7 Days 6 Nights Turkmenistan Highlights Tour

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival in Ashgabat, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, you will begin exploring the capital, famous for its modern white marble architecture. The city's monuments, fountains and golden domes create a unique atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else in the world.

You will visit Independence Park and the Arch of Neutrality and drive along the main avenues lined with impressive buildings. Next, you will visit one of the city's museums, where you can learn about the history and culture of Turkmenistan. In the afternoon, you will visit a local horse farm to see the famous Akhal-Teke horses. These horses are known for their golden coats, elegance and endurance, and they are considered a national treasure. You will learn about the history of the breed and see the horses up close. Your guide will also explain the role of horses in Turkmen culture and traditions. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen dishes. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will drive east toward the Mary region. Along the way, you will visit the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque near the village of Anau. This 15th-century mosque was famous for its decorated portal featuring images of dragons. Although it was destroyed by the 1948 earthquake, it remains an important pilgrimage site.

You will then continue to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities of the Silk Road. You will visit the fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Kyz Kala mansions. Your guide will tell you about the long history of Merv and its importance as a centre of trade and culture. In the evening, you will visit a traditional ethno-guesthouse. Here you will see demonstrations of traditional crafts such as carpet weaving and embroidery. You will also enjoy folk music and dance performances, followed by a delicious home-cooked dinner. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Turkmen culture and hospitality. Overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will begin a long journey across the Karakum Desert toward the Darvaza Gas Crater. The route crosses a vast landscape of sand dunes, desert shrubs and small settlements. You will make several stops along the way to rest, take photographs and enjoy the scenery.

Your guide will tell you about the desert, its wildlife and the people who live there. You may see camels grazing near the road and shepherds tending their flocks. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Gates of Hell". This huge burning crater has been on fire since the 1970s and is one of the most unusual sights in the world. You will watch the sunset over the desert and see the flames become more dramatic as darkness falls. In the evening, you will enjoy a nomadic-style barbecue dinner at the yurt camp. The combination of the starry sky, the silence of the desert and the glowing crater creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Overnight in a yurt near the crater.

If you wish, you can wake up early to see the crater at sunrise, when the desert is calm and quiet. After breakfast at the camp, you will begin the return journey to Ashgabat. The drive takes around four hours, with stops for photographs along the way.

On arrival in Ashgabat, you will have lunch and some free time to relax at your hotel. This leisure time gives you the opportunity to rest after the desert adventure or explore the city on your own. If you are interested, an optional visit to the National Carpet Museum can be arranged. The museum houses an impressive collection of Turkmen carpets and displays one of the largest hand-woven carpets in the world. You will learn about the traditional patterns, called göls, and the techniques used to make these beautiful carpets. Carpet weaving is an important part of Turkmen culture, and the national carpet patterns even appear on the country's flag. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will drive into the Kopetdag Mountains to experience the culture of the mountain village of Nokhur. The road winds through scenic valleys, offering beautiful views along the way. Nokhur is known for its unique customs and traditions, which have been preserved for centuries.

You will walk through the village and see its stone houses and the old cemetery, where graves are decorated with the horns of mountain goats. Your guide will tell you about the local legends and the daily life of the villagers. You may also have the opportunity to visit a local family and enjoy a cup of tea. After visiting Nokhur, you will continue to the Kow-Ata underground lake. The lake is located inside a large cave, and its warm, mineral-rich water is ideal for swimming. The water stays at a pleasant temperature throughout the year. This is a relaxing way to end a day in the mountains. In the evening, you will return to Ashgabat. Overnight at your hotel.

Today is a relaxed day in Ashgabat, giving you the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. After breakfast, you can visit any landmarks you have not yet seen, such as the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque or the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. Your guide can suggest places to visit and help you plan your day.

Another popular option is a visit to one of the city's bazaars. The Russian Bazaar is a lively market in the city centre, where you can buy fresh fruit, spices, dried fruits and local sweets. The Altyn Asyr Bazaar, located on the outskirts of the city, is one of the largest markets in Central Asia and is a great place to buy carpets and souvenirs. In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time to relax at your hotel or take a walk through the city's parks. Ashgabat has many beautiful parks with fountains and monuments, which are especially pleasant in the evening. This free day offers a welcome break before your departure. In the evening, you may enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

Today your Turkmenistan Highlights Tour 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 walk around the city or relax before your journey home.

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 departure 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 capital, the Silk Road city of Merv and the burning crater of Darvaza. You have also experienced the culture of the mountain village of Nokhur and swum in the underground lake of Kow-Ata. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through the highlights of Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.