DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ASHGABAT — WELCOME TO TURKMENISTAN
- Arrival and Transfer: Welcome to Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan, where modernity meets tradition. Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, known for its futuristic falcon-inspired design, you’ll be greeted by a warm welcome. After completing immigration formalities, our representative will assist you with a smooth transfer to your hotel. Choose between the luxurious 5* "Sport Hotel" or the more affordable 3* "Mizan Hotel", both offering prime locations in the city.
- Morning Leisure: Since check-in is available after 12:00 PM, you can leave your luggage in the hotel lobby and enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby cafe. After the meal, relax and explore the city or rest at the hotel.
- Dinner at Gala Restaurant: In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Gala Restaurant, located at the foothills of the majestic Kopet Dag Mountains. Overnight return to the hotel for a restful night.
DAY 2: JOURNEY TO THE ANCIENT MERV — THE PEARL OF THE SILK ROAD
- Breakfast and Departure: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, depart Ashgabat via the modern “Autoban” highway, offering picturesque views of the Karakum Desert.
- Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site: Arrive in Merv, a city that played a key role in the ancient Silk Road. This archaeological gem will transport you back in time explore:
- Erk-kala: The central fortress and royal residence.
- Gyaur-kala: The outer city, home to bustling markets and residential areas.
- Abdullakhan-kala & Sultan-kala: Two formidable fortresses, one dating back to the 12th century.
- Museum: Discover ancient artifacts at the Merv Museum.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning views of Merv and the surrounding Karakum Desert.
- Cultural Show and Lunch: Experience a vibrant national show with traditional dances, music and a taste of Turkmen cuisine. Afterward, savor a traditional Turkmen lunch before heading back to Ashgabat.
- Evening in Ashgabat: Enjoy a light dinner at a local cafe and relax at your hotel.
DAY 3: EXPLORE DAKHESTAN AND BALKAN REGION — UNVEILING ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
- Departure for Dakhestan: Enjoy breakfast and set out for an adventure to the ancient Dakhestan region. Travel across the Karakum Desert in comfortable SUVs, and stop at the awe-inspiring Kow-Ata Underground Lake, a hydrogen sulfide lake nestled within a cave.
- Dakhestan — Cradle of Civilization: This archaeological treasure offers a glimpse into ancient cities, fortresses and temples. Dakhestan's significance as a trading hub on the Silk Road is showcased through its impressive ruins.
- Lunch in Gumdag: Stop at the village of Gumdag for a delightful meal featuring traditional dishes like pilaf, manti and shurpa.
- Overnight in Nebitdag: Proceed to Nebitdag, where you’ll check into a 3* hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local cafe, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
DAY 4: YANGIKALA CANYON — FUTURISTIC LANDSCAPES OF MARS
- Breakfast and departure: After breakfast, embark on a journey to Yangikala Canyon, a mesmerizing natural wonder with its fiery red, pink and orange limestone formations.
- Yangikala Canyon Exploration: The canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia", offers panoramic views and unique rock formations like the Crocodile's Mouth. Lunch in the Canyon, relish a traditional barbecue lunch amidst the striking landscapes of the canyon.
- Return to Ashgabat: On the way back to Ashgabat, stop at Soygi Dag (optional), a scenic mountain gorge. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, relax at your hotel before dinner.
DAY 5: THE GATES OF HELL — DARVAZA ADVENTURE
- Morning at the Gates of Hell: After breakfast, drive to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell”. This fiery crater is one of Turkmenistan’s most fascinating natural wonders.
- Lunch and Visit to Turkmen Alabai Kennel: Visit the Turkmen Alabai kennel to see the majestic Turkmen wolfhounds. Afterward, enjoy lunch before heading to Darvaza.
- Yurt Stay in the Desert: Experience life in the desert by staying in a traditional Turkmen yurt, a round, felt-covered tent offering comfort and warmth. Enjoy an open-air feast with a traditional desert barbecue.
- Starry Night and Adventure: As night falls, stargaze in the clear desert sky, enjoy the warmth of the fire and take memorable photos against the backdrop of the glowing crater.
DAY 6: GEOKDEPE AND NISA — IMMERSION IN HISTORY
- Morning Picnic and Departure: Start your day with a picnic near the Gates of Hell, followed by a scenic drive to Geokdepe, a historical site famous for the heroic resistance of the Turkmen people.
- Geokdepe Highlights: Visit the Geok-Tepe Fortress, the Saparmurat Haji Mosque and the Gokdepe National Museum, where you can learn about the history of the fortress and the Turkmen people.
- Nisa — Ancient Capital: Next, travel to Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its ruins and the archaeological treasures it holds. Evening in Ashgabat, return to Ashgabat and unwind at a local restaurant, reflecting on your historical exploration.
DAY 7: ASHGABAT CITY TOUR — BAZAARS — DEPARTURE
Spend your final day immersing yourself in the charm and elegance of Ashgabat. Begin with a guided city tour that highlights the capital’s grandeur and national pride. Visit Independence Park and the towering Independence Monument — The Arch of Neutrality — The Turkmen Carpet Museum and the Ertugrulgazy Mosque, each reflecting the rich history and cultural identity of Turkmenistan. Continue to the White City district, known for its stunning white marble buildings and modern urban design. Pause for a delightful lunch at a traditional national café, then explore the lively Russian Bazaar and the Golden Age Bazaar, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs — Handmade crafts and Turkmen specialties. In the evening, enjoy some final moments of free time to take in the atmosphere of this unique city before being transferred to the Ashgabat International Airport for your return flight.
Thank you for traveling with us! Namaste — Until we meet again!
