Itinerary

1. Day 1 – 19 March 2026 |Arrival in Ashgabat & Evening City Tour

   • Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport.

     After completing visa and entry procedures (USD cash required), meet your professional English-speaking guide and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.

     After a short rest, begin an introductory evening city tour, when Ashgabat is at its most spectacular.

     Evening City Highlights (panoramic / exterior visits):

     • Drive along Ashgabat’s iconic white-marble avenues
     • Independence Monument & Park (illuminated)
     • Neutrality Tower (exterior)
     • Wedding Palace
     • Alem Ferris Wheel (Guinness World Record)
     • Government and ceremonial districts

   • Optional visit to a luxury shopping or entertainment center.

     Return to the hotel.

     Overnight: 4★ "Sport" hotel in Ashgabat

2. Day 2 – 20 March 2026 |Old Nisa, Akhal-Teke Horses & Ashgabat Cultural Icons + Nowruz

   • Breakfast at the hotel. Morning – Heritage & National Symbols

     • Visit to Old Nisa Fortress, the ancient Parthian capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site

     • Turkmen Carpet Museum – exclusive guided visit

     • Visit to a prestigious Akhal-Teke Horse Farm

   • Akhal-Teke Horse Experience:

     • Guided tour of the stables

     • Introduction to the history and prestige of the legendary “Golden Horses”

     • Close interaction and photography

     • Horse demonstration (subject to availability)

   • Afternoon – Cultural Ashgabat (In-Depth Tour)

     • Health Trail – panoramic views of the Kopetdag Mountains

     • Magtymguly Pyragy Monument & Park

     • Ertogrul Gazy Mosque – Turkish-style architectural masterpiece

     • Ruhnama Book Monument (photo stop)

   • Evening – Nowruz Welcome Celebration

     • Traditional folk music and dances

     • Tasting of seasonal Nowruz specialties:

       • Semanu

       • Sutluk

       • Pishme

       • Traditional sweets and tea
         Return to the hotel.
         Overnight: 4★ "Sport" hotel in Ashgabat

3. Day 3 – 21 March 2026 | Darvaza Gas Crater and Desert Nowruz Experience

   Breakfast at the hotel.

   Before departing the city, enjoy a visit to a traditional Eastern Bazaar (Altyn Asyr Bazaar) for souvenir shopping.

   Eastern Bazaar Visit (Souvenirs & Local Crafts):

   • Traditional Turkmen textiles and embroidery

   • Handmade souvenirs and crafts

   • Local spices, dried fruits, sweets, and gifts

   • Opportunity to interact with local vendors and experience daily life

   Depart Ashgabat for the Karakum Desert (approx. 270 km / 3–4 hours).

   Arrival at the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, a dramatic natural phenomenon also known as the “Door to Hell.”

   Desert Experience:

   • Explore the surrounding desert landscape

   • Time for photography and relaxation

   • Sunset at the Gas Crater – unforgettable views of roaring flames

   • Exclusive Desert Dinner

     • Picnic-style dinner prepared near the crater

     • Traditional Turkmen dishes

   • Nowruz Under the Stars

     • Folk music and traditional dances

     • Seasonal foods and tea

     • Participation in ancient spring rituals:

       • Jumping over small fires

       • Exchanging New Year wishes for prosperity and renewal

       • Overnight: Luxury desert camp / private yurt accommodation

4. Day 4 – 22 March 2026 | Return to Ashgabat and City Nowruz Festival

   • Early breakfast at the desert camp.
   • Drive back to Ashgabat.
   • Check-in at the hotel and short rest.
   • Visit Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mausoleum and Mosque.
   • Attend the Nowruz street festival in Ashgabat, featuring:
   • Decorated city squares with spring symbols.
   • Folk music, live performances, and dances.
   • Tasting of traditional Nowruz foods such as semanu, sutluk, and pishme.
   • Traditional games and handicraft demonstrations.
   • Optional visit to Gulistan (Russian) Bazaar.

   Overnight: 4★ "Sport" hotel in Ashgabat

5. Day 5 – 23 March 2026 | Departure

   • Breakfast at the hotel.
   • Check-out and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
   • End of the Nowruz Festival Adventure in Turkmenistan.