop at a local bazaar for souvenirs and cultural experiences.
   • Enjoy dinner at a local café in Mary.
   • Drive back to Ashgabat and check in at the hotel.

4. Day 4: Darvaza Gas Crater and Karakum Desert

   • Have breakfast at the hotel.
   • Drive through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza (approx. 6 hours).
   • Stop at Bokurdak Village to:
   • Meet local desert families and learn about traditional nomadic life
   • Take part in a photo and video session near a traditional yurt
   • Taste homemade Turkmen dishes during a cultural lunch
   • Continue to Darvaza, arriving before sunset.
   • Enjoy a barbecue dinner beside the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater, followed by stargazing and photography.

   Overnight stay in a yurt camp under the desert stars.

5. Day 5: Kunya-Urgench Exploration

   • Enjoy breakfast near the crater with a view of the vast desert.
   • Drive to Konye-Urgench (approx. 280 km). Arrive at Konye-Urgench and marvel at its huge complex with its many ruins and monuments. Learn about how the city once fought back against Genghis Khan's army and learn why this place is still holy for Muslims.
   • Enjoy a farewell lunch or dinner at a local restaurant.
   • Drive to Dashoguz transfer to hotel

6. Day 6: Dashoguz City Tour and Departure

   • Have a breakfast at the hotel.
   • Short city tour around Dashoguz.
   • Visit Dashoguz historical museum.
   • Visit the local bazaar to experience the vibrant atmosphere of an oriental market and shop for unique handmade souvenirs.
   • Farewell lunch at a local cafe.
   • Transfer for your departure via Shabat border pass to Khiva.