Turkmenistan 6 Days 5 Nights Tour: From Ancient Oases to Mountain Village

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 some time to refresh, you will begin a city tour of Ashgabat. The capital is known for its white marble buildings and impressive modern architecture, which create a striking contrast with the surrounding mountains and desert.

You will visit Independence Park and the Arch of Neutrality, two of the city's most famous landmarks. You will also see the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and drive along the main avenues lined with marble buildings and fountains. Your guide will explain the meaning of the many monuments and statues that you see along the way. You will learn how Ashgabat was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1948 and how it became the modern city it is today. If time allows, you may also visit a museum to learn more about the history and culture of Turkmenistan. This tour gives you a good first impression of the country before your journey continues. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Mary. On arrival, you will drive to Ancient Merv, one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will explore the ruins of several cities built side by side over more than two thousand years.

Highlights include the ancient fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Kyz Kala mansions. Your guide will tell you about the scholars, poets and rulers who lived in Merv during its golden age. In the afternoon, you will visit a traditional ethno-guesthouse, where you will be welcomed by local hosts. You will learn about traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving, embroidery and felt-making. You may also see how traditional bread is baked in a clay tamdyr oven. In the evening, enjoy folk music and dance performances, followed by a delicious home-cooked dinner. This cultural experience offers a deep insight into the traditions of the Mary region. Overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey to Ashgabat, travelling about 350 kilometres along the ancient Silk Road. Along the way, you will visit several important historical sites. Your first stop is the medieval settlement of Abiverd, which was an important trading town between the 9th and 13th centuries.

You will walk among the ruins of the city walls and learn about the history of the town. Next, you will visit the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque near the village of Anau. The mosque was built in the 15th century and was famous for the images of dragons on its portal. Although it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1948, it remains an important place of pilgrimage. Your guide will explain the history of these sites and their importance in the region. You will have lunch at a local café along the way. The drive also offers views of the Kopetdag Mountains, which form the border with Iran. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will drive west from Ashgabat toward the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. Your first stop is the Kow-Ata underground lake, located in a large cave about 60 metres below the surface. The water is warm and rich in minerals, and swimming here is a unique and relaxing experience.

Many local people visit the lake for its healing properties, and the cave itself is an impressive natural wonder. After the visit, you will continue to Gokdepe, the site of a famous battle in 1881. Here you will visit the Saparmurat Hajji Mosque, a beautiful mosque built as a memorial to those who died in the battle. You will also visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Your guide will tell you about the history of these places and their importance to the Turkmen people. You will also learn about the role of Islam in the culture and daily life of the country. In the late afternoon, you will return to Ashgabat. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive into the Kopetdag Mountains to the village of Nokhur. The road winds through valleys and passes, offering beautiful views of the mountain landscape. Nokhur is one of the most traditional villages in Turkmenistan, and its people have preserved their unique customs for centuries.

You will walk through the village and see its stone houses, gardens and narrow streets. You will also visit the old cemetery, where graves are decorated with the horns of mountain goats. Your guide will tell you about the legends of Nokhur and the daily life of the villagers. You may have the opportunity to meet local families and learn about their traditions, crafts and cuisine. This is a great chance to experience the warm hospitality of the mountain people. In the afternoon, you will return to Ashgabat and visit one of the city's museums. Here you can learn more about the history, culture and traditions of Turkmenistan. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

Today your journey from ancient oases to mountain villages comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may wish to visit a souvenir shop or take a final walk through 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 explored the white marble city of Ashgabat, the ancient Silk Road city of Merv and the traditional village of Nokhur. You have also swum in the underground lake of Kow-Ata and experienced the culture of the Mary region. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us.