Itinerary

Ashgabat, Mary, Merv, Darvaza, Gas Crater, Dashoguz, Kunya-Urgench, Turkmenbashi, Yangikala

• Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat
  Arrive in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel.
• Day 2: Ashgabat
  After breakfast visit Sunday market (Tolkuchka) if it is Sunday. After that sightseeing tour in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. During the city tour you will explore an archaeological site of Old Nisa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) and Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. You will visit the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Independence Park. Intense and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horse stables and Lenin Monument. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
• Day 3: Ashgabat – Mary
  Morning flight to Mary, Visit centre of the city, including Juma mosque, Central bazaar, and Russian Orthodox church. Afternoon excursion to Merv, an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Afternoon visit History museum of region. Discover historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress and others. Return to Mary, Transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
• Day 4: Mary – Ashgabat
  Full morning for visit to the excavations of the ancient Margush country capital – Gonur, which consists of the Palace of the city, Fire and Water Temples, Royal Necropolis. Return to Mary, take a late afternoon flight back to Ashgabat (370 km, 40 min). Transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Overnight at the hotel.
• Day 5: Ashgabat – Darvaza
  Early departure for overnight trip to Karakum Desert; after 2 hours on tarmac road, drive off-road to Damla desert semi-nomadic settlement; and further off-road to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert. Arrive at the crater, set up the camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents. Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
• Day 6: Darvaza – Dashoguz – Ashgabat
  Drive to Dashoguz with excursion to Kunya-Urgench historical sites which have been included into the UNESCO World Heritage List: visit mausoleums of Turabek Khanum, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il-Arslan, Najmuddin-Kubra, Sultan Ali. Discover the Kutlug-Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla Hill. Afternoon transfer to Dashoguz.Evening flight to Ashgabat.Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
• Day 7: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangikala
  Morning flight to Turkmenbashi at Caspian Sea. Departure for overnight trip to Yangikala Canyons. First 2 hours on tarmac, then followed by potholed tarmac and gravel tracks. Set up tent camp in canyons. Dinner at camp and overnight at pilgrim house Gozli-Ata.
• Day 8: Yangikala – Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat
  Visit pilgrim sites of Gozli-Ata and Kemal-Ata. Drive to Turkmenbashi, and evening flight back to Ashgabat. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
• Day 9: Ashgabat – Nohur – Ashgabat
  Day trip to Nohur village in the Kopet Dag Mountains (visit tribal cemetery and pilgrim site; silk weaving homes), with visit of Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum and Gokdepe Mosque on the way. Overnight at the hotel.
• Day 10: Ashgabat – departure
  Transfer to the airport. End of the tour.