Day 1: Arrival and Ashgabat Exploration
- Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport.
- Check-in to the Hotel Mizan.
- Visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan for an introduction to the country’s history.
- Excursion to Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Parthian fortress.
- Drive to Nokhur Village, famous for its traditional Turkmen culture.
- Lunch in Nokhur.
- Visit the Kov-Ata Underground Lake for a unique natural experience.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight stay at the Hotel Mizan.
Day 2: Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater
- Morning visit to the Eastern Bazaar (Tolkuchka) for shopping and cultural immersion.
- Drive through the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Door to Hell.”
- Sightseeing and walking around the gas crater.
- Enjoy a traditional dinner in Darvaza under the stars.
- Overnight camping in tents.
Day 3: Koneurgench and Train to Ashgabat
- Breakfast near the gas crater.
- Drive to Old Koneurgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic mausoleums and monuments.
- Guided tour of sites such as the Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum and Kutlug Timur Minaret.
- Evening transfer to the railway station for an overnight train journey to Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ashgabat City Tour
- Early morning arrival in Ashgabat.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit the Akhal-Teke Horse Farm to learn about Turkmenistan’s prized horses.
- Explore the Arch of Neutrality, Arch of Independence, and the Wedding Palace.
- Visit the Constitution Arch and the futuristic Alem Entertainment Center.
- City tour of Ashgabat’s landmarks.
- Overnight stay at the Hotel Mizan.
Day 5: Journey to Turkmenbashi
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to Turkmenbashi, a port city on the Caspian Sea.
- Guided city tour, including the local bazaar.
- Overnight stay at the Hotel Turkmenbashi.
Day 6: Turkmenbashi to Yangykala Canyon
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit the pilgrimage site of Gozli-Ata and Kaytarmysh for cultural insights.
- Explore the stunning Yangykala Canyon, famous for its colorful cliffs and dramatic landscapes.
- Overnight camping in tents or at Gozli-Ata guest facilities.
Day 7: Balkanabat Exploration
- Travel to Balkanabat, a modern city in western Turkmenistan.
- Visit the Monument of the Pioneers and the city’s lively bazaar.
- Tour the Mausoleum of Parau-Bibi, a sacred pilgrimage site.
- Evening arrival in Gyzylarbat.
- Overnight stay at the Hotel Cynar.
Day 8: Balkan to Ashgabat via Gokdepe
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive back to Ashgabat, stopping at small towns along the way.
- Visit the iconic Gokdepe Mosque.
- Dinner in Ashgabat.
- Transfer to the railway station for a train to Mary.
- Overnight stay at the Hotel Margush in Mary.
Day 9: Ancient Merv and Return to Ashgabat
- Breakfast in Mary.
- Visit the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore:
- Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum
- Small and Big Gyz-Kala Fortresses
- Ibn Zeid Mausoleum and Sardoba Water Reservoir
- Afternoon return to Ashgabat by car.
- Tour ends with a farewell dinner and drop-off at the airport.
