Treasures of Turkmenistan: History, Desert & Mountain 10 D / 9 N
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, departure from Ashgabat International Airport. Route: Ashgabat International Airport – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Yangykala – Ashgabat – Nokhur – Kow-Ata – Ashgabat – Mary – Koytendag – Dinosaur Plateau – 40 Gyz – Kaynar Baba – Turkmenabat – Ashgabat – Ashgabat International Airport
ASHGABAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – ASHGABAT SIGHTSEEING
Meet the tourists at Ashgabat International Airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest. After lunch, start an Ashgabat city tour and visit the main tourist attractions of the capital: Independence Monument, Neutrality Arch, Memorial Complex, Constitution Monument, Gulistan Bazaar, and other iconic buildings. Visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography, which contains over 500,000 exhibits, including archaeological and ethnographic finds from across the country, rare works of ancient art, paintings, drawings, sculptures, carpets, rugs, fabrics and clothing, household utensils, musical instruments, weapons, jewelry, medals, historical documents, ivory horn-shaped vessels, statuettes of Parthian goddesses, and colorful Buddhist vases. The museum also preserves ancient artifacts discovered during excavations at the settlements of Nisa, Merv, and Gonurdepe, as well as a collection of vintage Turkmen carpets, rare examples of national clothing, jewelry, and antique weapons. See the Tallest Flagpole and visit the Ferris Wheel, the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel. In the evening, enjoy a night city tour, driving along the main streets of Ashgabat with a stop near the Palace of Happiness.
ASHGABAT – NISA – DARWAZA
After breakfast, visit Old Nisa, the Sanctuary of the Parthian Kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 3rd century BC – 3rd century AD. At 13:30, drive to Darvaza Gas Crater, a huge flaming crater located about 270 km north of Ashgabat. On the way, stop to see the Water Crater and Clay Crater. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the burning gas crater. Have a BBQ dinner, take photos of Darvaza at night, and experience an overnight stay in traditional Turkmen yurts while enjoying the nomadic lifestyle.
DARWAZA – ASHGABAT – SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat at 09:00. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in, accommodation, and a short rest. Continue the tour with a visit to an Akhal-Teke horse farm to discover one of the greatest prides of the Turkmen people — the world-famous Akhal-Teke horses. During the visit, guests will enjoy a traditional tea break, a short Akhal-Teke horse show program, and the opportunity to see the stables and learn more about these elegant and unique horses. Visit the Gypjak Mosque and Mausoleum, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Central Asia, located near the family mausoleum of the first President of Turkmenistan.
ASHGABAT – TURKMENBASHY – YANGYKALA – TURKMENBASHY – ASHGABAT
In the morning, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for a domestic flight to Turkmenbashy. Upon arrival, drive to the breathtaking Yangykala Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” This remarkable natural wonder is famous for its dramatic landscapes, colorful pink, white, and yellow sandstone cliffs, panoramic viewpoints, and the unique rock formation known as the “Crocodile’s Mouth.” En route, visit the sacred Gozli Ata Shrine, an important pilgrimage site surrounded by peaceful desert scenery. Later, transfer to Turkmenbashy Airport for the return flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
ASHGABAT – KOW-ATA – NOKHUR – ASHGABAT
After breakfast, drive to Kow-Ata Underground Lake, located about 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means “Father of Caves.” This impressive natural site is known for its warm underground lake and fascinating cave atmosphere. At first sight, the cave resembles a grand natural auditorium, with a total length of around 230 meters, a height reaching up to 20 meters, and a width of up to 57 meters in some areas. Continue the journey to Nokhur village, beautifully located in a small mountain valley of the Kopet Dag Range. Nokhur is known for its unique local culture, traditional lifestyle, handicrafts, and distinctive architecture. Surrounded by mountain scenery, the village offers a peaceful and authentic glimpse into rural Turkmen life. After the excursion, drive back to Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
ASHGABAT – MARY – MERV – RAILWAY STATION
After breakfast, drive to the Mary region. Upon arrival, visit Ancient Merv, one of the most important historical and archaeological sites of Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, guests will enjoy a deep immersion into the rich history of this legendary Silk Road city and explore its main monuments, including Gyz Gala and Oglan Gala, the Complex of Askhabs, Gyaur Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, and the Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. Continue with a visit to Gadymy Türkmen Ojagy in Merv, where guests can experience the atmosphere of ancient Turkmen lifestyle, learn more about local traditions, enjoy authentic Turkmen cuisine, and have the opportunity to try horse riding. In the evening, transfer to Mary Railway Station for the overnight train to Kerki. Train: Mary – Kerki.
KERKI – KOYTENDAG – DINOSAUR PLATEAU – 40 GYZ – TOUR BASE
In the morning, upon arrival in Kerki, have breakfast at a local café. Continue the journey by driving from Kerki to the Koytendag Mountains, located about 100 km away. Visit the famous Dinosaur Plateau, a unique geological site where fossilized dinosaur footprints have been preserved for more than 150 million years. This remarkable place offers a rare opportunity to see traces of prehistoric life in a natural mountain setting. Continue to the legendary 40 Gyz Valley, which translates as “Forty Girls.” This atmospheric site is surrounded by local legends and is known for its unusual rock formations resembling the silhouettes of women. The area is also considered a sacred place, where pilgrims traditionally tie pieces of cloth while making wishes. Afterwards, take a short walk through the scenic Umbar-Dere Gorge to reach the beautiful Umbar Waterfall. With a height of about 27 meters, it is one of the highest waterfalls in Turkmenistan. The sound of the falling water echoes through the gorge, creating a truly impressive natural atmosphere. Transfer to the tour base for check-in and overnight stay at the hotel.
KOYTENDAG – KAYNAR BABA – TURKMENABAT – ASHGABAT
Breakfast at 07:00. After breakfast, visit Kaynar-Baba Lake, a small natural lake known for its sulfur spring and peaceful surroundings. After the visit, drive to Turkmenabat. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and covers around 480 km. Upon arrival in Turkmenabat, transfer to the airport for the evening flight to Ashgabat. Flight: Turkmenabat – Ashgabat / 23:50 – 00:40. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
ASHGABAT EXCURSION
Continue the tour with a visit to the Turkmen Carpet Museum, where guests can explore the rich history and traditions of Turkmen carpet weaving, one of the most important parts of the country’s cultural heritage. The museum houses an impressive collection of Turkmen carpets from different historical periods, including rare examples from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as many unique exhibits related to Turkmen craftsmanship and national art. Visit the Turkmen antique shop Art Bazaar, a charming place where guests can discover traditional jewelry, handmade crafts, souvenirs, and beautiful local clothing. During the visit, guests will also have the opportunity to try on traditional Turkmen outfits and take memorable photos.
ASHGABAT – ASHGABAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
After breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the departure international flight. End of the tour.
- 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
