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 more than a tour: it’s 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, honored by locals and visited by the spiritually curious.
The Sufi Sites you will see:
- Sheikh Abu Said Mekhnei (Mane Baba) – Beloved regional healer and spiritual guide.
- Yusuf al-Hamadani – A giant of Sufism whose teachings reached across 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 – Gokdepe – Ahgabat – Mary – Ashgabat – Nokhur – Ashgabat – Gerkez – Ashgabat
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 – EXPLORE ASHGABAT CITY
Early arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Meet your guide at Turkmen customs Office and complete arrival formalities (all travelers must undergo Covid-19 PCR test, $33).
Transfer to Hotel and breakfast at the Hotel.
Start exploring Ashabat city and surroundings:
- Visit the State Museum of History and Ethnography to see ancient artifacts and treasures from Turkmenistan’s rich history.
- Drive to Gokdepe village to visit the Gokdepe stud-farm to see the magnificent Ahal Teke horses. Ride, feed, and photograph these unique creatures, known for their exceptional speed and ancient heritage.
- Return to Ashgabat: On the way to Ashgabat we will make a 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”.
- Visit Regional Artogrul Gazi mosque the hidden gem of the country.
Extra options:
- Walking tour starting at Ashgabat Park along Magtymguly Avenue
Overnight: Hotel
DAY 2 – VISIT MANE BABA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
- Visit the citadel of a significant Timurid-period center and the ruins of the Seyit Jemaleddin mosque
- Drive to Mane baba (212 km, approximately 2.5-hour drive), on the way stop at ruins of Abiverd (120 km form Ashgabat, ~1-hour drive)
- Arrive in Mary city in the evening.
- Transfer to Hotel and stop for a lunch at local restaurant to experience traditional cuisine.
- Visit regional mosque
- Rest of the day at your disposal
Overnight: Margush Hotel
DAY 3 – FULL-DAY EXPLORATION OF MERV
Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Bayramali (30 km, approximately 30 min. to drive) to visit Ancient Merv. Old Merv, known as the “The Pearl of Seljuk Empire” 11-12th centuries (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The tour will include:
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- Erk gala (was founded in the 6th century BCE; in the 3rd century BCE it became the citadel for the larger Hellenistic city of Antiochia/Margiana)
- Askhab Mausoleums and Iwans (built 9th-12th centuries, rebuilt 15th-16th centuries)
- Great and Small Gyz kala (7th-12th centuries), known as “Ladies Fortress”. One of the most well-preserved fortresses made from mud bricks.
- Sultan gala (built in between 800-1400 AD, Sultan–Kala offers to explore the mudbrick work of Seljuk fortifications)
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (the last Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire)
- Yusuf Hamadani Mosque (Yusuf Hamadani was an important figure in religious affairs during Malik Shah)
- Mohammad ibn Zayd Mausoleum (the leader of the Shia movement against the Abbasid Caliphate)
- Have lunch at local restaurant
- Transfer to Ashgabat
- Arrival and hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free at your leisure
Overnight: Hotel
DAY 4 – EXPLORE SUFI SITES AND NOKHUR VILLAGE
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
- Depart for Nokhur in a 4×4-vehicle
- On the way stop at Shih Alov mausoleum in the Bagir village (20-25-minute drive)
- Have another stop at Zengi Baba mausoleum (118 km from Ashgabat 1,5 hour drive)
- Arrive to Nokhur village by lunch time and visit the main attractions in the lower Nokhur.
- Exploration of the site on arrival:
- Kyz Bibi shrine
- The Great Chinar Tree
- The Tribal Cemetery with Ram Horns
- Visit nearby local sites to experience authentic culture and daily life, leisurely walk through the landscapes of Kopetdag
- Return to the guesthouse for a well-deserved rest
- Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at the guesthouse
Overnight: the guesthouse
DAY 5 – EXPLORE SUFI SITES AND GARRYKALA VILLAGE
- Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse
- Depart for Garrykala in a 4×4-vehicle
- Arrive to Gerkez village and visit the main attractions in the village.
- Exploration of the site on arrival:
- Magtymguly monument
- Magtymguly museum
- Visit Shibli Baba mausoleum explore a revered site that draws pilgrims and curious travelers alike
- Return to Ashgabat for a well-deserved rest
Overnight: Hotel
DAY 6 – DEPARTURE
Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your international flight. This marks the end of our unforgettable journey. Safe travels!
End of services.
Tour price information
The cost of the tour package per person based on DBL/TWN room + breakfast:
| Group size | Hotel Option 1 | Hotel option 2 | Hotel option 3 |
| 1 pax | $1,789 | $1,853 | $1,897 |
| 2 pax | $1,175 | $1,237 | $1,279 |
| 3 pax | $1,049 | $1,135 | $1,198 |
| 4 pax | $932 | $1,039 | $1,086 |
| 5 pax | $896 | $985 | $1,048 |
| 6 pax | $875 | $961 | $1,023 |
| SGL sup. | $140 | $150 | $165 |
| H/B | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| F/B | $85 | $85 | $85 |
