Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – City Tour & Akhal-Teke Horses

   • Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your local guide.

   • Transfer to the hotel and check in for rest and refreshment.

   • Visit the majestic Wedding Palace and the modern architecture of “Yyldyz” Hotel.

   • Explore the Constitution Monument and the Arch of Neutrality, key symbols of the Turkmen nation.

   • Walk through the Monument and Park of Independence, showcasing national heritage.

   • Tour the impressive Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Ashgabat.

   • Drive to a nearby horse farm to witness the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, with a chance to ride these elegant animals in traditional settings.

   • Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Ashgabat.

2. Day 2: Ashgabat to Mary – Explore Ancient Merv (UNESCO)

   • Eat breakfast at the hotel and enjoy free time until noon.

   • Check out and drive to Mary, passing through desert landscapes and small towns.

   • Stop for lunch upon arrival in Mary.

   • Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merv, once one of the great cities of the Islamic world.

   • Visit the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the architectural gem of the Seljuk Empire.

   • Explore the ruins of Small and Large Gyz Gala, ancient fortresses once guarding the city.

   • Discover the mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zayd and various other remains, including Keshk fortresses.

   • Drive back to Ashgabat in the evening and return to the hotel for overnight stay.

3. Day 3: Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater – Desert Camping

   • Eat breakfast at the hotel and relax until noon.

   • Check out from the hotel and begin the drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (275 km, approx. 4 hours).

   • Pass through the Karakum Desert, one of Central Asia’s most expansive arid zones.

   • Arrive at the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, a natural gas field that has been alight for over 50 years.

   • Explore the surrounding desert and visit nearby water and mud craters.

   • Experience nomadic life with fresh desert air and panoramic surroundings.

   • Settle into traditional Turkmen yurts or private tents for a night under the stars.

   • Enjoy a barbecue dinner beside the flaming crater and witness the surreal glow lighting up the desert night.

4. Day 4: Darvaza to Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz – Shavat Border

   • Eat a picnic-style breakfast beside the crater.

   • Depart from Darvaza and drive north to the ancient city of Kunya Urgench (267 km, approx. 6 hours).

   • Visit the Portal of the Caravansaray, the historic entrance to the Silk Road trade route.

   • Explore the mausoleums of Il Arslan and Sultan Tekesh, notable leaders of Khorezm.

   • See the Academy of Horezm and the elegant Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of the tallest in Central Asia.

   • Visit the beautiful Turabek Hanum Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture.

   • Drive to Dashoguz and then proceed to the Shavat border (106 km, approx. 2 hours).

   • Cross into Uzbekistan and conclude your Turkmenistan journey.