Tour to Yangykala Canyon

Arrival in Ashgabat International Airport, followed by completion of all necessary immigration and medical procedures, if required. You will be met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel. Check-in (early check-in available upon request) and free time to rest.

Late breakfast/lunch. After lunch, we will head out for an excursion to the Nisa Fortress, the sanctuary of the Parthian kings. In 2007, UNESCO inscribed the fortress on the list of World Heritage Sites. Nisa, one of the first capitals of the Parthians, was founded by Arsaces I. It is still unclear whether it served as a royal residence or a mausoleum.

Next, we will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak – the largest mosque in Central Asia.

Then, we will explore the National Museum of Turkmenistan, where a rich collection of artifacts will tell you about the country’s history through more than 500,000 exhibits in 9 halls.

To conclude the day, we will visit the equestrian hippodrome to admire the national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhal-Teke horses. These unique horses, bred by the Turkmen people 5,000 years ago, are considered the most beautiful in the world.

Our tour also includes visits to:
• The Monument of Neutrality and Independence, surrounded by statues of historical figures and leaders of the Turkmen nation who helped build the country;
• The Monument to the Giant Book of Ruhnama (translated as “The Book of the Soul”), a book written by the first President of Turkmenistan, located in Independence Park;
• The Monument of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, built to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the country’s Constitution;
• The Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, awarded a Guinness World Record for having the largest indoor Ferris wheel ever built;
• “Bagt Koshgi”, the platform of the Wedding Palace on a hill with a picturesque panoramic view of the city;
• The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, a prominent Ashgabat landmark with four minarets, a central dome, and a luxurious interior with delicate stained glass.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan and also the famous Carpet Museum of Turkmenistan, where you can see the patterns of the Tekke, Yomud, and Saryk tribes. The museum features over 2,000 exhibits, including rare works such as the world’s smallest carpet keychain and the largest handmade carpet, covering an area of 301 m², which was included in the Guinness World Records in 2003.

In the afternoon, we will take a trip to Kov-Ata Lake.
Located just 60 km west of Ashgabat, near the famous Baharden Cave, you will find the equally famous underground Kov-Ata Lake. The name of the lake translates as “father of caves.” The lake is renowned not only for the beauty of its underground nature but also for the therapeutic properties of its water. The descent into the cave begins with a steep staircase, and it’s nearly impossible to go down without a flashlight. At a depth of 60 meters, a small section of Kov-Ata Lake is visible. The water is very warm (34-37°C), slightly murky with a blue-green hue. The lake’s depth ranges from 8 to 14 meters, but active water activities are prohibited here.

Later in the evening, at 17:25, we will depart on the overnight train to Turkmenbashi.
Turkmenbashi (formerly known as Krasnovodsk) is the only port city on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan. It serves as a key gateway to the Caspian Sea, facilitating trade and transportation. Combining modern infrastructure with historical significance, Turkmenbashi offers a lively port, beautiful beaches, and numerous attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Overnight in the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi night train.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our road trip to the Yangykala Canyon, located 160 km east of Turkmenbashi.

The Yangykala Canyon features unique and colourful rock formations created by centuries of wind and water erosion. Visitors can enjoy hiking and photography and observe flora and fauna adapted to the arid environment. The canyon offers breathtaking panoramic views of Turkmenistan’s natural beauty, with the landscape turning fiery shades during sunrise and sunset. The name “Yangykala” translates to “Fiery Fortress,” accurately describing the canyon’s appearance.

Throughout the tour, tourists can explore and immerse themselves in one of Turkmenistan’s most captivating natural wonders.

Barbecue dinner at Yangykala.

Late evening domestic flight to Ashgabat city.

Preparations for transfers and departure.

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.