Ashgabat

Welcome to Ashgabat, the enchanting capital of Turkmenistan! After landing, our guide and the driver will warmly greet you at the airport, followed by a private transfer to the hotel.

Parthian Fortresses of Nisa - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Once you have settled and recharged, let’s begin our exploration, first with a visit to the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, established by the Parthians in the 3rd century BC, which comprises two areas situated 1.5 kilometers apart. Old Nisa was an independent fortress and historically the royal residence, where you can appreciate many mud sculptures and murals depicting battle scenes within square houses. In contrast, New Nisa once served as a thriving city with large estates and a robust pottery-making industry. Both locations now appear as vast sand mounds lacking interpretive signage, but our expert guide will vividly recount Nisa’s past, enhancing your understanding of the region’s history.

Then, immerse yourself in the serenity of Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque), built to commemorate former President Niyazov. Stepping inside, you can marvel at the wall inscribed with verses of the Quran and excerpts of the Ruhnama, a spiritual guide for Turkmens written by the president himself. He believed reading it three times opens a path to heaven after death. The nearby structure, looking like a miniature mosque, is the mausoleum of Niyazov.

Makhtumkuli monument

Afterward, meander through the Earthquake Memorial Complex while hearing the tragic story of the devastating earthquake that struck Ashgabat in 1948, and pay tribute to great Turkmen poets in Makhtumkuli Park. As we drive toward your hotel to stay overnight, you can take in Ashgabat’s surreal white cityscape lit up by neon lights.

Ashgabat National Museum of History

After breakfast, our guide will lead you to the National History Museum, home to many artifacts from the ancient Silk Road. A variety of pottery items are predominant, including gilded pots and tableware with exquisite designs. The museum also exhibits over 40 rhytons, trumpet-shaped wine vessels made of ivory, some of which were used in sacrificial rites. You’ll be captivated by the reliefs illustrating the Twelve Greek Gods on them, reflecting the ancient Nissans’ pursuit of art and opulence.

Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center

Then prepare to marvel at the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel at the Alem Center and ascend to the Wedding Palace Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of Ashgabat against the backdrop of the Kopet Dag Mountain.

Turkmenistan Independence Monument

Our next stop is Independence Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll and marvel at the massive Ruhnama monument. Continue to visit the Arch of Neutrality, a 75-meter (246-foot) tall tripod structure celebrating Turkmenistan’s UN-recognized permanent neutrality. Then, we’ll head to a horse stable to meet the Akhal-Teke horses, cherished national treasures of the country known for their beauty and speed. Touch their satin-looking hair, and chat with the owner to discover whether these horses sweat blood when running, as the legend says.

After that, return to the downtown to visit the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, where exquisite murals, stained glass windows, and gilded handwritten verses of the Quran, seamlessly blending Byzantine and Islamic styles, will wash over you. Please remove your shoes before entering, and women need to wear a headscarf.

Before exploring local life at Gulistan Bazaar, our guide will walk you through Inspiration Park to appreciate statues of some famous Turkmen poets. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel with memories of this fulfilling day.

Turkmenbashi

Today take the an-hour flight to Turkmenbashi with the guide.

Gozli Ata Mausoleum

Upon arrival, we’ll drive 3.5 hours to Yangykala Canyon, stopping by the Gozli Ata Mausoleum. This sacred site is the resting place of a revered Sufi spiritual leader, who is thought to have the magical ability to see human souls.

Yangykala Canyon

Then, we’ll drive through sand dunes to the canyon, and on the way, you may spot flocks of goats and camels. Once submerged under the Caspian Sea, Yangykala Canyon now turns into a rugged landscape like the surface of Mars due to declining sea levels and erosion caused by rain and wind, with layers of red, pink, and yellow cliffs stretching expansively across the desert. Our guide will accompany you to hike the canyon, and you can climb to the cliff’s top to admire ancient coral reefs. The soft and fragile rocks require your utmost attention when walking.

Turkmenbashi

After a revitalizing breakfast, kick off the day with excursions to Turkmenbashi, the westernmost city in Turkmenistan that hugs the azure shores of the Caspian Sea. Our first stop will be the Awaza Resort, a beloved summer escape since the Soviet era (1925-1991), which boasts the clearest waters of the Caspian Sea, making it a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. After observing cargo ships busily navigating through the seaport, we’ll head to the fish bazaar to explore local specialties like sturgeon and caviar.

Dasoguz

In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to the airport to take a 1-hour flight to Dashoguz. Upon arrival, the guide will show you around the city center. Let’s visit the Dashoguz Mosque, the spiritual hub in the local area, which has a white marble façade and walls and ceilings featuring Islamic elements, adorned with ornate decor and calligraphy works, inviting you to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere.

Kunya-Urgench - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Drive to Kunya-Urgench Historical Park after breakfast. Kunya-Urgench was one of the most prosperous trade centers along the Silk Road. A series of monuments dating from the 11th to the 16th century show its outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship whose influence has reached other Central Asia regions like Iran and Mogul Empire of India.

Next, let’s embark on a 5-hour drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater for an unplugged journey! On the way, you may spot some camels trudging through the desert! Upon arrival, witness roaring flames in the crater, which has a diameter of 70 meters (230 feet), resembling the hellish lake of fire described in the Bible and hence the nickname “Door to Hell”. As you approach its edge from a safe distance, you’ll hear the crackling and feel the intense heat warming your skin. After that, we’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars and spend the night in a yurt camp, creating long-lasting memories surrounded by flames. While we provide sleeping bags, please bring extra clothing to stay warm at night.

Ashgabat

Today we will drive 4 hours back to Ashgabat and admire the stunning desert landscape on route. After arrival, you could take a short break at your hotel first. Then we will tour the Russian Bazaar – the oldest and largest roofed market in the country, appreciate exquisite Turkmen carpets collected in National Carpet Museum, and visit Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex to listen to the story of victims and heroes died in the wars and earthquake.

Russian Bazaar

Then we will tour the Russian Bazaar – the oldest and largest roofed market in the country.

Next, we will appreciate exquisite Turkmen carpets collected in National Carpet Museum.

Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex

Then, we will visit Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex to listen to the story of victims and heroes died in the wars and earthquake.

Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a 4-hour ride to Mary and visit Seyit Jemaladdin Mosque Ruins in Annau on the way, one of the few remaining Timurid period (1370-1507) monuments in Turkmenistan. There used to be luxurious mosaic decorations above its arch, with two 8-meter (26-foot) high dragons facing each other, but unfortunately, they were destroyed by the 1948 Ashgabat Earthquake.

Mary State History and Country Learning Museum

After arriving in Mary, we will visit the Mary Regional Museum, which exhibits the city model of ancient Merv to illustrate its past grandeur, and take some time to explore extensive collections of ancient pottery, coins, and textiles. Also, you can see tents from 3,000 BC, highlighting the country’s rich nomadic traditions.

Pokrovskaya Church

Then head to Pokrovskaya Church, a Russian Orthodox church adorned with icons and religious artistry on its pink and blue walls.

Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque

Our next stop is the Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque (Juma Mosque), characterized by a domed hall and four minarets, where you can admire painted walls and ceilings, along with exquisite chandeliers. After wandering through the local bazaar, the guide and driver will whisk you away to the hotel for rest.

State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv

Today, our exploration of Ancient Merv continues! The city had witnessed the rise and fall of Persia, Mongolia, and Arab empires, while still retaining its original character, as subsequent powers usually built new fortresses nearby. You’ll be guided to the State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv, visiting the remains of mausoleums, shrines, galleries, towers, and citadels in different styles, showcasing the blending of great civilizations.

Ashgabat

Next, we’ll drive back to Ashgabat, and you can spend the rest of the day on your own after settling into the hotel. Consider taking the last chance to savor local snacks! As a signature Turkmen dish, Dograma is one you cannot miss, featuring bite-sized pancake pieces stewed with tender lamb and onions, along with pouring fragrant meat broth to mix well.

Ashgabat

Here comes the end of this Turkmenistan private tour. We will send you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Thanks for booking the tour. Wish you a pleasant journey home!