Discover the Wonders of Turkmenistan – An 11-Day Adventure

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be met by your guide and driver. After completing passport control and customs formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is known for its white marble buildings, golden domes and grand monuments.

After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free to rest after your journey. If you arrive early, you may wish to take a short walk around the nearby streets and parks. Ashgabat is a clean and well-organised city, and walking along its wide boulevards is a pleasant way to get your first impressions. Your guide will meet you to give a short briefing about the program for the coming days. This is a good time to ask any questions about the tour, local customs or practical matters such as money exchange. Please note that the local currency is the Turkmen manat, and your guide can advise you on where to exchange money. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. Your first stop is one of the city's colourful bazaars, where you can see local people shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and household goods. Bazaars are an important part of daily life in Turkmenistan and offer a great insight into local culture.

Next, you will visit Independence Park, home to the Independence Monument and statues of national heroes. You will then see the Arch of Neutrality, a tall monument topped by a golden statue, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Your tour continues with visits to the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, inspired by Ottoman architecture, and the grand Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. In the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum of History, which displays artefacts from ancient Nisa, Merv and other important sites. You may also visit the National Carpet Museum to learn about the art of Turkmen carpet weaving. Throughout the day, you will see many monuments and buildings that reflect the country's history and culture. Your guide will explain their meaning and significance. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will visit the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. This memorial is dedicated to the victims of the 1948 earthquake and to the soldiers who lost their lives in the wars of the 20th century. The complex is an important place of remembrance and offers insight into the history of the Turkmen people.

After the visit, you will begin your journey north into the Karakum Desert. The drive covers about 260 kilometres and takes around four hours. Along the way, you will pass through small desert villages and see camels and sheep grazing among the dunes. Your guide will tell you about life in the desert and the traditions of the people who live there. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell". This burning crater was formed during gas exploration in the 1970s, and it has been burning continuously since then. You will have time to walk around the crater and watch the sunset over the desert. In the evening, you will enjoy a barbecue dinner at the camp, with the glowing crater as a dramatic backdrop. Overnight in a yurt or tent near the crater.

After breakfast at the camp, you will begin a long drive north through the Karakum Desert toward Kunya Urgench. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of the powerful Khorezm Empire. Its monuments date mainly from the 11th to the 16th centuries and are among the finest in Central Asia.

You will visit the Gutlug Timur Minaret, one of the tallest minarets in the region at around 60 metres. Next, you will see the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, whose dome is decorated with a stunning mosaic of 365 elements. You will also visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh and the Mausoleum of Il-Arslan, which is famous for its unusual conical roof. Another important site is the Mausoleum of Najmeddin Kubra, a famous Sufi teacher, which remains a place of pilgrimage. Your guide will tell you about the rise and fall of Kunya Urgench, which was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century. You will also learn about the local traditions and the rituals performed by pilgrims at the holy sites. After the visits, you will continue to Dashoguz. Overnight at your hotel in Dashoguz.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Dashoguz airport for a short flight to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will drive west toward the Kopetdag Mountains to visit the Kow-Ata underground lake. The lake is located inside a large cave, and you reach it by descending a long staircase. The water is warm and rich in minerals, and you are welcome to take a swim in this natural thermal pool.

After the visit, you will continue into the mountains to the village of Nokhur. This remote village is known for its unique customs and traditions, which have been preserved for centuries. You will visit 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. You may also have the opportunity to meet local families and enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional home. After exploring the village, you will drive to the town of Serdar, also known as Gyzylarbat. The drive takes you through scenic mountain landscapes. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. Overnight in Serdar.

After breakfast, you will leave Serdar and head west toward the Balkan region. Your first highlight of the day is the area known as the Lunar Mountains, where eroded hills and unusual rock formations create a landscape that looks like the surface of the moon. You will stop for photographs and short walks to enjoy the unique scenery.

The journey continues through the desert toward Yangykala Canyon, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Turkmenistan. The name Yangykala means "fire fortress", which refers to the red, orange and pink colours of the canyon walls. The canyon was once the bed of an ancient sea, and its cliffs rise steeply above the desert floor. You will arrive in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sunset over the canyon. As the sun goes down, the colours of the cliffs become even more vivid. This is one of the most memorable moments of the trip and a favourite spot for photographers. In the evening, you will enjoy a barbecue dinner at the camp. 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 famous Sufi teacher who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries. His mausoleum is surrounded by an old cemetery and attracts pilgrims from all over the country.

Your guide will explain the customs and rituals associated with this sacred place. Next, you will visit Kemal Ata Canyon, a remote and scenic area known for its unusual rock formations. You will have time to walk around the canyon and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to the city of Turkmenbashy, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Turkmenbashy is the main port of Turkmenistan and an important gateway between Central Asia and the Caucasus. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, you can take a walk along the seafront and enjoy the sea breeze. Overnight in Turkmenbashy.

Today is a free day for you to relax and enjoy the Caspian Sea coast. After breakfast, you may spend the day at the beach, swimming or simply relaxing under the sun. The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water in the world, and its beaches are popular with local people during the summer months.

If you prefer, you may visit the nearby Avaza National Tourist Zone, a modern resort area with hotels, parks and promenades. For those who enjoy local markets, an optional visit to the city bazaar can be arranged. Here you can buy fresh seafood, fish and caviar, as well as local fruit and vegetables. The bazaar is a great place to see the daily life of the city and talk to local traders. You may also want to visit a local café to try some freshly caught fish. This relaxed day offers a welcome break after several days of travel. Your guide will be available to help you with any arrangements. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Turkmenbashy.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Turkmenbashy airport for a flight back to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. With its golden dome and four tall minarets, the mosque is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture.

Next, you will drive to the ancient ruins of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nisa was one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire, which was a major power in the ancient world. You will walk among the remains of palaces and temples and learn about the history of this fascinating site. In the afternoon, you will visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, where you can see the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. These horses are considered a national treasure and are famous for their beauty, speed and endurance. You will learn about the history of the breed and its role in Turkmen culture. In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner, with dishes such as plov, dograma and fresh bread. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic local cuisine. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will leave Ashgabat and drive east toward the Mary region. Your first stop is the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque near the village of Anau. This 15th-century mosque was famous for its decorated portal, which featured images of dragons. Although it was destroyed in the 1948 earthquake, it remains an important pilgrimage site.

Next, you will visit the medieval settlement of Abiverd, which was an important trading town on the Silk Road. You will see the remains of the city walls and learn about the history of the area. The journey continues to Mary, where you will visit the Ancient Merv UNESCO World Heritage Site. Merv was one of the largest cities in the world in the 12th century and an important centre of trade, science and culture. You will explore the fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, as well as the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. You will also see the Kyz Kala mansions, with their unusual ribbed walls. Your guide will explain the long history of Merv and its importance on the Silk Road. Overnight at your hotel in Mary.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mary airport for a short flight back to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will visit the National Carpet Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Turkmen carpets. You will learn about the traditional designs and the techniques used to make these beautiful carpets.

The museum also displays one of the largest hand-woven carpets in the world, which is an impressive sight. Next, you will visit the Russian Bazaar, one of the oldest and most popular markets in Ashgabat. Here you can buy fresh fruit, spices, dried fruits and local sweets, as well as souvenirs to take home. This is a great place to experience the atmosphere of a local market and to pick up last-minute gifts. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. This is a good time to share memories of your journey through Turkmenistan with your fellow travellers and guide. After dinner, you will be transferred to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure through Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us.