7-Day Turkmenistan Tour with Darvaza Crater, Merv and Nisa

• Welcome to Turkmenistan. Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, meet your guide and proceed to hotel check-in.

• Check in at the hotel.

• Visit the "Alem" Cultural and Entertainment Center, home to the world's largest indoor Ferris wheel.

• Drive past the Constitution Monument and the Monument of Neutrality.

• Explore the Carpet Museum, home to the world's largest collection of handmade carpets.

• Visit the Turkmenistan National Flagpole and the National Museum.

• Enjoy lunch at a traditional Turkmen restaurant.

• Visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia.

• Explore the ancient Parthian city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Stop at Seyit Jemal ad-Din Mosque and Memorial Complex.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

• Drive eastward to Mary, the gateway to ancient Merv.

• Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

• Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Merv.

  • Visit the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum.

  • Discover Gyz Gala (Large and Small).

  • Visit the Mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zaid.

  • Explore the ruins of the Keshk Fortress.

• Return to Ashgabat.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

• Have breakfast at the hotel.

• Enjoy free time until noon.

• Check out from the hotel and drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (275 km, approximately 4 hours).

• Witness the famous flaming Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell."

• Explore the surrounding water and mud craters.

• Experience the desert air and nomadic lifestyle.

• Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner under the stars.

• Spend the night in a traditional yurt or private tent near the crater.

Overnight: Yurt or tent at Darvaza.

• Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast at the Gas Crater.

• Drive to Gökdepe Fortress.

• Have lunch at a local restaurant.

• Visit Gökdepe Fortress, the site of a historic battle with the Russian Empire.

• Tour the Gökdepe Mosque and the adjacent Museum of History and Battle.

• Visit a traditional Akhal-Teke horse farm, with the opportunity to ride the prized horses.

• Return to Ashgabat and enjoy free time in the evening.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

• Have breakfast at the hotel.

• Check out from the hotel.

• Drive to Kow-Ata Underground Lake, known for its warm therapeutic waters and mineral content.

• Explore the bat colony, the largest in the CIS region.

• Swim in the subterranean hot spring.

• Drive to Soygi Dagy (Mountain of Love) near Nohur Village.

• Visit Nohur Cemetery with its unique ram-horn tombstones.

• Meet local artisans and silk weavers.

• Have lunch in the village.

• Continue to Nebitdag.

• Check in at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Nebitdag.

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

• Check out and depart for a day trip to Yangykala Canyon.

• Marvel at the dramatic red and pink cliffs of this natural wonder.

• Enjoy lunch en route.

• Drive back to Ashgabat in the late afternoon.

• Return to the hotel for dinner or rest.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

• Have breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit Gulistan Bazaar for souvenirs and a taste of local life.

• Stop for shopping at Berkarar Shopping Center.

• Optional visit to Arkaç Shopping Mall.

• Enjoy a farewell dinner.

• Return to the hotel to rest and pack.

• Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure.

Safe travels.