Turkmenistan 6 Days 5 Nights Tour

Welcome to Turkmenistan! On arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, your guide will meet you and help you through to the vehicle waiting outside. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in and a short rest. In the afternoon, you will set off on a city tour of Ashgabat, a capital unlike any other in Central Asia.

Ashgabat is famous for its white marble architecture, and its many monuments, fountains and golden domes shine in the sunlight. You will drive along the main avenues and stop at the most important landmarks, including Independence Park and the Arch of Neutrality. At each stop, your guide will explain the meaning of the monuments and their place in the country's modern history. You will also visit one of the city's museums, where you can learn about the history of Turkmenistan from ancient times to the present. The collections include archaeological finds, traditional costumes, jewellery and carpets. This tour offers a perfect introduction to the culture and character of the country. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Turkmen dishes. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will begin a day dedicated to the traditions and ancient history of Ashgabat and its surroundings. Your first stop is one of the city's local markets, where you can see people shopping for fresh produce, spices, bread and household goods. Markets are at the heart of daily life in Turkmenistan and are a great place to experience local culture.

Next, you will visit the horse stables, home to the famous Akhal-Teke horses. These elegant horses, with their shining golden coats, are one of the oldest breeds in the world and a symbol of the nation. Your guide will tell you about their history and the special place they hold in Turkmen culture. In the afternoon, you will drive to the ancient fortress of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nisa was one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire, which ruled a large part of the ancient world. You will walk among the ruins of palaces and temples and learn about the discoveries made by archaeologists here. From the top of the fortress walls, you can enjoy views of the plains and the Kopetdag Mountains. In the evening, return to Ashgabat for dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short domestic flight to Mary. On arrival, you will drive to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities of the Silk Road. Merv was home to several cities built next to each other over thousands of years, and its ruins tell the story of many different empires.

You will visit the fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Kyz Kala mansions. Your guide will explain how Merv became one of the largest cities in the world in the 12th century and how it was destroyed by the Mongols. In the late afternoon, you will visit a traditional ethno-guesthouse in the Mary region. Here you will be welcomed by local hosts dressed in traditional clothing. You will see demonstrations of local crafts such as carpet weaving and embroidery. In the evening, you will enjoy traditional music and dance performances, followed by a home-cooked Turkmen dinner. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Turkmen people. Overnight in Mary.

After an early breakfast, you will take a domestic flight to Dashoguz in northern Turkmenistan. On arrival, you will drive to Kunya Urgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kunya Urgench was one of the greatest cities of the Islamic world until it was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century.

You will visit the Gutlug Timur Minaret, which stands around 60 metres high. Next, you will see the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, famous for its beautiful mosaic dome. You will also visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh and the Mausoleum of Najmeddin Kubra, an important Sufi teacher. Your guide will explain the history of these monuments and the traditions of the pilgrims who visit them. After lunch, you will drive south through the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater. You will arrive in time to watch the sunset over the desert. As darkness falls, the burning crater glows brightly, creating an unforgettable sight. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the camp. Overnight in a tent or yurt near the crater.

Wake up in the desert and, if you wish, take a last look at the crater in the early morning light. After breakfast at the camp, you will begin the return journey to Ashgabat. The drive through the Karakum Desert takes around four hours, with stops for photographs along the way.

Your guide will tell you more about the desert, its plants and animals, and the people who live there. You may also stop at the small village of Yerbent to see the daily life of a desert community. On arrival in Ashgabat, you will have lunch and some time to rest at your hotel. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional visit to one of the city's bazaars. The Altyn Asyr Bazaar, also known as Tolkuchka, is one of the largest markets in Central Asia. Here you can buy carpets, textiles, jewellery and souvenirs and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The Russian Bazaar in the city centre is another good option for local food and gifts. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

Today your six-day journey through Turkmenistan comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. This is a good opportunity to buy any last souvenirs or take a final walk around the city.

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 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 seen the marble capital, the ancient cities of Nisa, Merv and Kunya Urgench, and the burning crater of Darvaza. You have also experienced Turkmen hospitality at an ethno-guesthouse and in the desert. We hope this journey has left you with wonderful memories. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back soon.