Arrival at Shavat/Dashoguz border not later than 11:00.

NOTE: Shavat border is 1 hour 15-minute drive from Khiva or Urgench city in Uzbekistan. The border will be closed from 13:00 to 14:00 for lunch.

After exiting Uzbekistan border, take a short shuttle transfer (5-minute drive and costs $1 per person) to the Turkmenistan border. Meet your Turkmen guide and complete entry formalities, including visa stamp, customs, declaration form, and rapid COVID test. Approximate time spent to cross the border is about 1.5 – 2 hours.

Transfer to Dashoguz city, about 20-minute ride. On arrival accommodate in the hotel and leave your luggage. Optional lunch in the city.

Today, we will drive to Kunya Urgench (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – once a glorious capital of the medieval Khorezshah Empire, the biggest Muslim empire of the late 12 and early 13 centuries. We will take a close look at the outstanding 14-century mausoleum of Turabek Hanum, one of the best examples of the architecture of its period; the minaret of Kutlug Timur, a former highest minaret of Central Asia that used to form a part of the main cathedral mosque of the city; the mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh, a beautiful 12-century mausoleum with one of the earliest portals of the east and a unique cone of a dome; Kyrk-Mollah mound, the fabled al-Mamun’s Academy of Sciences; the mausoleum of Il-Arslan; Najmeddin Kubra and Piryar Wali shrines.

After the tour, transfer back to Dashoguz for overnight.

Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel with the morning free at leisure. Check out at 12:00. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (client expense).

After lunch, start your 5-hour journey to the center of Karakum Desert to see the world famous Darvaza gas crater, also known as “the Gates of Hell”.

Note: Please be prepared for a bumpy ride, as the road between Dashoguz and Darvaza is significantly damaged. However, rest assured, our experienced drivers and sturdy 4WD vehicles are equipped to handle the challenge.

Arrive at Darvaza and witness the stunning fiery crater, a sight that fascinates travelers worldwide. As the sun sets, enjoy a nomadic-style dinner with grilled kebabs and traditional tea, surrounded by the tranquil desert under a starlit sky.

Overnight: yurt stay, basic facilities but reasonable

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Wake up to breakfast at the camp, take one last look at the mesmerizing flaming crater, and then we’ll head to Ashgabat.

En route make short sightseeing stops at Yerbent desert village to see the lifestyle of local semi-nomadic families and we will also see “bubbling water” and “bubbling sulfur-mud” craters.

Arrive in Ashgabat and accommodate in the hotel, check-in at 14:00.

After short rest, we will go out to explore the capital city. Ashgabat – translated from Persian as “the City of Love” welcomes its visitors with its striking white marble architecture and modern amenities.

First, visit Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, dedicated to Turkmenistan’s heroes and victims of WWII, the Geokdepe Battle, and the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. Explore its three captivating halls with dramatic dioramas and poignant exhibits.

Continue to the Bagt Koshgi (Palace of Happiness) for a panoramic city view, including the striking Yyldyz Hotel. Drive through Ashgabat’s lavish avenues, passing key landmarks like the Ruhyyet Palace, Parliament, and Olympic City.

Next, drive through modern Ashgabat, famed for its white marble buildings. We will drive along the Archabil highway to highlight the most iconic landmarks of the city: the Monument of Constitution, Alem Ferriss Wheel (also included in the Book of Guinness World Records as the biggest indoor ferris wheel) – 60-meter-high monument of Magtymguly (the greatest Turkmen poet), and the Monument of Neutrality topped with a golden statue of the first president. End the tour at the Park of Independence and the Monument of the Gigantic Book “Ruhnama”.

Enjoy a welcome dinner with panoramic views of the city.

Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: breakfast, welcome dinner

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.

We will spend the morning visiting the State Museum of History and Ethnography to see ancient artifacts and treasures from Turkmenistan’s rich history.

Next, drive to Bagir village to explore the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa Fortress, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire. Wander through its atmospheric ruins, set against the picturesque Kopet-Dag Mountains.

We continue to Chuli Valley, a cool mountain retreat perfect for escaping the heat. Enjoy some time in nature with an option for lunch before moving on.

Next, we make a short stop for pictures at Arkadag, a newly built smart city at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, showcasing modern architecture and eco-friendly innovations.

Following that, drive up to the Kopet Dag Mountains, bordering Iran, to reach Nokhur. This mountain village is steeped in history and legend, with locals claiming descent from Alexander the Great’s soldiers.

Arrive at Nokhur village by late afternoon and we will be greeted by a local family. Enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner prepared with the family. We will also stay here for overnight.

Accommodation: homestay
Meals: breakfast, dinner with local family

After breakfast we will explore the village. Located at an altitude of 1,000 – 1,100 meters in the Kopetdag Mountain, Nokhur is known for its rugged mountains, lush green valleys, and panoramic vistas. The village is perched on the slopes of the Kopet Dag mountain range, providing a serene and idyllic setting for visitors seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. It is the first place you must see if you are interested in places isolated from the modern life. Places to visit:

• Kyz Bibi shrine
• The Great Chinar Tree
• The Tribal Cemetery with Ram Horns
  

After lunch in Nokhur, transfer to Ashgabat with a short stop to see the Kov Ata cave and underground lake with thermal water in it.

• The Kov-Ata Underground Lake is a captivating limestone cave in Turkmenistan. Filled with warm mineral water (32-38 degrees Celsius all year round), it offers a unique swimming experience. With healing properties and stunning cave formations, it attracts visitors seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

On the way to Ashgabat, we will make another stop at an impressive complex in Kipchak village to see the biggest mosque of Turkmenistan “the Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi” and “the family mausoleum of the first president”.

Arrive in Ashgabat in the evening and accommodate in the hotel.

Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, check out and embark on a journey through Ashgabat’s Soviet-era heritage.

Our walking tour begins at the Ashgabat Cotton Mill, named after S.A. Niyazov, featuring the iconic Clock Tower, one of the few structures to withstand the devastating 1948 earthquake that reshaped the city. We continue to the Turkmen State Circus, originally built between 1979 and 1984. Closed during the first president’s rule, the circus was later reconstructed and reopened in 2009, reflecting the city’s evolving architectural landscape. Strolling along Magtymguly Avenue—formerly Mervskiy Avenue during the Tsarist era and Svoboda Avenue in Soviet times—we reach the vibrant Russian Bazaar (now called “Gulistan”), a bustling marketplace known for its seasonal fruits, traditional crafts, and souvenirs. Next, we explore Lenin Square, home to the city’s only surviving monument from the 1948 earthquake, before heading to Ashgabat Park, the city’s most popular amusement park.

Walking tour distance: 2.5 km (approx. 2-3 hours, including stops)

After lunch, visit the Carpet Museum showcasing the biggest handmade carpet in the world recorded in the Book of Guinness World Records in 2003 and the smallest ever carpet intended to carry keys.

Later, we depart for Mary via the newly constructed highway, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. With two potential pit stops along the way, we anticipate arriving in Mary by late afternoon. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Take an optional evening walk to a local restaurant for dinner or choose to dine at the hotel.

Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: breakfast

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and setting off on a journey through Mary’s historical and cultural highlights.

Our first stop is the Mary History Museum, where you’ll gain deeper insights into the region’s rich past. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Ancient Merv and the Bronze Age civilization of Gonur Depe, offering a fascinating glimpse into Turkmenistan’s ancient heritage.

Next, enjoy a leisurely 1.5 km walk through the central streets of Mary, passing by notable landmarks:

• Mary Main Mosque – An architectural gem showcasing Islamic artistry.
• Mary Library & Parliament – A glimpse into the city’s civic and intellectual heart.
• Green Bazaar – A bustling market where locals trade fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts.

Following that, we will visit the Pokrovskaya Russian Orthodox Church, built in the 1990s. Known for its intricate design and deep spiritual significance, the church is a serene place to reflect on the diverse cultural influences in the region.

After lunch, we set out for Bayramaly town to explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as “The Queen of Cities.” One of the most significant archaeological sites in Central Asia, Merv was a thriving metropolis along the Silk Road for centuries.

Our exploration includes:

• Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum – The final resting place of the last Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire, this majestic structure stands as a symbol of Merv’s historical importance.
• Yusuf Hamadani Mosque – Dedicated to the influential Sufi master Yusuf Hamadani, whose teachings shaped Islamic spirituality across Central Asia.
• Erk Gala – The oldest part of Merv, founded in the 6th century BCE, later serving as the citadel of the Hellenistic city of Antiochia/Margiana in the 3rd century BCE.
• Ashabs Mausoleums – Dedicated to Abu Dhar al-Ghifari and Abu Buraidah al-Aslami, two of Prophet Muhammad’s earliest companions and among the first converts to Islam.
• Ancient Ice House – A 7th-century structure used for storing ice and preserving food.
• Great and Small Gyz Kala (7th–12th centuries) – Known as the “Ladies’ Fortress,” these mudbrick structures remain among the best-preserved fortresses of their kind.
• Mohammad ibn Zayd Mausoleum – The tomb of a key figure in the Shia movement against the Abbasid Caliphate.

After our tour, we embark on a scenic yet rugged drive to Turkmenabat, crossing the eastern Karakum Desert. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours, with occasional short stops to stretch our legs. Be prepared for a bumpy ride as we traverse the desert landscape.

We arrive in Turkmenabat by late evening and accommodate in the hotel.

Take an optional evening walk to a local restaurant for dinner or choose to dine at the hotel.

Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the Farap/Alat border, a journey of approximately 50 minutes.

Upon arrival at the border, proceed with passport control at the first checkpoint. A short shuttle transfer (about 3 minutes) will take you to customs. Your guide will assist you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell.

This marks the end of your tour—safe travels!

Note: After exiting Turkmen customs, you will need to take another shuttle transfer (cost: $1 per person) through the “neutral zone” to reach the Uzbekistan checkpoint for passport control. From there, a final shuttle transfer (cost: $1 per person) will take you to the Uzbekistan border, where you will receive your entry stamp.

The drive from the Farap/Alat border to Bukhara takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Tour price information

The cost of the tour package per person based on DBL/TWN room + breakfast:

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel information and pictures, see: https://ayan-turkmenistan.travel/hotel

MEALS: expect to spend around $8-$12 per meal at local restaurants.