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Turkmenistan’s Ancient Capitals and Desert Wonders
10 days tour
DAY 1. Ashgabad
Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
After breakfast start guided sightseeing tour by exploring Nissa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – the capital of ancient Parthian Empire, existed at the turn of the I millennium BC and I millennium AD. In the III century BC New Nisa was the capital of Parthia and the Old Nisa fortress was an imperial residence at that time. Old Nisa was the place where palace and temple buildings were concentrated. There also located a treasury, huge wine warehouse and storerooms with numerous stocks. The fortress at Nisa was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.
Visit the biggest mosque of Turkmenistan – The Spiritual mosque of Turkmenbashi, located in Gypjak village. Nearby the mosque, there is the Turkmenbashi Mausoleum – more modest in décor and size where the first President of Turkmenistan – Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi rests.
Afternoon discover Ashgabat’s marble-clad skyline, including Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Monument and park of Independence, Arch of Neutrality, Constitution Monument, “Alem” cultural and entertainments center. Marvel at landmarks like the Presidential Palace, and Ruhiyet Palace.
Overnight: Ashgabat
DAY 2. Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Mary
After breakfast drive to Mary province. Visit the Central Mosque, Green bazaar, and Russian Orthodox church in Mary city.
Afternoon explore Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – “Queen of the world”, which was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Visit Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala (VII-VIIIc.c.), Complex of Askhabs (VII-XIV c.c.), Erk Kala (V BC), Gyaur Kala (IVc.), Complex of Hoja Yusup Hamadani (XIIc.), Sultan Sanjar mausoleum (XII c.).
Overnight: Mary.
DAY 3. Mary – Gonur – Mary
After breakfast journey to Gonur – the capital of ancient Margiana, dating back to the 3-2 millennia B.C. Uncover the ruins of the Palace, Royal Necropolis and Fire and Water temples that could compete with erections of Assyria and Babylon. The temple town kept its mysteries in the sand for several thousands of years.
Return to Mary for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mary
DAY 4. Mary – Darvaza
Early depature for overnight trip to Karakum desert. On the way enjoy traditional lunch in a settlement called Bokurdak and stop at the village Yerbent for admiring the life within the sand dunes of Karakum, Central Asia’s hottest desert and one of the main caravan paths on the Great Silk Road.
Arrive at the Darvaza Gaz crater, famously known as the “Door to hell”. Witness the surreal spectacle of flames rising from the crater, and spend the night camping in Turkmen yurts or private tents under the stars.
Overnight: Darvaza
DAY 5. Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz
After the picnic style breakfast, drive Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the ancient capital city of Khorezm. Explore Mausoleum of Tyurabek-khanym (XIII-XIV c.), Kutlug-Timur minaret (XIV c.), Mausoleum of Khorezmshah Il-Arslan (XII c.), Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh (XII c.), ruins of the portal of Caravanserai (XII c.) and other architectural wonders.
Continue to Dashoguz for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Dashoguz
DAY 6. Dashoguz – Ashgabat
Morning flight back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival visit one of local Bazars.
Afternoon, explore the National museum of Turkmenistan – the first and largest one of the 26 museums established following the independence of Turkmenistan.
The Museum of History and Ethnography, home to from Nisa, Merv and Gonur, as well as collection of vintage Turkmen carpets, rare examples of national clothing, jewelries, and antique weapons.
Opposite the museum there is the main flag of Turkmenistan attached to one of the highest flagpole in world.
Overnight: Ashgabat.
DAY 7. Ashgabat – Geokdepe – Nohur – Kyzylarbat
After breakfast visit Geokdepe fortress, a symbol of Turkmen resistance – the fortress which was erected to the end of XIX century to defense from Russian Empire Army.
Explore Saparmyrat Haji Mosque, which was built in 1995 to commemorate the victims of Geokdepe battle. Also, visit Horse Stable to see the national pride of Turkmen people – Akhal-teke horses, the cultural treasure and historic symbol of the tribal, desert nomads of Turkmenistan.
Afternoon drive to Nokhur village, a picturesque village listed among the world’s most romantic places. Continue to Kyzylarbat city for the night.
Overnight: Kyzylarbat.
DAY 8. Kyzylarbat – Yangykala
Breakfast at the hostel. Drive to Yangykala – the place which is known as Red Canyons. With bands of pink, red and yellow rock searing across the sides of steep canyon walls, Yangykala is a breathtaking sight and one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Turkmenistan. Just as alluring as the beautiful views is its solitary isolation in the desert. The canyons (unlike the Grand Canyon in America that draws inevitable comparisons) was in fact shaped by the Caspian Sea, which passed through here millions of years ago, rather than by a river. Camp under the stars in this remote desert paradise.
Overnight: Yangykala (tent camp)
DAY 9. Yangykala - Ashgabat
After picnic style breakfast, depart to visit pilgrim sites of Gozli-Ata and Kemal-Ata. Drive to Turkmenbashi, a costal city on the Caspian Sea in Balkan province, formerly known as Krasnovodsk, which serves as Turkmenistan’s main access to the sea and has much of the country’s oil refineries.
Fly back to Ashgabat.
Overnight: Ashgabat.
DAY 10. Ashgabat
Transfer to the international airport of Ashgabat.
The end of the tour
Service includes:
Letter of invitation
Accommodation in SNG/DBL/Twin rooms:
– Ak Altyn/ Sport Hotel – 3 nights + early check in
– Merw/ Mary hotel – 2 night
– Uzboy/ Dashoguz hotel – 1 night
– Gyzylarbat hostel – 1 night
– Yurt, tent Camp – 2 night
Escort English-speaking guide service
Transportation as per program minibuses and 4×4 where terrain requires
Flight tickets: Turkmenbashi-Ashgabat, Dashoguz-Ashgabat
Entrance fees: Horse Stable, Ancient Merv, Kunya-Urgench, National Museum, Nissa Fortress, Gonur
Meals
Travel tax