The Wonders of Turkmenistan

Duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights
Destination: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Located in Central Asia, Turkmenistan is known for its hospitable people, ancient historical sites, and unique traditions.

One of the most striking features of Turkmenistan is its traditional architecture. The country is home to many magnificent buildings with intricate designs and ornate decorations. One such example is the Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque in the capital city of Ashgabat, which features stunning white marble and gold leaf accents. Another impressive building is the Konye-Urgench complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes numerous mausoleums, minarets, and other historical structures.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Turkmenistan is also known for its stunning natural landscapes. The country is home to vast deserts, mountains, and rivers, providing visitors with a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. The Karakum Desert is a particularly popular destination, where visitors can ride camels and explore the vast sand dunes.

One of the most unique features of Turkmenistan is its traditional yurt camps. These portable homes are made of felt and wood and are used by nomadic tribes as shelter. Today, many yurt camps have been set up for tourists to experience a traditional way of life and learn more about the culture of Turkmenistan.

Overall, Turkmenistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and unique natural landscapes that make it a fascinating travel destination. Whether you're interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities, or experiencing traditional culture, Turkmenistan has something to offer for everyone.

Day 1: Ashgabat – Nisa – Gypchak – Ashgabat
Your guide will pick you up at the airport and accompany you to the capital city of Turkmenistan – one of the most beautiful cities of the world which was recently included into the Book of Guinness as the Most-White Marble City in the World. Today you will visit main tourist attraction in the capital parks and monuments, impressive mosque and other iconic buildings. You will drive to Nissa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Afterwards you will visit the biggest Mosque in Central Asia Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak), Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 2: Ashgabat – Mary
Today you will visit the State Museum of Turkmenistan. It stores ancient artifacts found at the excavations of the settlements Nisa, Merv and Gonurdepe, collection of vintage Turkmen carpets, rare examples of national clothing, jewelries, and antique weapons. The 9 halls display figurines of Athens, Eros, silver gilded griffin, horn-shaped ivory vessels-rhytons of the Parthian era, gold jewelries, medallions-stamps from Margiana and Buddhist artifacts. There is also a fossilized piece of wood of the Paleozoic period, aged 270,000,000, dinosaurs’ footprints, an 820-kg meteorite fallen in Kunya-Urgench in 1998 and a lot more. Afterwards is drive to Mary city. On the way you will stop at Annau, the ruins of 15th century – Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque and Abiward – an ancient Sassanid city. Archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Abiward have been made in the last century to about 8 km west of the Kahka station in an area of 12,000 m2. The central tell is 60 feet high and 700 feet round. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 3: Mary – Merv – Ashgabat
After breakfast at 8:00 tour starts with visit the glorious Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. Within the limits of the archaeological park, which is 1200 ha, we will have a chance to observe all constituent parts of the “wandering city”. The splendid XII c. mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd, demonstrate exquisite Seljuk period brickwork and architectural décor. Then is drive to visit Museum with an extensive ethnography section, including a large collection of Turkmen jewellery, carpets, stuffed animals, a fully decorated yurt and pottery from the time of the Mongol occupation. But best of all is the archaeological section, bringing together artifacts found at both Merv and Margush, including pottery, weapons, household implements and jewelry. The fine quality and design of household items from Margiana is striking and rivals the collection of the National Museum in Ashgabat. A skeleton of a Margiana priestess was once also on display, though a series of deaths and misfortunes among museum staff persuaded them to have the original returned to where it was found. Then you will drive to Ashgabat. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 4: Ashgabat – Darwaza
Today we will drive through the Karakum desert to Darwaza. Today you will visit a small nomadic village on the way to the main attraction and immerse into the traditional life style of Turkmen people. Then is visit of the gas deposit. Stay in a camp with tasty catering; the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Observe the fantastic view of the crater at daylight and at night, feel the heat and listen to the wind and the sound that this giant oven creates. Overnight is in a tent under the starry sky.

Day 5: Darwaza – Kone Urgench – Dashoguz – Ashgabat
After the breakfast is drive to North province of Turkmenistan, to the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, Capital of Khorezm in X-XII centuries. Visit the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, the highest minaret in Central Asia Kutlyg Timur. Upon arrival to Dashoguz you will have a city tour. Transfer to airport for a local flight at 20:10/21:00. Hotel accommodation and overnight.

Day 6: Ashgabat
Tour starts with visiting an Eastern bazaar of Turkmenistan “Tolkuchka”. You will feel real beauty of Turkmen carpets, national silver jewelers and souvenirs. After that you will drive to the horse farm for exploring the pride of the Turkmen people – Akhal-Teke horses. In addition, you will have a traditional Tea party, short Akhal-Teke horse show program and can see the racks of horses. Return to Ashgabat. In the evening is city tour to see illumination of monuments of the city. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 7: Ashgabat – Airport
In the morning is transfer to the airport.

Transport: 2 pax (Sedan), 4-10 pax (Minibus)

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Transport
• Accommodation: Ashgabat – “Sport" Hotel 4* / Mary - “Mary” Hotel 4* / Darwaza – Tents
• Visa support
• Dinner in Darwaza
• English speaking guide
• Entrances to all museums
• Mineral water during the tour
• Flight tickets Dashoguz – Ashgabat

Exclusions:
• Visa
• Full board
• Single rooms
• Early check-in
• Travel insurance
• Migration tax (18 $AUD)
• Fee for using cameras on monuments

Note: Each Traveler should have 2 photos (5x6) to be presented at the points of entry.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.