Day 1: Ashgabat arrival (B)
Early in the morning arrive to Ashgabat International airport with TK from Istanbul (optional-subject to possible change). After Customs formalities meet Turkmen guide and driver. Transfer to hotel for rest and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast in hotel start sightseeing of Ashgabat, visit independence-period parks and monuments, including the Park of Independence, Neutrality Square, and some others. Tour today also includes visits to Old Nissa fortress (UNESCO site) and Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque and mausoleum in Gypjak. Rest of the time is free at leisure. Overnight in hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi (flight) – Yangykala (ca 200 km) (B)
In the morning take a flight to Turkmenbashi at 08:30 (subject to possible change). On arrival meet your driver; brief tour of Turkmenbashi City on arrival, visit local Fish market and Caspian Seaside/Awaza (optional).
PM drive to Yangykala canyons. These canyons are known for their multi-colored cliffs once located on the coast of the ancient Caspian. Dinner and overnight in tents (wild camping).
Day 3: Yangykala – Balkanabat – Nokhur (ca 400 km) (B, D)
After camp breakfast drive to Nokhur via Balkanabat. En-route visit Gozli Ata shrine. Today we will also drive along the Great Balkhan mountains too. Dinner & overnight in local house in Nokhur village (subject to availability) or tents (wild camping).
Day 4: Nokhur – Ashgabat (ca 200 km) (B, L)
After breakfast in local house Kopetdag mountains exploration. Driving up to the mountains to see the Ayidere gorge, and some other nice mountain area around.
PM drive to Ashgabat. En-route visit Kov Ata underground lake and Geokdepe mosque. On arrival, transfer to hotel for rest and overnight.
Day 5: Ashgabat – Turkmenabat (flight) – Koytendag (ca 450 km) (B, D)
Early in the morning tale a flight to Turkmenabat at 06:30 am (subject to possible change). On arrival drive to Koyten village. En-route visit medieval mausoleums of Alamberdar and Astana-baba near Atamurat town (formerly Kerki). About 20 km before the village we might also stop at Kaynar-baba lake (originating from a natural spring this lake is known for its medicinal qualities and considered as a natural phenomena, the lake is quite popular among the locals; swim (optional) in the lake if a season and if you like). On arrival to Koyten, transfer to a local guest-house (also known as “Tourist base”). Dinner and overnight in the local guest-house.
Day 6: Koytendag / Hojapil (B, L, D)
All day Koytendag area exploration, see the Dinosaur plateau, Hojapil village and Umbar-dere canyon/gorge. Dinner and overnight in the guest-house.
Day 7: Koytendag – Turkmenabat – Ashgabat (flight) (B)
After breakfast drive back to Turkmenabat. On arrival transfer to local airport to take an evening flight to Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel for rest and overnight.
Day 8: Ashgabat - Darvaza (260 km/3.5-4 hrs one way) (B, D)
AM is free at leisure.
PM drive to Darvaza fire crater, stopping en-route at 2 more gas craters: with water and sulfur bubbling mud. Dinner & overnight in tents near-by the burning gas crater (wild camping)
Day 9: Darvaza – Ashgabat (B)
After camp breakfast drive back to Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel on arrival (check-in from 13:00 hrs).
PM is free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 10: Departure
Early morning transfer to ASB intl. airport for your flight to home with TK (optional). End of services.
NOTE: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner.
