Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport 01:55. The accompanying guide will meet you at the airport, help you with the formalities of obtaining a visa, paying for a PCR test, migration fee. Transfer to the hotel. Time for rest.

At 12:00 we will begin to get acquainted with the capital of Turkmenistan – White Marble Ashgabat. Visiting one of the oldest markets, popularly known as “Russian Bazaar” – the state trade center “Gulistan”. It is one of the main and popular trading platforms in Ashgabat. They are attracted by souvenirs, dried fruits, vegetables, fruits, spices, national clothes, etc.

After lunch, we will visit the National Museum of History, where you can take a look at exclusive ancient artifacts and treasures from different historical eras and archaeological sites of Turkmenistan.

In the evening we will continue to explore the “City of Love” (Ashgabat from Persian عشق (eshq “love”) and آباد (ābād “inhabited place”, “city”). Sightseeing will include the Wedding Palace “Bagt Koshgi” (translated from Turkmen as “Palace of Happiness”) with a panoramic view of the city, the Monument of Neutrality, Independence Park and Independence Monument, and the Ruhnam Book Monument, as well as the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel, Älem.

Welcome dinner at Paytagt Restaurant with panoramic views of the city.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: breakfast, dinner

In the morning at 08:00 we leave for the village of Nohur (140 km 2 hours on the way). Arrival and inspection of the traditional village, communication with hospitable locals and taste real Turkmen dishes. We will explore the area, including the Kyz Bibi cave and the tribal cemetery with horns of mountain sheep on the tombstones, which keeps echoes of pre-Islamic beliefs.

We will get acquainted with a local family, in which the traditional keteni fabric, Turkmen silk is still made. A local craftswoman will demonstrate the manufacturing process.

After that, we will go to Geok Tepe, to a private horse farm, where the famous Akhal-Teke horses are bred. We will get acquainted with Ashir aga, a horse breeder, drink fragrant tea and take a horse ride.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Overnight: in hotel

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Today we will go to the village of Bagir to explore the fortress of Old Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), located 16 kilometers from the center of Ashgabat. Old Nisa was one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire (III century BC – III century AD). Located at the crossroads of important trade and strategic routes, this powerful empire served as a barrier to the expansion of Rome, while also acting as an important center of communication and trade between East and West, North and South.

Afterwards we will go to the Darvaza gas crater (270 km, 4 hours on the way), world-famous as the “Gates of Hell“. On the way, we will have two stops in the desert village of Bokurdak to get acquainted with the way of life of local semi-nomadic families. We will become guests in a traditional Turkmen house. We will look at the life of the village: making felt, traditional embroidery, we will follow the milking of camels, and the bravest will even be able to take part, We will cook “pishme” – a traditional sweet treat from yeast dough, as well as take part in a master class on baking Turkmen bread “chorek”, and for lunch we will taste “ishlekli” – a meat puff cake baked in coals. We will also have a photo shoot in Turkmen outfits.

After spending 2-3 hours with a local family, we will continue our journey; the next stops will be 2 craters with “turquoise water” and “bubbling mud“. Arrival to Darvaza. Dinner at yurt camp and bakhshi show. Bakhshi are masters of folk art, musicians and singers who preserve cultural traditions.

After dinner, you will have a photo session at the flaming Darvaza crater. The crater was formed in the early 1970s when the ground collapsed during a Soviet gas drilling expedition. Scientists reportedly set fire to the gas in the resulting crater to prevent the spread of natural gas, and so the crater has been burning ever since.

Overnight: yurt stay, basic facilities but reasonable

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast in Darvaza, we return to Ashgabat. On the way, stop in the village of Erbent to visit the monument dedicated to the end of the struggle against the Basmachi movement in Central Asia. Arrive in Ashgabat and check into the hotel.

• Master class at ART Upcycling studio KEŞDE. We will make jewelry and souvenirs with our own hands, under the strict guidance of Sheker, an artist, designer and founder of the studio.

Afterwards we will visit the landmark of Ashgabat – the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, better known as the Turkish Mosque (similar to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul), it was built as a gift from Turkey to the Turkmens in honor of Ertogrul Gazi, the Turkmen leader and father of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Overnight: hotel

Meals: breakfast

A day trip to Mary.

In the morning we check out from the hotel, for morning flight to Mary at 06:20. Arrival in Mary 07:05.

Drive to the village of Bayramali (31 km) to visit Old Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). One of the largest archaeological sites in Central Asia, Merv has played an important role in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2000 years.

On the way out of Merv, we will stay at the guest house “Traditional Turkmen Hearth“, where we will plunge into the culture of the Turkmens – Folk show.

Dinner at the guest house

Transfer to Mary (30 min), check-in at the hotel, rest.

Overnight in Mary.

Overnight: in hotel

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to Ashgabat (departure at 09:00).

Check-in at the hotel, free time for relaxation.

Our next stop is the Carpet Museum. Here you can learn about the history of the famous Turkmen carpet weaving while admiring the smallest carpet ever created, designed to gracefully carry keys, and hold your breath when you see the world’s largest handmade carpet, stunning with its area of 301 square meters!

Transfer to the hotel, time for rest.

Overnight: in hotel

Meals: breakfast

After midnight, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your international flight. End of services. Safe travels!

NOTE: domestic flight schedule is subject to possible change.

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