Turkmenistan: Craters, Canyons and Culture

Your journey through Turkmenistan begins at the Shavat border crossing near Dashoguz. After completing border formalities, you will be met by your guide and driver. You will then drive 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 Silk Road and the Islamic world until it was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century. 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, 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 return to Dashoguz. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Dashoguz.

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

In the afternoon, you will arrive at Yangykala Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Turkmenistan. The canyon's limestone cliffs, in shades of red, pink, orange and white, were formed from the bed of an ancient sea. You will drive through the canyon and stop at several viewpoints to admire the striking formations. There will also be time for a walk along the edge of the cliffs. In the late afternoon, you will watch the sunset, when the colours of the canyon become even more vivid. This is one of the most beautiful moments of the journey. In the evening, enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars. Overnight in tents near the canyon.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Yangykala Canyon. After breakfast at the camp, you will drive to the Gozli Ata Mausoleum, an important pilgrimage site in western Turkmenistan. Gozli Ata was a Sufi teacher who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Your guide will explain the customs and rituals associated with this sacred place and the old cemetery that surrounds it. You may also visit other sacred mausoleums in the region, which are popular pilgrimage sites for local people. The journey then continues east through the Balkan Mountains. The road passes through rugged landscapes, with rocky peaks and wide valleys. You will make several stops along the way to take photographs and enjoy the scenery. Lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in the town of Serdar, also known as Gyzylarbat. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. Overnight in Serdar.

After breakfast, you will drive into the Kopetdag 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 stays at a pleasant temperature all year round. Many local people believe the water has healing properties. In the afternoon, you will visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, home to the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. You will learn about the history of the breed and its importance in Turkmen culture. The horses are known for their beauty, speed and endurance and are a symbol of national pride. In the evening, you will continue to Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will begin a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the white marble capital of Turkmenistan. You will visit Independence Park, the Arch of Neutrality and other famous landmarks. Your guide will tell you about the history of the city and the meaning of its many monuments.

After lunch, 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. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the 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 watch the sunset and see the flames become more dramatic as darkness falls. In the evening, enjoy 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 near Ashgabat, 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 ancient empire. Next, you will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. The mosque has a golden dome and four minarets and is decorated with marble and gold. Your guide will tell you about the history of the mosque and its importance in the country. In the evening, you will check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner. We hope you have enjoyed this journey through the craters, canyons and culture of Turkmenistan. Overnight in Ashgabat.