Karakum Nomad Jeep Expedition

Welcome to Turkmenistan and the start of your Karakum Nomad Jeep Expedition! Upon 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 capital's major monuments. Ashgabat is famous for its white marble architecture, which creates a unique and memorable atmosphere.

You will visit Independence Park, home to the Independence Monument and statues of national heroes. Next, you will see the Arch of Neutrality, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Kopetdag Mountains. The tour continues with a visit to one of the city's museums, where you can learn about the history and culture of Turkmenistan. You will also visit some of the city's beautiful parks and see its impressive architectural landmarks. Your guide will tell you about the history of Ashgabat and its reconstruction after the 1948 earthquake. In the evening, you will receive a briefing on the twelve-day expedition ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen dishes. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will begin a full day of exploring Ashgabat and its surroundings. Your first visit is the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. With its golden dome and four minarets, the mosque is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture.

Next, you will visit the ancient fortress of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire. You will walk among the ruins of palaces and temples and learn about the history of this powerful empire. After lunch, you will visit the National Carpet Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Turkmen carpets. You will learn about the traditional patterns and the techniques used to make these beautiful carpets. In the afternoon, you will visit the Akhal-Teke horse stables, home to the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. These horses are known for their beauty, speed and endurance and are a symbol of national pride. In the evening, you will return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short domestic flight to Mary. On arrival, you will drive into the desert to visit Gonur Depe, the ancient capital of the Margush kingdom. 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. After the visit, you will drive to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. You will visit several fortress ruins, including Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala and Sultan Kala. You will also see the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Kyz Kala mansions. Your guide will tell you about the history of Merv and its importance as a centre of trade, science and culture. In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Mary. Dinner and overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will explore the countryside around Mary and experience the traditional life of the region. Your first stop is a camel farm near Sakarchaga, where you will learn how camels are bred and cared for. Camels have been an essential part of life in the desert for thousands of years, providing milk, wool and transport.

You may have the opportunity to taste chal, a traditional fermented camel milk drink that is popular in Turkmenistan. Next, you will visit a carpet factory, where you can watch skilled weavers working on traditional looms. You will learn about the techniques and patterns used to make Turkmen carpets, which are famous around the world. In the afternoon, you will visit the Gok Gummez area and its desert monument, an interesting historical site in the region. Along the way, you will experience the warm hospitality of local families, who may invite you for tea and bread. Your guide will tell you about the traditions and customs of the people of the Mary region. In the evening, you will return to Mary. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey to Ashgabat, visiting several historical fortresses along the way. Your first stop is the Nedir Shah Fortress, an 18th-century fortification associated with the Persian ruler Nadir Shah. Its massive clay walls are a reminder of the conflicts that once took place in this region.

Next, you will visit the medieval settlement of Abiverd, an important trading town on the Silk Road between the 9th and 13th centuries. You will walk among the ruins of the city walls and learn about the history of the area. You will then visit the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque near the village of Anau. This 15th-century mosque was famous for the images of dragons on its portal and was destroyed by the earthquake of 1948. Your guide will explain the history of these sites and their importance in the region. You will have lunch at a local café along the way. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Today the real jeep expedition begins as you head into the heart of the Karakum Desert. After breakfast, you will set off in 4x4 vehicles driven by experienced local drivers. After leaving the main road, you will travel off-road across sand dunes, dry riverbeds and clay plains.

The route takes you to parts of the desert rarely visited by tourists, where you can experience the true wilderness of the Karakum. Along the way, you will stop to admire the landscape, take photographs and look for signs of desert wildlife. You may see camels, lizards, desert tortoises and birds of prey. Your guide will tell you about the plants and animals of the desert and how they have adapted to the harsh environment. A picnic lunch will be served in the shade of the dunes. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Gates of Hell". You will watch the sunset and see the flames become more dramatic as darkness falls. Enjoy dinner at the camp. Overnight camping near the crater.

After breakfast at the camp, you will continue your expedition north through the desert toward Kunya Urgench. The route crosses the northern part of the Karakum, where the landscape gradually changes to farmland and irrigated fields. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kunya Urgench was once the capital of Khorezm and one of the most important cities of the Islamic world. You will visit the Gutlug Timur Minaret, which stands around 60 metres high and is one of the tallest minarets in the region. Next, you will see the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, famous for its beautiful mosaic dome. You will also visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh, the Mausoleum of Il-Arslan and the Mausoleum of Najmeddin Kubra. 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 continue to Dashoguz. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. Overnight in Dashoguz.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Turkmenbashy on the Caspian Sea coast. On arrival, you will be met by your local team and begin a jeep tour toward Yangykala Canyon. The route takes you through the desert landscapes of western Turkmenistan, with views of the Balkan Mountains.

Along the way, you will make stops to take photographs and enjoy the scenery. Your guide will tell you about the history and geology of the region, which was once covered by an ancient sea. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Yangykala Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Turkmenistan. The canyon's cliffs, in shades of red, pink, orange and white, rise steeply above the desert floor. You will have time to walk along the edge of the canyon and watch the sunset. As the sun goes down, the colours of the cliffs become even more vivid. In the evening, your team will set up camp and prepare dinner over a campfire. Overnight in tents near the canyon.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Yangykala Canyon. After breakfast at the camp, you will explore the canyon formations in more detail. You will drive and walk through different parts of the canyon, discovering its colourful cliffs, deep valleys and unusual rock formations.

Your guide will point out the different layers of rock, which reveal millions of years of geological history. Next, you will drive 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 afternoon, you will drive back to Turkmenbashy. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, you can enjoy a walk along the seafront. Overnight in Turkmenbashy.

After breakfast, you will begin a long and scenic drive east from Turkmenbashy toward Ashgabat. The route follows the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, with views of the mountains to the south and the desert to the north. You will make several stops along the way to rest and take photographs.

In the afternoon, you will drive into the mountains to the traditional village of Nokhur. 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. Next, you will visit the Kow-Ata underground lake, located inside a large cave. You can swim in the warm, mineral-rich water, which is a relaxing way to end a long day of travel. The water stays at a pleasant temperature all year round. In the evening, you will continue to Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Today is your final full day in Turkmenistan, dedicated to shopping and relaxing in Ashgabat. After breakfast, you will visit some of the city's modern shopping malls, where you can see how people in the capital shop today. You can find clothing, jewellery, souvenirs and local products.

Next, you will visit the traditional Gulustan Bazaar, also known as the Russian Bazaar, one of the oldest and most popular markets in Ashgabat. Here you can buy fresh fruit, spices, dried fruits, nuts and local sweets. The bazaar is a great place to experience the atmosphere of a local market and to pick up last-minute gifts. You may also find carpets, textiles and handicrafts. Your guide will help you find the best places to buy souvenirs. In the afternoon, you will have free time to relax at your hotel or explore the city on your own. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your expedition. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

Today your Karakum Nomad Jeep Expedition 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 through 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 onward flight. If you have bought carpets or handicrafts, please keep your receipts and certificates ready for customs. During this expedition, you have crossed the Karakum Desert by jeep, explored ancient cities and visited the colourful Yangykala Canyon. You have also met nomadic families and experienced the warm hospitality of the Turkmen people. We hope you have enjoyed this unforgettable adventure. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.