Turkmenistan Explorer Cycling Tour: Farap to Dashoguz

Your cycling adventure through Turkmenistan begins at the Farap border crossing with Uzbekistan. After completing border formalities, you will be met by your guide, driver and support team. You will then begin a drive of about 280 to 300 kilometres across the Karakum Desert to the city of Mary.

The route passes through Turkmenabat, located on the banks of the Amu Darya River, one of the largest rivers in Central Asia. Along the way, you will see sand dunes, desert shrubs and small villages. Your guide will tell you about the cycling route ahead and the landscapes you will pass through. You will also have the opportunity to check your bicycle and equipment and make any adjustments. Lunch will be served at a local café along the way. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Mary and check into your hotel. In the evening, you will receive a detailed briefing on the cycling program, safety rules and daily distances. Overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will visit Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. You will explore the ancient fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Kyz Kala mansions. Your guide will tell you about the history of Merv and its role as a centre of trade, science and culture.

After exploring the site, you will begin the first cycling stage of the tour. The route takes you from Merv toward the town of Oguzhan, through farmland, villages and the edges of the desert. The terrain is mostly flat, making it a good start to the cycling program. A support vehicle will accompany you throughout the ride, carrying water, snacks and luggage. You can rest in the vehicle at any time if you feel tired. Along the way, you will see local people working in the fields and children waving from the roadside. In the evening, you will arrive at your accommodation in Oguzhan. Dinner and overnight in Oguzhan.

After breakfast, you will continue cycling from Oguzhan toward the town of Tedjen. The route crosses semi-desert terrain, with wide open landscapes and few settlements. You will ride along quiet roads, enjoying the silence and the vastness of the desert.

Along the way, you may see nomadic camps, where shepherds live with their flocks of sheep and camels. Your guide may arrange a stop to meet local families and learn about their way of life. You will also stop at traditional tea houses, called chaykhana, where you can rest and enjoy a cup of green tea. These tea houses are an important part of local life and a great place to meet local people. The support vehicle will be with you throughout the ride, providing water, snacks and assistance. Lunch will be served at a roadside café or as a picnic. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Tedjen. Dinner and overnight at your accommodation in Tedjen.

After breakfast, you will continue cycling from Tedjen toward Ashgabat. The route follows the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, with views of the mountains to the south. You will pass through villages, farmland and small towns along the way.

Depending on the distance and conditions, part of the route may be covered by vehicle. As you approach the capital, you will see the white marble buildings of Ashgabat rising on the horizon. On arrival, you will check into your hotel and have some time to rest. In the afternoon, you will explore the capital's marble monuments and architectural landmarks. You will visit Independence Park, the Arch of Neutrality and other famous sights. Your guide will tell you about the history of the city and the meaning of its many monuments. Please note that cycling in the city centre may be restricted, so the city tour will be made by vehicle. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will leave Ashgabat and cycle west along the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. The route passes through farmland and villages, with beautiful views of the mountains. Along the way, you will visit the Kow-Ata underground lake, located inside a large cave.

After a morning of cycling, a swim in the warm, mineral-rich water is a wonderful way to relax your muscles. You will also visit historic sites along the route, such as the Gokdepe fortress and the Saparmurat Hajji Mosque. Your guide will tell you about the history of these sites and their importance to the Turkmen people. Lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic. In the afternoon, you will continue cycling toward the town of Gyzylarbat, also known as Serdar. The support vehicle will be with you throughout the ride, providing water and assistance. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Gyzylarbat and check into your hotel. Overnight in Gyzylarbat.

After breakfast, you will begin one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the tour. The route takes you from Gyzylarbat into the mountains toward the town of Magtymguly, named after the great Turkmen poet. You will navigate mountain roads and canyons in the remote terrain of western Turkmenistan.

The scenery is spectacular, with rocky peaks, deep valleys and small villages clinging to the hillsides. The roads can be steep in places, so the support vehicle will be available if you need a rest. Along the way, you will stop to admire the views and take photographs. Your guide will tell you about the history and culture of the region and the life of the poet Magtymguly. Lunch will be served as a picnic in a scenic spot. In the afternoon, you will continue cycling through the mountains. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Magtymguly and check into your accommodation. Dinner and overnight in Magtymguly.

After breakfast, you will continue cycling from Magtymguly toward the mountain village of Nokhur. The route takes you through the colourful landscape known as the "Lunar Mountains", where eroded hills create a strange and beautiful scenery. You will stop for photographs and to enjoy the unique views.

The route continues through the mountains, with some challenging climbs and exciting descents. The support vehicle will be with you throughout the ride. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Nokhur, one of the most traditional villages in Turkmenistan. The people of Nokhur have their own customs and tribal traditions, which have been preserved for centuries. 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. In the evening, you will stay in a local guesthouse and enjoy dinner with your hosts. Overnight in Nokhur.

After breakfast with your hosts, you will begin the descent from the mountains toward Ashgabat. The route offers panoramic views of the Kopetdag Mountains and the plains below. Descending the mountain roads is one of the most enjoyable parts of the tour.

You will stop at viewpoints along the way to take photographs and enjoy the scenery. As you leave the mountains, the route continues along the foothills toward the capital. Depending on the distance and conditions, part of the route may be covered by vehicle. Lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Ashgabat and check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore the capital on your own. You may wish to visit a local restaurant or take a walk through the city's parks. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will leave Ashgabat and venture north into the Karakum Desert. Depending on the conditions, part of the route will be covered by bicycle and part by vehicle. The road crosses a vast landscape of sand dunes and desert shrubs, offering a true sense of the vastness of the desert.

Along the way, you will pass small villages, where people live by herding camels and sheep. Your guide will tell you about the plants and animals of the desert and how they have adapted to the harsh environment. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the legendary 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 watch the sunset and see the flames become more dramatic as darkness falls. After dinner, you can enjoy stargazing, as the desert sky is free from city lights. Countless stars and the Milky Way are often clearly visible. Overnight in a yurt or tent near the crater.

After breakfast at the camp, you will continue north across the desert toward Dashoguz. The route crosses sand dunes and gas fields, offering a different view of the desert landscape. Depending on the conditions, part of the route will be covered by bicycle and part by vehicle.

As you approach the north of the country, the landscape gradually changes to farmland and irrigated fields. You will see cotton fields, canals and villages that depend on the waters of the Amu Darya River. Your guide will tell you about the history of the Khorezm region and its importance in the history of Central Asia. Lunch will be served at a roadside café or as a picnic. The support vehicle will be with you throughout the journey. In the evening, you will arrive in Dashoguz and check into your hotel. After a long day, you can enjoy a hot shower and a comfortable bed. Dinner and overnight in Dashoguz.

Today is a flexible day in Dashoguz, giving you the opportunity to rest or explore the region. After breakfast, you can choose to join optional visits to the Silk Road monuments of the area. The most popular option is a visit to Kunya Urgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At Kunya Urgench, you will see the Gutlug Timur Minaret, the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum and other medieval monuments. Your guide will tell you about the history of the city and its destruction by the Mongols in the 13th century. Another option is a visit to the local bazaar in Dashoguz, where you can see traditional clothes, hats and local produce. If you prefer, you can simply rest at your hotel and recover after the cycling days. This is a good opportunity to relax, read or catch up on your travel notes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your cycling adventure. Overnight in Dashoguz.

Today your Turkmenistan Explorer Cycling Tour comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and prepare for your onward journey. Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the agreed time.

You will then be transferred to the Dashoguz–Shavat border crossing with Uzbekistan. The drive is short, and you will arrive at the border in good time. Your guide will assist you with the departure formalities and your bicycle and luggage. During this tour, you have cycled across Turkmenistan, from the ancient city of Merv to the mountains of Kopetdag and the Karakum Desert. You have met local people, stayed in traditional villages and seen the burning crater of Darvaza. We hope you have enjoyed this unique cycling adventure. Thank you for travelling with us. We wish you a pleasant onward journey to Uzbekistan.