Discover the Spiritual Sufi Sites of Turkmenistan
In the heart of Central Asia lies a land of vast silence and ancient power — Turkmenistan, where the Kopetdag Mountains cradle hidden shrines, sacred tombs, and whispered prayers of saints long gone but never forgotten. This 6-day spiritual itinerary is a living pilgrimage into the heart of Sufi mysticism, woven into the landscapes, traditions, and stories of the Turkmen people.
Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, found fertile ground here between the 9th and 12th centuries. Through the teachings of the Naqshbandi and Yasawi tarīqahs (spiritual orders), the region became a beacon for seekers, saints, and scholars. Many of their mausoleums and shrines remain active pilgrimage sites to this day.
Program Highlights
- Sheikh Abu Said Mekhnei (Mane Baba) – beloved regional healer and spiritual guide.
- Yusuf al-Hamadani – a giant of Sufism whose teachings reached Persia and Central Asia.
- Muhammad ibn Zayd – a revolutionary and martyr with deep spiritual legacy.
- Zengi Baba – mysterious figure, protector of the mountains.
- Sheikh Alov (Shih Alov) – the "Flame Sheikh," symbolic of inner light and awakening.
- Sheikh Shibli Baba – pilgrims seek comfort and clarity at his serene tomb.
- Kyz Bibi – the holy woman whose shrine empowers and protects.
- Magtymguly Pyragy – national poet, Sufi philosopher, and voice of Turkmen soul.
Tour Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Tour languages: default – Spanish/English, other languages on availability
Ports of entry and exit: Ashgabat International Airport
Route: Ashgabat – Geokdepe – Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat – Nohur – Ashgabat – Gerkez – Ashgabat
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – Geokdepe – Ashgabat
Arrival in Ashgabat International Airport. Complete the formalities (visa, payment for a PCR test, migration fee). Transfer to the hotel. Start at the State Museum of History and Ethnography to explore ancient artefacts. Drive to Geokdepe for visiting the stud-farm to see the legendary Ahalteke horses, famed for their speed, endurance, and shimmering coats, with opportunities to ride, feed, and photograph them. The area is also historically significant as the site of the fortress that was the site of a battle during the Great Game in 1881, as well as the Geokdepe Mosque, built in memory of those events.
On the way back to Ashgabat visit 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”. On arrival in the Turkmen capital, visit the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Ashgabat, one of Turkmenistan’s most impressive religious landmarks, built in elegant Ottoman style and reflecting the country’s cultural and spiritual ties to the wider Turkic and Islamic world.
Distance: ~45 km | Drive: ~1 hour
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Meals: B
Day 2: Ashgabat – Mary
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Just 12 km from Ashgabat near modern Anau, explore the ruins of the medieval city of Bagabad, including its citadel and the remains of the Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque, historically known as the “House of Beauty.” The area is the home to early farming communities of the Anau culture dating back to the 5th millennium BC, revealed through major 20th-century archaeological discoveries.
Visit the mausoleum of the distinguished scientist and poet of the Middle Ages Abu Sagyt Abulhayir was known under the name «Mane Baba» among people. Abu Sagyt Abulhayir, an outstanding and famous philosopher of the 10th century, placed himself on record with his Sufi doctrines. The father of Mane Baba was known as a healer and a master of preparing herbal medicines. On the way to Mary, explore Abiverd, once part of medieval Great Khorasan, was a strategic frontier city in a defensive chain established by ancient Iranian rulers to protect settled lands from nomadic incursions coming from Inner Asia. Upon arrival in Mary, check in at the hotel, visit the Mary Regional Mosque and enjoy a dinner at the local restaurant.
Distance: 400 km | Drive: ~5 hrs.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mary
Meals: B
Day 3: Mary – Ashgabat
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive the city of Bayramali (30 km, ~40 min). Today we will have the unforgettable opportunity of visiting Ancient Merv Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Merv includes ancient cities Erk-Kala and Gyaur-Kala, medieval city Sultan Kala, the oldest of still standing corrugated mud-brick palaces – Great and Little Gyz Kalas, mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar, Yusuf Hamadani and Muhammad ibn Zaid, and tombs of the Prophet’s companions, Askhabs, and some others.
After lunch at the local restaurant, transfer to Ashgabat via the newly built highway, with two possible pit stops. Upon arrival in the Turkmen capital, check in at the hotel and enjoy a dinner at the local restaurant.
Distance: 350 km | Drive: ~4 hrs.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Meals: B
Day 4: Ashgabat – Nohur
After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, depart for the unique Nohur Village, whose name means “Nine Heavenly Maidens” and where pre-Islamic traditions still echo in local culture. On the way, stop at Shih Alov mausoleum in the Bagir Village (20-25-min drive). Have another stop at Zengi Baba mausoleum (118 km from Ashgabat 1,5-hour drive).
Arrive in the Nohur Village by lunch time, explore the mystical tribal cemetery marked with ram horns on the tombstones, visit the sacred site of Kyz Bibi and thousand-year-old plane tree (Chinar), and enjoy a scenic walk to a nearby waterfall. Enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner prepared with the family. We will also stay here for overnight.
Distance: ~180 km | Drive: ~ 3 hrs.
Accommodation: guesthouse in Nohur
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Nohur – Garrykala Village – Ashgabat
After breakfast in the guesthouse, depart for Garrykala and arrive to Gerkez Village to visit the main attractions in the village. Exploration of the site on arrival includes Magtymguly Monument and Magtymguly Museum. Visit Shibli Baba Mausoleum to explore a revered site that draws pilgrims and curious travellers alike.
Return to Ashgabat for a well-deserved rest. Upon arrival in the Turkmen capital, check in at the hotel and enjoy a dinner at the local restaurant.
Distance: ~420 km | Drive: ~6 hrs.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ashgabat
Meals: B
Day 6: Ashgabat/Departure
After midnight/breakfast, check out at hotel and transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Meals: B
Tour price information
- Comfort A/C transportation (depending on the group size and route)
- Hotel accommodation (B&B) – 4 nights
- Homestay in Nohur – 1 night
- Visa support letter
- Water along the way
- Entrance fees to sites and museums
- English-speaking tour guide
- Registration of tourists staying over 3 days
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa cost $55-$165 paid in cash on arrival
- PCR test cost $31 upon arrival
- Migration duty charge $14
- Additional services in the hotel
- Tips to the guide and the driver (recommended)
- Alcohol
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Photo and video camera fees at sites/museums
ACCOMMODATION
| City | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 | Option 4 |
| Day 1. Ashgabat | Sport 3* | Olimpia 4* | Divan 5* | Yyldyz 5*+ |
| Day 2. Mary | Mary 3* | Margush 3* | ||
| Day 3. Ashgabat | Sport 3* | Olimpia 4* | Divan 5* | Yyldyz 5*+ |
| Day 4. Nohur | Homestay | |||
| Day 5. Ashgabat | Sport 3* | Olimpia 4* | Divan 5* | Yyldyz 5*+ |
| Day 6. Ashgabat | Departure | |||
Important Accommodation Policy
In the event of government-level events or official delegations requiring priority accommodation, our company reserves the right to substitute the originally confirmed hotel with an alternative property of the same category and comparable standard.
