The Heart of Turkmenistan: A 9-Day Journey Through History and Landscape

Welcome to Turkmenistan! On 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 a tour of the white marble city of Ashgabat. The capital is famous for its gleaming buildings, golden domes and impressive monuments.

You will visit some of the city's most famous landmarks, including Independence Park and the Arch of Neutrality. You will also see the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, an elegant building inspired by Ottoman architecture. As you drive along the city's wide avenues, your guide will tell you about the history of Ashgabat and its transformation into a modern capital. You will learn how the city was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1948 and later rebuilt. You will also see many monuments and statues that reflect the history and culture of the Turkmen people. This tour offers a perfect introduction to the country before your nine-day journey through its history and landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will leave Ashgabat and drive east toward the Mary region. Your first stop is 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.

The journey continues to Mary, and from there into the desert to visit Gonur Depe. Gonur Depe was the centre of the Bronze Age Margiana civilisation, which flourished around four thousand years ago. You will explore the remains of a palace, temples, fire altars and a royal necropolis. Your guide will explain the history of Margiana and the discoveries made by the archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi. Some researchers believe that Gonur Depe may be connected with the early development of Zoroastrianism. The site is located in a remote area, and its silence and isolation create a special atmosphere. In the evening, you will return to Mary and check into your hotel. Overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will drive to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. Merv is made up of five historical urban centres, each built in a different period. This unique layout allows you to explore more than two thousand years of history in one place.

You will visit the oldest fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, which date back to the Achaemenid period. 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 and the mausoleums of companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Your guide will tell you about the scholars, poets and rulers who lived in Merv and its destruction by the Mongols. After lunch, you will transfer to Mary airport for a flight back to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Turkmenbashy on the Caspian Sea coast. On arrival, you will drive by 4WD vehicle toward Yangykala Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Turkmenistan. The canyon's cliffs, in shades of red, pink, orange and white, were formed from the bed of an ancient sea.

You will stop at several viewpoints to admire the dramatic landscape and take photographs. There will also be time for a short walk along the edge of the canyon. In the afternoon, you will continue to Gozli Ata, an important pilgrimage site in western Turkmenistan. Gozli Ata was a Sufi teacher who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries, and his mausoleum attracts pilgrims from across the country. Your guide will explain the customs and rituals associated with this sacred place. You will also see the old cemetery that surrounds the mausoleum. In the evening, enjoy dinner at camp or a local guesthouse. Overnight near Gozli Ata.

After breakfast, you will drive from Gozli Ata to Avaza, the National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast. Avaza is a modern resort area with hotels, beaches, parks and promenades. Today is a leisure day for you to relax and enjoy the sea after several days of travel.

You can spend the day on the beach, swimming in the sea or simply enjoying the sunshine. The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water in the world, and its beaches are popular with local holidaymakers in summer. If you prefer, you can take a walk along the promenade or visit one of the resort's parks. You may also wish to visit the nearby city of Turkmenbashy, where you can explore the local bazaar and buy fresh seafood. Your guide will be available to help you with any arrangements. In the evening, you can enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the resort's restaurants. The sunset over the Caspian Sea is a beautiful sight. Overnight at your hotel in Avaza.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Turkmenbashy airport for a flight back to Ashgabat. On arrival, 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 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 have time to walk around the crater and watch the sunset over the desert. As darkness falls, the flames become even more dramatic, creating an unforgettable view. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at the camp. Overnight camping near the crater.

After breakfast at the camp, you will drive north through the desert to Kunya Urgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kunya Urgench was one of the most important cities of the Islamic world until it was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century. Its surviving monuments are among the finest examples of medieval architecture in Central Asia.

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 Il-Arslan, with its unusual conical roof. Your guide will tell you about the history of these monuments and the traditions of the pilgrims who visit them. After the visits, you will travel to Dashoguz airport for a flight back to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will spend your last full day exploring Ashgabat. Your first visit is the National Museum, the largest museum in Turkmenistan. Here you will see artefacts from ancient Nisa, Merv and Margiana, as well as exhibits on Turkmen culture, traditions and crafts.

Next, you will visit the horse stables, home to the famous Akhal-Teke horses. These elegant horses, known for their golden coats and endurance, are a symbol of national pride. You will learn about the history of the breed and its importance in Turkmen culture. In the afternoon, you will visit some of the city's beautiful parks, which are decorated with fountains, monuments and flower gardens. You may also have time to visit a local bazaar to buy souvenirs. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Turkmen dishes and music. This is a wonderful opportunity to share memories of your journey with your fellow travellers and guide. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

Today your nine-day journey through the heart of Turkmenistan 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 departure flight. If you have bought carpets or handicrafts, please keep your receipts and certificates ready for customs. During this tour, you have explored ancient cities, colourful canyons, the Caspian Sea coast and the burning crater of Darvaza. You have discovered the history of the Silk Road and the traditions of the Turkmen people. We hope you have enjoyed this journey through the history and landscapes of Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.