Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrive in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel. 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. Rich and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horse stables and Lenin Monument. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours
Day 2: Ashgabat – Mary
In the morning drive to Mary (370 km, 8-9 hours.) En route visit Anau Mosque remains and pilgrim site and Abiverd urban Silk Road remains on the way. 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 Fortresses, and others. Return to Mary, Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: 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 4: Ashgabat – Darvaza
Free time in the morning. In the afternoon 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.
Day 5: 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 6: Ashgabat – Nohur – Turkmenbashi
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. Evening flight to Turkmenbashi at Caspian Sea. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Turkmenbashi – Yangikala
Early departure for overnight trip to Yangikala Canyons. First 2 hours on tarmac, then followed by potholed tarmac and gravel tracks.
Day 8: Yangikala – Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat
Visit pilgrim sites of Gozli-Ata and Kemal-Ata. Drive to Turkmenbashi, and evening flight back to Ashgabat. Transfer to the Airport. End of the tour.