Turkmenistan: The Silk Road Oasis

Welcome to Turkmenistan! On arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and resting, you will begin your sightseeing tour of the capital. Ashgabat is a city of white marble and gold, with grand monuments, fountains and tidy parks at every turn.

Your first stop is Independence Park, where the Independence Monument stands surrounded by statues of national heroes and beautifully landscaped gardens. Next, you will visit the Arch of Neutrality, a tall monument crowned with a golden statue, which offers panoramic views over the city. You will continue to the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, an elegant building inspired by the classical Ottoman style. Later in the day, you will visit the Ashgabat Ferris Wheel, which is listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest enclosed Ferris wheel. From the top, you can enjoy wonderful views of the city and the Kopetdag Mountains. Your guide will share stories about Ashgabat's history and its transformation into a modern capital. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Turkmen cuisine. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to ancient Nisa, just outside Ashgabat. Nisa was one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire, which ruled a vast territory from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its earthen walls and excavated buildings give a fascinating glimpse into ancient royal life.

Next, you will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in the village of Gypjak. This magnificent mosque is one of the largest in Central Asia, with a golden dome and four tall minarets. You will then continue to an Akhal-Teke horse farm, where you can see these famous horses up close. Known for their shining coats and graceful build, the Akhal-Teke are considered one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. In the afternoon, you will drive to Kow-Ata, an underground lake hidden inside a cave. The warm water, rich in minerals, stays at a comfortable temperature all year round, and you are welcome to take a swim. It is a unique and relaxing experience after a day of sightseeing. In the evening, you will return to Ashgabat for dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and begin your journey into the Karakum Desert. The Karakum, meaning "black sand", covers around 70 percent of Turkmenistan's territory. The road heads north through a landscape of dunes, desert shrubs and small settlements.

Along the way, you will stop to take photographs and stretch your legs. You may also see camels grazing near the road and local shepherds tending their flocks. Your guide will tell you about life in the desert and how people have survived here for centuries. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell". This enormous burning crater has been on fire since the 1970s and is one of the most unusual natural sights in the world. You will have time to walk around the edge of the crater and watch the flames as the sun sets. As darkness falls, the crater glows bright orange, creating an unforgettable view. Dinner will be a delicious barbecue prepared at camp. Overnight in a yurt or tent under the desert stars.

Wake up early if you wish to see the crater at sunrise, when the desert is calm and quiet. After breakfast at camp, you will begin your return journey to Ashgabat. On the way, you will stop at two smaller craters near Darvaza, one filled with bubbling mud and the other with clear turquoise water. These craters were also formed during Soviet gas exploration and are interesting to visit.

As you drive south, you will once again cross the Karakum Desert, with opportunities for photographs along the way. After arriving in Ashgabat and having lunch, you will visit the National Carpet Museum. This museum displays an impressive collection of Turkmen carpets, some of which are hundreds of years old. You will learn about the traditional patterns, or göls, which are unique to each Turkmen tribe. The museum also displays one of the largest hand-woven carpets in the world. Carpet weaving is an essential part of Turkmen culture, and the national carpet appears on the country's flag. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short domestic flight to Mary. On arrival, you will drive to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities of the Silk Road. Merv was home to several successive cities, built next to each other over more than two thousand years.

You will explore Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, the oldest fortresses, which date back to the 6th century BC. Next, you will visit Sultan Kala, the capital of the Seljuk Empire, and the impressive Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. You will also see the Great and Small Kyz Kala, with their unusual ribbed walls, as well as the mausoleums of companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Your guide will explain how Merv grew into one of the largest cities in the world in the 12th century before it was destroyed by the Mongols. After lunch, you will visit the Mary History Museum, which displays artefacts from Merv, Gonur Depe and other archaeological sites in the region. In the evening, you will fly back to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Today your journey through Turkmenistan comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may use this time to buy souvenirs, take a last walk through the city, or simply relax at the hotel.

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 onward flight. If you have bought carpets or other handicrafts, please keep your receipts and any certificates ready for customs. During this tour, you have discovered the marble capital, the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa, the burning Darvaza crater and the Silk Road city of Merv. We hope you have enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Turkmen people and the many contrasts of this fascinating country. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. We wish you a safe flight and hope to welcome you back soon.