Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrival in Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat
After breakfast visit Sunday market (a.k.a Tolkuchka), followed by city tour in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble on its buildings than any other city in the world. You will visit Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia, the National Museum of History, Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and newly built Independence Park. Rich and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horses stables and Lenin Monument. Free time in late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
Day 3: Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat
Take a morning flight to Mary (370 km, 40 min.). Upon arrival drive to Merv (UNESCO) (40 km, 30 min.), 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 Fortresses, and others. Return to Mary, take an evening flight to Ashgabat (370 km, 40 min). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Day 4: Ashgabat – Dashoguz – Darvaza
In the morning transfer to the airport for flight to Dashoguz (580 km, 50 min.). Upon arrival drive to Kunya Urgench – the ancient capital of Khorezm Empire (120 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Start sightseeing Kunya Urgench historical site: mausoleums of Turebek-Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan, Najmad-din-Kubra, Sultan Ali. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla Hill. In the afternoon drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakym desert Empire (8 km, across sand dunes). 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: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Darvaza – Ashgabat
After camp style breakfast depart to Ashgabat. If it is Sunday, visit Sunday Bazaar outside of Ashgabat. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon explore archeological site of Old Nissa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) and visit Anau Mosque remains. Free time. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Day 6: Ashgabat – departure
Transfer to the Airport. End of the tour.