Turkmenistan Treasures: City, Village, Desert

Welcome to Turkmenistan! On your first day, you will be met by your guide and begin an adventure into the countryside around Ashgabat. You will drive into the Kopetdag Mountains to the village of Nokhur, one of the most traditional villages in the country. Here you will see stone houses, narrow streets and the old cemetery, where graves are decorated with the horns of mountain goats.

You will also learn about local silk weaving, a craft that has been practised in the region for centuries. Local women will show you how silk threads are prepared and woven into beautiful fabrics. After visiting the village, you will continue to the Kow-Ata underground lake, located inside a large cave. You can swim in the warm, mineral-rich water, which stays at a pleasant temperature all year round. On the way back to Ashgabat, you will visit the ruins of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire. You will also visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. In the evening, you will check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will visit 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 and traditions. You will then explore the city's main attractions, including Independence Park and the Arch of Neutrality.

In the afternoon, you will drive north into the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater. The drive takes around four hours, with stops along the way for photographs. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the crater, known as the "Gates of Hell". You will watch the sunset and see the flames become more dramatic as darkness falls. In the evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner near the crater. After dinner, there will be time for nighttime photography, as the glowing crater against the starry sky makes for spectacular photos. Your guide can give you tips on the best spots to take pictures. You will then drive back to Ashgabat, arriving late at night. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will visit the Tolkuchka Bazaar, officially known as the Altyn Asyr Bazaar, one of the largest markets in Central Asia. Here you can find everything from carpets and textiles to jewellery, spices and household goods. The bazaar is a great place to experience local life and buy souvenirs.

Next, you will drive to the village of Anau to visit the ruins of the Seyit-Jamal-ad-din Mosque. This 15th-century mosque was famous for the images of dragons on its portal and was destroyed by the earthquake of 1948. You will then visit Earthquake Park, which commemorates the victims of the 1948 earthquake that destroyed most of Ashgabat. In the afternoon, you will visit several of the city's mosques and trade centres. You will see the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, an elegant building inspired by Ottoman architecture. You will also visit modern trade centres, where you can see how people shop in the capital today. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

Today your journey through the city, villages and desert 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 buy some last-minute souvenirs 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 your luggage and check-in for your international 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 traditional village of Nokhur and the burning crater of Darvaza. We hope you have enjoyed your time in Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us. We wish you a safe flight and hope to see you again soon.