Day 1: Ashgabat. Arrival in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat. You will be picked up by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel (early check-in). Free time. In the morning, drive to Nissa Fortress – the sanctuary of the Parthian kings. UNESCO declared the fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa was one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211 BC) and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian kings. However, there is no evidence that the fortress in Nissa was either a royal residence or a mausoleum. The ruins of the ancient settlement of Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat in the village of Bagyr. Drive to visit the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia). Afterwards, enjoy a city tour of Ashgabat. You’ll see the Wedding Palace, the modern Yildyz Hotel, the Ferris wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Independence Monument and Park, the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, the Ashgabat Olympic Stadium, and the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Nokhur Village. Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Gokdepe Fortress (50 km, 50 min), which was attacked by the Russian Empire in December 1880. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit the Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy), built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat and famous for its mint-turquoise roof and white marble structure. Then drive to the horse farm to see the national pride of the Turkmen people – the Achalatka horses, the most beautiful horses in the world. 5,000 years ago, the Turkmen began breeding Achalatka horses. This unique breed has never been mixed with other breeds. Famous emperors such as Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Achalatka horses. The farm is home to over 35 beautiful horses. According to superstition, any sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will soon recover. Later, we drive to the mountain village of Nokhur (72 km, 1 hour). The village itself is located in a small valley in the Kopet-Dag Mountains. Except for the main road through the middle of town, the streets are so narrow that barely a car can pass between the high stone walls on either side. The Nokhur people who inhabit this remote mountain village are very different from other Turkmen tribes. Legend says this was the place where Noah’s Ark was moored, all the animals were let out, and various seeds were planted. Indeed, the nature of Nokhur differs from the surrounding villages. Visit the large tree and one of the unique, isolated cemeteries. Almost every grave is marked by a wooden post decorated with the horns of a mountain goat. Fulfill your sacred wishes by visiting a wishing tree named after Kyz Bibi. Overnight in Nokhur.
Day 3: Nokhur Village – Sumbar Valley – Dehistan. Breakfast at the guesthouse. In the morning, drive to Dehistan (409 km, 8 hours) through the Sumbar Valley. Dehistan boasts picturesque towers of ancient settlements and monuments from the 10th to 12th centuries, as well as the oldest mosque from the early Islamic period, which stands on the ancient burial site of Mashad. This town is probably the most remote and isolated. It was once a thriving medieval city on the caravan routes between Khorezm and Persian Hyrcania. Overnight at a camp near Dehistan.
Day 4: Dehistan – Balkanabat – Yangykala. After breakfast, we drive to the Yangykala Gorges (356 km, 6 hours), one of Turkmenistan’s most scenic natural monuments. The Turkmen expression «Yangy kala» translates as «fire fortress.» Indeed, the steep cliffs in white, yellow, ochre, purple, and red, artfully shaped by wind and rain, closely resemble stone castles from a fantasy world. Explore the gorges. Overnight in the gorge.
Day 5: Yangykala – Turkmenbashi. Picnic breakfast in the canyon. Drive to Turkmenbashi (181 km, 3 hours). On the way to Turkmenbashi, visit Gozli Ata. Embark on a fascinating city tour of Turkmenbashi, the vibrant port city on the Caspian Sea, formerly known as Krasnovodsk. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Venture into the Old Town, where charming Soviet-era architecture blends seamlessly with traditional Turkmenistan. Explore the lively bazaars where you’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, local handicrafts, and spices. At sunset, watch the mesmerizing spectacle of the Caspian Sea glowing in hues of orange and pink. Enjoy the tranquility of the waterfront as the day draws to a close. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 6: Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat – Mary. Transfer to Turkmenbashi International Airport for a flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, meet your driver. Then drive to Mary (389 km, 4 hours). You will also see the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque in Anau. The mosque was built in 1456, when Abu ibn Kasim Baber Bahadurkhan ruled Khorasan (1446-1457). The construction of the mosque was financed by Bahadurkhan’s vizier, Muhammed Hudaidot, who also chose a site near the tomb of his father, Sheikh Jemaleddin, a native of Anau. The square central hall (with sides measuring 10.5 meters) was crowned with a dome. In later periods, the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque was partially reconstructed. By the 19th century, the building had already been severely damaged by the earth, and it was completely destroyed in the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. Today, only the lower parts of the portal and some fragments of the walls remain. Along the way, visit Abiverd, once an important trading town in northern Khorasan. It was a key link on the Great Silk Road between Nisa and Merv and also had connections to Nishapur, beyond the Kopetdag Mountains to the south. You’ll then see all the important buildings in downtown Mary. Also visit the Mary Bazaar to see a variety of local products and the Russian Orthodox Church (one of the oldest in Turkmenistan). Overnight in Mary.
Day 7: Mary – Gonurdepe – Merv – Turkmenabat. Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Gonurdepe (105 km, 3 hours). Gonurdepe was the capital of the Margush region (Margiana), which covered an area of more than 3,000 km² and consisted of 78 oases and more than 150 compact settlements. The American newspaper «Boston Globe» wrote that we previously knew of the four oldest centers of world civilization: Egypt, India, China, and Mesopotamia, and that today, based on the fantastic findings of the Margiana expedition, it is quite possible to assume that there was another, a fifth center. Then, drive to Merv (82 km, 2 hours) to explore ancient Merv—the «Queen of the World,» which, along with Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus, was one of the most important capitals of Islam. Visit ancient Merv: Great Kyz Gala and Small Kyz Gala (6th-7th centuries), the Askhab Complex (8th-14th centuries), Erk Gala (6th BC), Gyaur Gala (4th BC), the Hoja Yusup Hamadani Complex, the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and the Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After the tour, travel to Turkmenabat (230 km, 4 hours). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Turkmenabat – Dayahatyn – Turkmenabat. Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable day trip to the Dayahatyn Caravanserai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 170 km north of Turkmenabat. This magnificent 16th-century structure served as a rest stop for traders and caravans traveling along the Silk Road. As the sun sets, bid farewell to the Dayahatyn Caravanserai, a monument to the rich history and enduring legacy of the Silk Road. Take with you precious memories of this remarkable place and the stories hidden within its walls. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Turkmenabat – Koyten Village. Breakfast at your hotel in Turkmenabat. Then, meet your driver and set off for Koyten Village (378 km, 6 hours). Along the way, stop at the Astana Baba and Alamberdar mausoleums, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating back to the 11th century. Admire the intricate architecture and tranquil atmosphere of these revered sites. Continue your journey with a refreshing break at Gaynar Baba Lake, a picturesque oasis nestled among the mountains. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Upon reaching the village of Koyten, check into your cozy guesthouse and immerse yourself in the authentic Turkmen charm of the village. Take a walk through the village and around the famous Kette Kol Lake, observe the daily life of the villagers, and witness their traditional customs. Overnight at the guesthouse.
Day 10: Exploring the Koytendag Valley. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse and prepare for an adventure in the mesmerizing Koytendag Valley. Embark on a morning drive to the famous Dinosaur Plateau, a fascinating geological wonder that reveals the story of prehistoric giants. Explore the plateau and marvel at the abundance of dinosaur footprints preserved for over 145 million years. Imagine the colossal creatures that once roamed this land and left their indelible mark on the terrain. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the Dinosaur Plateau and taste the flavors of the region while surrounded by the impressive landscape. Travel to the enigmatic Kyrk-Gyz Cave, a place steeped in local legends. Delve into the cave’s depths and discover the stories of forty maidens who sought refuge within its walls. Immerse yourself in the unique tradition of goat massage, a local practice known for its therapeutic effects. Experience the agility of the goats as they climb over your back and give you a gentle massage with their feet. Continue your journey to the enchanting Umbar-Dere Waterfall, a cascading oasis amidst the rugged terrain. Be overwhelmed by the tranquility of the waterfall as you enjoy the natural beauty. Spend the night at the guesthouse.
Day 11: Koyten – Kerki – Ashgabat – Darvaza. Breakfast at the guesthouse, then drive to Kerki (183 km, 3 hrs) and fly to Ashgabat at 1:00 PM (no flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Meet your driver upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Drive to the burning Darvaza gas crater (276 km, 4 hrs), one of the most popular international tourist destinations. The area is rich in natural gas. The Darvaza gas crater, which has been burning for over 50 years, glows like a pearl in the Karakum Desert. In addition to the Darvaza gas crater, you will also see water and mud craters. One of the most vivid and fascinating features of this trip is the fresh desert air and the close experience of nomadic life. At night, as the light from the gas crater hits the sky, you will camp in a Turkmen national yurt or in private tents and enjoy a barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape will fascinate you and you will want to come back.
Day 12: Darvaza – Dashoguz Picnic breakfast in Darvaza. Morning drive to Dashoguz (297 km, 6 hours). Embark on a fascinating city tour of Dashoguz, the capital of Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz province. Nestled on the country’s northern plains, Dashoguz is a vibrant city brimming with historical treasures, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. At the end of your city tour of Dashoguz, you’ll take home memories of a city that seamlessly blends ancient heritage with modern aspirations. Dashoguz is a place where history whispers through the cobblestone streets, where culture bursts from the bazaars, and where nature reveals its striking beauty. Whether you’re seeking historical insight, cultural immersion, or natural wonders, Dashoguz will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your Turkmenistan trip. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: Dashoguz – Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz – Ashgabat. Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Kunya Urgench (94 km, 1 hour). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: Visit the Caravansaray Gate, the Mamun Minaret, the II Arslan Mausoleum, the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, the Horezm Academy, the Kutlug Timur Minaret, and the Turabek Khanum Mausoleum. After the sightseeing, transfer to Dashoguz International Airport and fly to Ashgabat.
Day 14: Ashgabat Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, travel to the oriental bazaar «Altyn Asyr» (open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) – Jygyldyk, 20 km north of Ashgabat. It is one of the largest open-air bazaars in the world, filled with colorful carpets, jewelry, rugs, silk, and national Turkmen costumes, as well as animals in another section. Next, visit the Gulistan Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets and a must-see for every traveler to Ashgabat. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. Stalls also sell spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other foodstuffs. The second floor of the bazaar features a variety of shops selling clothing and souvenirs. Next, visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography. The museum houses an extensive collection of ancient artifacts from Turkmenistan. More than 500,000 items are on display here. It has nine halls, each dedicated to a specific era or theme. The museum showcases the diverse landscape of Turkmenistan, its flora and fauna, fossils, and rare geological finds. The Hall of Independence illustrates the country’s modern development. The Hall of Ancient History presents a collection of flint tools from the Mesolithic period (50,000 BC) used by primitive peoples in western Turkmenistan, along with Neolithic ceramics and ornaments from the first human settlements along the northern slopes of Kopet-Dag. Continue to the Carpet Museum, one of the finest in Central Asia, featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik, and Khodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of Turkmenistan’s cultural centers, housing approximately 2,000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones. For example, the museum owns the smallest key-carrying carpet and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, measuring 301 square meters, which was woven in 2001 and included in the Guinness Book of Records in 2003. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Departure. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.