Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – City Introduction Tour

   • Welcome to Turkmenistan. Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, meet your guide and proceed to hotel check-in.

   • Check in at the hotel.

   • Visit the “Alem” Cultural and Entertainment Center, home to the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel.

   • Drive past the Constitution Monument and the Monument of Neutrality.

   • Explore the Carpet Museum, the world’s largest collection of handmade carpets.

   • Visit the Turkmenistan National Flagpole and the National Museum.

   • Enjoy lunch at a traditional Turkmen restaurant.

   • Visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia.

   • Explore the ancient Parthian city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   • Stop at Seyit Jemal ad-Din Mosque and Memorial Complex.

   Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

2. Day 2: Ashgabat – Merv – Ashgabat

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

   • Drive eastward to Mary, the gateway to ancient Merv.

   • Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

   • Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Merv.

     • Visit the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum.

     • Discover Gyz Gala (Large and Small).

     • Visit the Mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zaid.

     • Explore the ruins of the Keshk Fortress.

   • Return to Ashgabat.

   Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

   Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

3. Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater

   • Have breakfast at the hotel.

   • Enjoy free time until noon.

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

   • Witness the famous flaming Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell.”

   • Explore surrounding water and mud craters.

   • Experience the desert air and nomadic lifestyle.

   • Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner under the stars.

   • Spend the night in a traditional yurt or private tent near the crater.

   Overnight: Yurt or tent at Darvaza.

4. Day 4: Darvaza – Gokdepe Fortress – Ashgabat

   • Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast at the Gas Crater.

   • Drive to Gokdepe Fortress.

   • Have lunch at a local restaurant.

   • Visit Gökdepe Fortress, site of a historic battle with the Russian Empire.

   • Tour the Gökdepe Mosque and the adjacent Museum of History and Battle.

   • Visit a traditional Akhal-Teke horse farm, with the opportunity to ride the prized horses.

   • Return to Ashgabat and enjoy free time in the evening.

   Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

5. Day 5: Day Trip to Nohur Village and Kow-Ata Underground Lake – Nebitdag

   • Have breakfast at the hotel.

   • Check out from the hotel.

   • Drive to Kow-Ata Underground Lake, known for its warm therapeutic waters and mineral content.

   • Explore the bat colony, the largest in the CIS region.

   • Swim in the subterranean hot spring.

   • Drive to Soygi Dagy (Mountain of Love) near Nohur Village.

   • Visit Nohur Cemetery with its unique ram-horn tombstones.

   • Meet local artisans and silk weavers.

   • Have lunch in the village.

   • Continue to Nebitdag.

   • Check in at the hotel.

   Overnight: Hotel in Nebitdag.

6. Day 6: Nebitdag – Yangykala Canyon – Ashgabat

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

   • Check out and depart for a day trip to Yangykala Canyon.

   • Marvel at the dramatic red and pink cliffs of this natural wonder.

   • Enjoy lunch en route.

   • Drive back to Ashgabat in the late afternoon.

   • Return to the hotel for dinner or rest.

   Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

7. Day 7: Ashgabat – Local Markets – Departure

   • Have breakfast at the hotel.

   • Visit Gulistan Bazaar for souvenirs and a taste of local life.

   • Stop for shopping at Berkarar Shopping Center.

   • Optional visit to Arkaç Shopping Mall.

   • Enjoy a farewell dinner.

   • Return to the hotel to rest and pack.

   • Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure.

   Safe Travels.