Grand Nature & Heritage Expedition: Wildlife & Ancient Cities – 9 D / 8 N
Enter and exit points: arrive at the Shavat Turkmen–Uzbek border and depart via the Farap / Alat Turkmen–Uzbek border. Route: Shavat Turkmen–Uzbek border – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Gyzylarbat – Syunt-Hasardag Nature Reserve – Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Repetek Biosphere State Reserve – Amudarya State Nature Reserve – Farap / Alat Turkmen–Uzbek border.
SHAVAT TURKMEN-UZBEK BORDER – DARVAZA
Meet the tourists at the Shavat Turkmen–Uzbek border. Drive to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its impressive architectural monuments, including the historic Caravanserai Gate. Continue the journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater, located in the Karakum Desert north of Ashgabat. Upon arrival, enjoy the breathtaking view of the crater in daylight and later at night, when the flames create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Guests can feel the intense heat and hear the desert wind around this remarkable natural wonder. Enjoy an open-air barbecue dinner near the crater.
DARWAZA – ASHGABAT
After breakfast, depart early in the morning for the drive back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest. After lunch, visit the Gypjak Mosque and the Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan. Continue to an Akhal-Teke horse farm to see these legendary horses, considered the pride of the Turkmen people. Then enjoy a city tour of Ashgabat, including the Independence Monument, Neutrality Arch, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Independence Park, Rukhnama Monument, and Earthquake Monument. In the evening, take a night city tour of Ashgabat, driving along the beautifully illuminated main streets with photo stops near the Constitution Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, and the Palace of Happiness. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.
ASHGABAT - KOW ATA – NOKHUR – GYZYLARBAT
Visit the National Carpet Museum, home to the world’s largest hand-woven carpet and an impressive collection of Turkmen tribal carpets. Drive west of Ashgabat to Kow-Ata Underground Lake (107 km). The name “Kow-Ata” means “Father of Caves” in Turkmen. The lake is located inside a natural cave and is known for its warm mineral-rich water. Continue to Nokhur Village, a traditional mountain village nestled in a small valley of the Kopet Dag Range. The village is famous for its picturesque stone houses built from local boulders and mud. Visit the 1,000-year-old Chynar Tree and the sacred site of Kyz Bibi. Drive to Gyzylarbat city. Visit a local carpet workshop in Gyzylarbat, where guests can observe the traditional process of Turkmen carpet weaving, see how carpets are handmade, and, if they wish, try taking part in the process. Transfer to the guesthouse. Overnight in Gyzylarbat.
GYZYLARBAT – SYUNT-HASARDAG NATURE RESERVE – ASHGABAT
After breakfast, visit the Syunt-Hasardag Nature Reserve, one of the most scenic natural areas in the Kopet Dag Mountains, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich flora, and peaceful mountain atmosphere. Afterwards, continue the drive back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
ASHGABAT
After breakfast, visit Ancient Nisa Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological monuments of the Parthian Empire. Continue to Gulistan Bazaar, also known as the Russian Bazaar — a lively local market and a perfect place for a traditional lunch, fresh fruits, local sweets, and authentic Turkmen souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a night city tour of Ashgabat, driving along the beautifully illuminated main streets with photo stops near Atamyrat Avenue, Ylham Alley / Inspiration Park, and the Alabay Roundabout with the Golden Alabay Monument. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
ASHGABAT – MARY – MERV
After an early breakfast, drive to Mary. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Mary, including the main mosque, the Orthodox Church, the local bazaar, and the city parks. Visit the Mary History Museum, which displays a rich collection of artifacts discovered at the ancient sites of Margush and Merv. Continue to Old Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical centers of the ancient Silk Road. Guided tour of Old Merv, including Gyz Gala and Oglan Gala, the Complex of Askhabs, Erk Gala, the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and the Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Mary.
MARY – REPETEK BIOSPHERE STATE RESERVE
After breakfast, drive to Repetek Biosphere State Reserve for a birdwatching excursion and desert wildlife exploration. The visit will focus on observing the unique fauna of the Karakum Desert, including key bird species such as Zarudny’s Sparrow, Turkestan Ground Jay, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, and Egyptian Nightjar, as well as other desert birds and animals. Enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of the reserve and experience the wild desert landscape of Turkmenistan. Overnight at Repetek Biosphere State Reserve.
REPETEK BIOSPHERE STATE RESERVE – AMUDARYA STATE NATURE RESERVE
After breakfast, drive to Amudarya State Nature Reserve, located along the Amu Darya River and known for its rich riverbank ecosystems, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, explore the natural surroundings of the reserve and enjoy opportunities to observe local birds, animals, and the unique landscapes of the Amu Darya region. Overnight at Amudarya State Nature Reserve.
AMUDARYA STATE NATURE RESERVE – TURKMENABAT – FARAP / ALAT TURKMEN-UZBEK BORDER
After breakfast, drive to Turkmenabat city. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in Turkmenabat. After lunch, transfer to the Farap / Alat Turkmen–Uzbek border for border crossing formalities.
- INCLUDED AND NOT
- Letter of Invitation
- Registration fee and tourist tax
- Hotel acommondation
- Guide
- Transport
- Transfers
- Entry tickets
- Daily 1.5 lt water
- Visa fee
- Insurance
