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Turkmenistan · Geological Wonders
The journey
See the best of Turkmenistan on a journey through Ashgabat's highlights and the dramatic landscapes beyond the capital. Visit the Parthian Fortress of Nisa and the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, descend to the Kow Ata underground lake, and walk around the Seyit Jemalitdin Mosque ruins. The tour also takes you to a private Akhal-Teke horse farm and the daunting Darwaza Gas Crater, before returning to Ashgabat to explore the National Museum and the Arc of Neutrality.
The tour also takes you to a private Akhal-Teke horse farm and the daunting Darwaza Gas Crater, before returning to Ashgabat to explore the National Museum and the Arc of Neutrality.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive in Ashgabat by air (evening on day one or early morning on day two, depending on the airline used) or overland from Iran at the Bajgiran-Gaudan land border.
Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Embark on a city tour of Ashgabat and visit the Parthian Fortress of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, the largest single-domed mosque in Central Asia.
Afterwards, walk down to the underground lake of Kow Ata.
On the way back to your hotel, visit the Saparmurat Hajji Mosque.
Shop at the Sunday Bazaar.
Wander around the Seyit Jemalitdin Mosque ruins and a private Akhal-Teke horse farm.
At 1400hrs, drive to the Darwaza gas crater (3 hours), visiting the water and mud craters en route.
Have a BBQ dinner and stay overnight in yurts.
Return to Ashgabat at around 1200hrs.
Explore the Ashgabat National Museum of History.
Gaze at the Neutrality Arch, topped with a statue of dictator Saparmurat Niyazov.
Visit Independence Park and the Ruhnama Monument.
Enjoy a night tour around the city highlights (1 hour).
You will be transferred to the airport at midnight for your departing flight to the next destination.
Where this trip takes you
Parthian Fortress of Nisa, Kow Ata underground lake, Darwaza Gas Crater
The route
The fine print
Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass)
Airport and train station transfers
Overland transport as per program in air-conditioned vehicles, as shown in the table under "itinerary": 1-3 passengers per regular sedan car, 4-7 passengers per regular minibus, and 1-4 passengers per jeep
Accommodation based on a twin-shared hotel room, including breakfast
Accommodation based on a private trekking tent, including a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow, and breakfast
Fixed meals (lunch and/or dinner) where such meals are otherwise unavailable
English-speaking local guide-interpreter services
Entrance fees to sites
Bottled drinking water en route
Turkmenistan tourist visa up to 10 days, from 85+4 USD per person, when obtained at Ashgabat Airport (subject to change and nationality-dependent)
Turkmenistan tourist visa with validity of 11-20 days, from 105+4 USD per person, when obtained at Ashgabat Airport (subject to change and nationality-dependent)
Turkmenistan migration tax 10+4 USD per person, to be paid at Ashgabat Airport or any other point of entry into Turkmenistan territory (subject to change)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary-program table
Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
Camera usage fees in historical parks and museums
Tips for local guides and drivers
Souvenirs and other personal items
Anything not mentioned in the "Included" section of the tour
National Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
The Weekend Bazaar (also known as Tolkuchka or Altyn Asyr Gundogar Bazaar) is best visited on Sundays, when there is an additional livestock section. From Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays, this bazaar is closed, but other city bazaars are open. Photography is not permitted.
Please bring only USD cash for your local expenses in Turkmenistan. Euros and credit cards are not accepted.
Please be aware that a member of staff from our agency will need to take your original passport for several hours for registration.
Please be aware that various vehicles and drivers may be used during your tour, depending on the route section and the type of transport needed in that section.
Logistics
Your 5 days finish where they began, in Ashgabat.
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