5-Day Turkmenistan Nowruz Tour with Darvaza, Merv and Old Nisa

• Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Complete visa formalities and COVID-19 testing (cash, USD).
• Meet your guide, transfer to the hotel, check in, and rest.
• In the evening, enjoy a city tour featuring Olympic City, the Magtymguly Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace, and the Ruhnama Book Monument.
• Continue to the Oguzkhan & Six Sons Fountain Ensemble and Ertogrul Gazy Mosque.
• Optional visit to a shopping or entertainment center.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (approximately 3 hours), famously known as the "Gate of Hell".
• Explore the crater and surrounding desert landscapes during the day.
• At sunset, witness the dramatic flames and hear the roaring sounds of the crater.
• Enjoy a Nowruz pre-celebration in the desert.
• Experience live folk music and traditional dances.
• Take part in fire-jumping rituals and New Year customs.
• Savor a picnic-style dinner with Nowruz treats, including sweet pastries, tea, and seasonal snacks.
• Return to Ashgabat.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive to Mary (approximately 3 hours).
• Visit the Central Bazaar for spices, textiles, and local souvenirs.
• See Pokrovskaya Church in Mary, a colorful red-brick church from the early 20th century reflecting the city's history and cultural diversity (optional visit).
• Explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and Ibn Zeid Mausoleum.
• Join the Nowruz celebration in Mary with music, dance, traditional sweets, and spring rituals.
• Return to Ashgabat (approximately 3 hours).

Overnight at the hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Old Nisa Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient Parthian capital.
• Continue to the National Carpet Museum or Historical Museum to discover Turkmenistan's rich cultural heritage through exquisite carpets, traditional patterns, and centuries-old craftsmanship.
• Visit the Akhal-Teke Horse Farm to see Turkmenistan's national pride - the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, famous for their elegance, endurance, and 5,000-year-old lineage.
• In the evening, enjoy the Ashgabat Nowruz Festival.
• See streets decorated with flowers and spring symbols.
• Experience folk music, traditional dances, and games.
• Taste seasonal Nowruz foods such as Semanu, Sutluk, and Pishme.
• Enjoy craft workshops, communal celebrations, and photo opportunities.
• Optional visit to Gulistan (Russian) Bazaar for final sightseeing or souvenir shopping.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Hotel check-out and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport according to your flight schedule.
• End of tour.