Akhal Teke Horse Riding Adventure

Welcome to Turkmenistan, the homeland of the legendary Akhal-Teke horse! On arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, you will begin a sightseeing tour of the capital.

Your first stop is Independence Park, home to the Independence Monument and statues of national heroes. Next, you will visit the Arch of Neutrality, a tall monument topped with a golden statue, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. As you travel around Ashgabat, you will notice that the image of the horse appears everywhere, from monuments and fountains to the national emblem. Your guide will explain why the Akhal-Teke horse is such an important symbol of national pride in Turkmenistan. You will also learn about the history of the city and its reconstruction after the 1948 earthquake. This tour offers a perfect introduction to the culture and character of the country before your riding adventure begins. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing on the program ahead. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will drive west from Ashgabat 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 the defenders of the fortress. Your guide will tell you about the history of the battle and its importance in Turkmen history.

You will then continue to the Akhal-Teke horse farm, which will be your base for the riding part of the tour. On arrival, you will meet the farm staff and the trainers who will accompany you during your rides. You will have time to observe the horses in their stables and paddocks and learn about their care, training and feeding. The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world, known for its golden sheen, speed and endurance. Your trainers will introduce you to the horses and explain their temperament and behaviour. You will also receive an orientation on safety, equipment and riding techniques. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the farm. Overnight at the horse farm or a nearby hotel.

Today is your first day of riding the famous Akhal-Teke horses. After breakfast, you will meet your trainers and the horse that has been selected for you. You will spend some time getting to know your horse, grooming it and building a bond before riding.

The introductory riding session lasts about two to three hours and is suitable for riders of different levels. Your trainers will adapt the pace and route to your experience and ensure your safety at all times. You will ride through the scenic countryside around the farm, with views of the Kopetdag Mountains in the distance. Riding an Akhal-Teke is a unique experience, as these horses are known for their smooth gait, intelligence and sensitivity. After the ride, you will enjoy lunch at the farm. In the afternoon, you will have time to relax or watch the trainers working with other horses. Your guide will tell you more about the traditions of horse breeding and the national horse festivals of Turkmenistan. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the farm. Overnight at the horse farm or a nearby hotel.

After breakfast, you will return to Ashgabat and visit the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. This memorial is dedicated to the victims of the 1948 earthquake and to those who lost their lives in the wars of the 20th century. The complex includes monuments, an eternal flame and a museum.

After the visit, you will begin your journey north into the Karakum Desert. The drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater takes about four hours, with stops along the way for photographs. You will pass through small desert villages and see camels grazing among the dunes. Your guide will tell you about life in the desert and the history of the gas crater. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the crater, known as the "Gates of Hell", which has been burning since the 1970s. You will watch the sunset and see the flames become more dramatic as darkness falls. In the evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner at the camp. Overnight in a yurt or tent near the crater.

If you wish, you can wake up early to see the crater once more at sunrise. 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.

On arrival in Ashgabat, you will have lunch and some time to rest at your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the National Carpet Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Turkmen carpets. You will learn about the traditional patterns, called göls, which are unique to each Turkmen tribe. The museum also displays one of the largest hand-woven carpets in the world. Your guide will explain the history of carpet weaving in Turkmenistan and its importance in the country's culture. You will also see carpets featuring images of Akhal-Teke horses, a popular theme in modern Turkmen art. In the evening, you are free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Dinner and 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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. Merv was home to several cities built side by side over more than two thousand years.

You will visit the ancient fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, which date back to the 6th century BC. Next, you will see Sultan Kala, the capital of the Seljuk Empire, and the impressive Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. You will also visit the Kyz Kala mansions, with their unusual ribbed walls. Your guide will tell you about the history of Merv and its role as a centre of trade, science and culture. You will also learn about the destruction of the city by the Mongols in the 13th century. The ruins of Merv are spread over a large area, and walking among them gives a real sense of the city's size and importance. In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Mary. Overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey to Ashgabat, visiting several important archaeological sites and cultural monuments along the way. Your first stop is the medieval settlement of Abiverd, an important trading town on the Silk Road. You will walk among the ruins of the city walls and learn about the history of the area.

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. Along the way, you will see the Kopetdag Mountains, which form the border with Iran. You will have lunch at a local café. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Ashgabat and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Today your Akhal-Teke Horse Riding Adventure comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may wish to buy some souvenirs, such as figurines or carpets featuring the famous golden horses.

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 ridden the legendary Akhal-Teke horses and explored the white marble capital. You have also visited the burning crater of Darvaza and the ancient Silk Road city of Merv. We hope this adventure has given you a special connection with the horses and the culture of Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.