7-day tour of Turkmenistan

Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport and completion of all necessary immigration and medical procedures. Meet our representatives and transfer to the hotel. Early check-in and free time for rest.

Lunch at the hotel. After lunch, we will embark on a trip to Nissa Fortress, the sanctuary of the Parthian kings. In 2007, UNESCO included the fortress in the list of World Heritage Sites. Nissa, one of the first capitals of the Parthians, was founded by Arsace I. Although it is unclear whether it was a royal residence or a mausoleum, its historical significance is great.

Next, we will visit Turkmenbashi Ruhi Mosque in Kipchak, the largest mosque in Central Asia. A visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan follows, where a rich collection of artefacts will tell you about the country’s history through 500,000 exhibits in 9 halls.

We will conclude the day with a trip to the horse racecourse to admire the national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses. These unique horses, bred by Turkmen 5000 years ago, are considered the most beautiful in the world. It is believed that touching an Akhalteke horse promotes recovery.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will commence the road trip to Merv. On the way, we will see the ruins of the Seyitjemaleldin Mosque in Anau, built-in 1456. Then, we will visit Abiverd, an important trading city in North Khorasan.

In Merv, we will explore such sights as the Big and Small Kyz Gala, Askhab Complex, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Khoja Yusuf Hamadani Complex, Soltan Sanjar mausoleum, and other mausoleums.

After sightseeing, transfer to Hotel Margush for an overnight stay.

A full-day tour of the ancient capital of Margush, Gonur-depe, and its archaeological park with monumental Bronze Age structures Gonur-Depe was the largest Bronze Age settlement in Central Asia at the end of the 3rd–middle of the 2nd millennium BC. Gonur-Depe is a symbol of the deep roots of the Turkmen people. Its ancestors created a high culture, and scholars believe that Margush was one of the five centres of world civilization where trade and cultural ties between ancient Egypt, India, China, and Mesopotamia intersected.

We will sightsee Gonur Depe and head to Mary Airport for a domestic flight to Ashgabat.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Carpet Museum, recognized as one of the best in Central Asia. The museum showcases designs from the Tekke, Yomud, and Saryk tribes, making it a cultural gem of Turkmenistan. With around 2,000 carpet exhibits, including rare pieces, the museum features notable items such as the smallest carpet designed for holding keys and the world’s largest handmade carpet, measuring 301 m2. Woven in 2001, this carpet secured a place in the Guinness World Records in 2003.

After lunch at the hotel, enjoy a brief rest before embarking on a journey to the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater (268 km), also known as the “Door to Hell.” In the Darvaza region, there is a substantial reserve of natural gas. In 1971, Soviet scientists made an interesting discovery while drilling, stumbling upon an aperture brimming with natural gas. The land beneath the drilling machine gave way, leading to the formation of a massive hole 70 meters in width. Initially, scientists believed that the flame would die out after all the gas had burned off within a few days. However, the inferno continued to burn, presenting a mesmerizing spectacle. The fiery pit offers a breathtaking view, especially in the evening hours. Dinner featuring a barbecue will be served at the Gas Crater.

Overnight stay in a tent near the gas crater.

After a picnic breakfast near the crater, we will embark on a road trip to Kunya Urgench. After a 4-hour drive, we will arrive at the historical park Kunya Urgench, once the most prosperous and cultural centre of Central Asia. Many monuments from the XI-XVI century serve as reminders of the grand architectural achievements of people during that time.

Afterwards, our guide will escort you to Dashoguz airport for the flight back to Ashgabat. The flight duration is approximately 50 minutes.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast shopping at the local bazaars-Tolkuchka, which will bring you a little closer to the feeling of the locals.

Later in the day, we will journey to the Kowata Underground Lake, situated 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name “Kowata” translates to “father of caves.” This subterranean expanse resembles a magnificent auditorium: the cave spans 230 m in length, stands 20 m in height, and widens to 57 m at certain points. The cave floor is adorned with formations of dissolved limestone, known as stalagmites, while its warm water boasts a transparent emerald color. The water maintains a constant temperature of 33–37 °C. (You have the option to swim in the lake, which is highly beneficial for your body.)

After visiting the Gokdepe Fortress, the Geokdepe Mosque is worth a visit. Built-in 1995, this mosque symbolizes historical events and is decorated with its turquoise blue roof and white marble.

Later, a trip to a horse farm to see the national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the most beautiful horses in the world. After the visit, we will return to Ashgabat, concluding our day of exploration and cultural immersion.

Preparations for transfers and departure.

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.