White Marble Wonders: A 4-Day Turkmenistan Journey

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, you will begin exploring the white marble city of Ashgabat. The capital is famous for its shining buildings, golden domes and grand monuments.

Your first stop is Independence Park, where the Independence Monument stands among fountains and statues of national heroes. Next, you will visit the Arch of Neutrality, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. You will then visit the Ashgabat Ferris Wheel, which holds the Guinness World Record as the largest enclosed Ferris wheel in the world. From the top, you can see the city and the Kopetdag Mountains in the distance. Later, you will visit the Constitution Monument, one of the tallest buildings in Ashgabat. Your guide will tell you about the history of the city and the meaning of its many monuments. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will visit the Altyn Asyr Bazaar, also known as the Tolkuchka Bazaar, one of the largest markets in Central Asia. Here you can find everything from carpets and textiles to jewellery, spices and household goods. The bazaar is a great place to experience local life and buy souvenirs.

After the visit, you will begin your journey north into the Karakum Desert. The drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater covers about 270 kilometres and takes around four hours. Along the way, you will stop at the village of Erbent, where you can observe the daily life of a desert community. You will see traditional houses, camels and the simple way of life of the villagers. Your guide will tell you about the history and traditions of the people who live in the desert. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Gates of Hell". The burning crater is one of the most famous sights in Turkmenistan and is especially impressive after dark. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the camp. Overnight in a yurt or tent near the crater.

After breakfast at the camp, you will begin the return journey to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. The mosque has a golden dome and four minarets and is decorated with marble and gold.

Next, you will visit the ruins of Old and New Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will walk among the ruins of palaces and temples and learn about the history of this ancient empire. In the afternoon, you will visit the Akhal-Teke Horse Farm, where you can see the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. You will learn about the history of the breed and its importance in Turkmen culture. Finally, you will visit the underground lake of Kow-Ata, located inside a large cave. You can swim in the warm, mineral-rich water, which is a relaxing way to end the day. In the evening, you will return to Ashgabat for dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

Today your White Marble Wonders journey comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may wish to take a final stroll through the city or visit a souvenir shop.

Please check out of your room by the agreed time. Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Ashgabat International Airport. Our team will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your onward flight. If you have bought carpets or handicrafts, please keep your receipts and certificates ready for customs. During this tour, you have explored the white marble city of Ashgabat, the burning crater of Darvaza and the ancient ruins of Nisa. You have also swum in the underground lake of Kow-Ata and met the famous Akhal-Teke horses. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.