Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dashoguz Border – Koneurgench

   • Meet the guide at Dashoguz border.

   • Complete customs formalities and take the required Covid-test (35 USD per person in cash).

   • Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Koneurgench Historical Reserve.

   • Visit key UNESCO sites: Mausoleums of II Arslan, Soltan Tekesh, Nejmeddin Kubra, Soltan Ali, Turabek Khanum, Kutlug Timur Minaret and others.

   • Enjoy lunch at a local chaikhana or picnic-style.

   • Explore a small museum housing coins, pottery, and local artifacts.

   • Visit local market stalls or try traditional çörek bread or melon.

   Overnight at a hotel in Koneurgench.

2. Day 2: Koneurgench – Darvaza Gas Crater

   • Breakfast at the hotel.

   • Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (approximately 4-5 hours).

   • Arrive in the evening to experience the crater at sunset and night.

   • Witness the spectacular flames and experience the surreal atmosphere.

   • Enjoy a picnic-style dinner at camp.

   Overnight at the camp in Darvaza.

3. Day 3: Darvaza – Ashgabat

   • Early morning breakfast at camp.

   • Depart for Ashgabat (4-hour drive).

   • Optional visit to the Eastern Bazaar for local souvenirs.

   • Check-in at hotel and short rest.

   • Lunch in Ashgabat.

   • Visit the Museum of History and Ethnography with its extensive collections.

   • Visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and Mausoleum in Gypjak.

   • Explore Berkarar or Arkach shopping and entertainment centers.

   Overnight at hotel in Ashgabat.

4. Day 4: Ashgabat City Tour

   • Breakfast at the hotel.

   • Visit the Old Nisa fortress (UNESCO site).

   • Sightseeing in Ashgabat: International Airport, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Health Trail, Arch of Neutrality, Monument to Independence, Constitution Monument, Earthquake Victims Complex, Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace, Magtymguly Monument, Oguzkhan Monument with fountains.

   • Visit Seyidjemaleddin monument and mosque in Annau city.

   • Visit private Akhal Teke horse farm.

   Overnight at hotel in Ashgabat.

5. Day 5: Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyon

   • Breakfast at the hotel.

   • Depart at 9:00 AM for Yangikala Canyon (6-hour drive).

   • Explore the stunning multi-colored cliffs and formations of Yangikala.

   • Experience sunset over the canyons.

   Overnight at camp in Yangikala Canyon.

6. Day 6: Yangikala – Nohur Village – Kow-Ata – Ashgabat

   • Breakfast at camp.

   • Return drive to Ashgabat.

   • Visit Nohur Village in the Kopet Dag Mountains with its distinct architecture and traditions.

   • Visit Kow-Ata underground lake for swimming in its thermal waters.

   • Return to Ashgabat and overnight at hotel.

7. Day 7: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv

   • Breakfast at hotel.

   • Drive to Mary city (approximately 4 hours).

   • Visit Central Bazaar for souvenirs, textiles, and spices.

   • Explore the History and Local Lore Museum.

   • Visit Orthodox Pokrovsky Church from the Imperial era.

   • Afternoon excursion to Ancient Merv (UNESCO site) with visits to Mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd.

   • Experience the local bazaar and dinner at a traditional teahouse.

   Overnight at hotel in Mary.

8. Day 8: Mary / Merv – Farap Border

   • Breakfast at hotel.

   • Drive approximately 6 hours to Farap border in Lebap province.

   • Cross the border at Farap.

   • End of the tour.