Itinerary

1. Day 1: Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater

   • Early morning arrival at Ashgabat airport and meet your guide.
   • The department for Darvaza Gas Crater is located in the Karakum Desert.
   • Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal near the burning gas crater.

   Overnight stay at a yurt camp.

   Meals: Dinner

2. Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater to Ashgabat

   • Drive to Ashgabat in the morning.
   • Visit Kov-Ata Underground Lake (36°C water temperature year-round).
   • Explore Ashgabat, known for its white marble buildings.
   • Visit the Carpet Museum, National Museum of History, and Old Nisa (UNESCO site).
   • Stop at Akhalteke Horse Stables/Complex and Annau Seýit Jemaleddin Mosque.

   Overnight at the hotel.

3. Day 3: Ashgabat to Merv

   • Visit monuments like Neutrality, Independence, and AltynAsyr Oriental Bazaar.
   • Explore Jygyldyk Bazaar (one of the largest in Central Asia) and Monument for the Victims of the 1948 Earthquake.
   • Visit the Monument of Lenin, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, and the Park of Independence with fountains and statues.
   • Drive to Merv for a farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel.

   Meals: Dinner

4. Day 4: Merv and Mary

   • After breakfast, drive to Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
   • Visit Hazrat Yousuf Hamadani Mausoleum, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and Gyz Gala.
   • Explore the Keshk Fortress and other ancient landmarks.
   • See camels on-site.
   • Visit a museum and church in Mary.

5. Day 5: Mary to Ashgabat

   • Visit the ancient Margush country capital (Gonur) in the morning.
   • Explore the Palace, Fire and Water Temples, and the Royal Necropolis.
   • Return to Mary and drive back to Ashgabat in the late afternoon (370 km, 2.5 hrs).
   • Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.

   Overnight at the hotel.

6. Day 6: Ashgabat to Yangykala Canyon

   • Drive to Balkanabat in the morning.
   • Lunch is between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM and then head to Yangykala Canyon.
   • Travel on a mix of tarmac, potholed tarmac, and gravel roads.
   • Stay at a pilgrim house (Gozli Ata) for the night.

   Dinner and overnight stay at the pilgrim house.

7. Day 7: Yangykala Canyon to Ashgabat

   • Day trip to Nohur village in the Kopet Dag Mountains.
   • Visit the tribal cemetery and silk-weaving homes.
   • Stop at Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum and Gokdepe Mosque.

   Return to Ashgabat and overnight at the hotel.

8. Day 8: Ashgabat to Ashgabat International Airport

   • Free time until transfer to the airport.
   • End of the tour.