8 Days Turkmenistan Tour

On the first day of this exciting 8-day Turkmenistan tour, travelers will arrive at Ashgabat. As soon as you land, our friendly staff will be waiting to greet you at the airport. Then, you'll be transferred to a well - selected hotel in a comfortable car with air-conditioning. After checking in, it's time to take a well-deserved rest. This day is designed to help you adjust to the new environment, recover from the journey, and get ready for the amazing adventures that lie ahead in Turkmenistan.

On Day 2, the adventure kicks off with an Ashgabat city tour. Ashgabat, known as the "white marbled city" since 2013 according to the Guinness Book of Records, offers a visual feast of structures crafted from white marble. You'll visit iconic landmarks like the Presidential Palace, the Arch of Neutrality, and the Monument and Park of Independence, gaining insights into the nation's identity and history. The Earthquake and WWII victims' monuments also stand as solemn reminders of the past.

Afterward, it's time to meet the pride of Turkmenistan-the Akhalteke horses. At the Horse Farm, you can witness these magnificent creatures up close. Bred for 5000 years and never mixed with other breeds, they were highly coveted by emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I. According to local superstition, touching an Akhalteke horse might bring good health.The day concludes with a visit to Nissa Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Believed to be one of the first capitals of the Parthians and potentially a royal necropolis, it holds the secrets of an ancient civilization. As the day winds down, you'll head to your accommodation for a well - earned rest, carrying with you the memories of a day filled with culture, history, and unique encounters.

On Day 3, begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Post-breakfast, embark on a visit to the National Museum. Here, you'll be able to delve deep into the past, history, traditions, and lifestyle of the Turkmen people through various exhibits and artifacts. Following that, explore the city center, soaking in the local atmosphere and architecture.As the afternoon sets in, get ready for an exciting 3.5 - hour drive to the Darwaza burning Gas Crater, affectionately known as "The Door to Hell" by the locals. Back in 1971, Soviet geologists accidentally created this natural wonder while drilling. A cavern filled with natural gas was punctured, and to prevent the release of poisonous gas, they decided to burn it. Little did they know that the fire would still be burning to this day.

Once you reach the crater, watch in awe as the flames dance against the desert backdrop in the evening. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner right by the crater, savoring the unique experience. After dinner, settle into your camp for the night, surrounded by the glow of the burning gas and the vast expanse of the desert sky. It's a day filled with cultural discovery and a touch of adventure in the heart of Turkmenistan.

On the fourth day of this captivating Turkmenistan tour, you'll start with a transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. Board a flight bound for Mary, where a new chapter of exploration awaits. Once you land in Mary, a driver will be there to greet you and take you on a scenic 108-kilometer, 3-hour drive to Gonurdepe.Gonurdepe, once the capital of the Margush (Margiana) country, is a place of great historical significance. Spanning over 3000 square kilometers, it was a thriving region with 78 oases and more than 150 compact settlements. According to the American newspaper “Boston Globe,” the discoveries here have led to the speculation that it could be considered the fifth oldest center of the world’s civilization, alongside Egypt, India, China, and Mesopotamia.

Explore the ruins of Gonurdepe, imagining what life was like in this ancient capital. Wander through the remnants of buildings and structures that have stood the test of time, and let your mind be filled with the stories of the past. After a fulfilling exploration, make the drive back to Mary. Check into your hotel, unwind, and reflect on the day's journey into the heart of an ancient civilization. It's a day that offers a unique opportunity to connect with the long-lost history of Turkmenistan.

Day 5 starts with a hearty breakfast at the hotel in Mary. Fueled up, you'll then embark on a short 35-kilometer, 40-minute drive to Merv, a city that was once on par with Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus as one of the most important historical capitals in the Islamic and pre-Islamic eras.

Upon arrival in Merv, a world of ancient wonders unfolds before you. Begin your exploration at Greater Kyz Gala and Lesser Kyz Gala, remnants from the VI-VII centuries. These ancient structures offer a glimpse into the early architecture and lifestyle of the time. Next, visit the Complex of Askhabs, which dates back to the VIII-XIV centuries, and observe how the city's architecture evolved over the years.Don't miss Erk Gala from the VI BC and Gyaur Gala from the IV BC, the early examples of Merv's ancient architecture that showcase the city's long-standing history. As you stroll through the Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, feel the spiritual and cultural vibes of the past. Pay your respects at the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum and Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum, which are not only architectural masterpieces but also hold great historical significance.

After a day filled with historical exploration, it's time to make the 390-kilometer, 4-hour drive back to Ashgabat. As the sun sets on this journey through time, you'll return to your hotel in Ashgabat, carrying with you the memories of Merv's glorious past, ready to unwind and reflect on the day's discoveries.

On Day 6, the day begins with a transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. From there, you'll board a flight to Turkmenbashi, marking the start of a journey towards some of Turkmenistan's most spectacular natural landscapes.Once you arrive in Turkmenbashi, a drive of about 185 kilometers, which takes around 3 hours, awaits you. The destination-The enchanting Yangykala Canyons. Translating to "fire fortress" in Turkmen, these canyons are a sight to behold. The towering cliffs, in shades of white, yellow, ocher, purple, and red, have been shaped by the forces of wind and rain over time. As you explore the canyons, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fantasy world filled with stone castles and otherworldly formations.

After spending time in the Yangykala Canyons, it's time to hit the road again. Drive for about 180 kilometers, or 3 hours, to Balkanabat. This city offers a different kind of experience, a chance to see the local life and culture. Check into your hotel in Balkanabat, and as the day comes to an end, reflect on the amazing natural beauty you've witnessed during the day. It's a day that seamlessly combines travel, exploration of natural wonders, and the discovery of new places in Turkmenistan.

Kick off Day 7 with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel in Balkanabat. After fueling up, embark on a 313 kilometer, 4-hour drive to Nohur mountain village. Tucked away in a small depression valley of the Kopet Dag Range, this village is a hidden gem. The streets, except for the main one, are incredibly narrow, with high stone retaining walls on either side that barely allow a car to pass through.

The Nohkuri people here have a distinct culture compared to other Turkmen tribes. According to local legends, this was the mooring place of Noah's Ark, which adds an air of mystery to the place. Explore the village and visit the great tree, a symbol of the area's natural heritage. Don't miss the unique cemetery, where nearly every grave is marked by a wooden post adorned with mountain goat horns. Make a wish at the wish tree named after Kyz Bibi for good luck.Next, drive 102 kilometers in 1.5 hours to the Gokdepe fortress. This historical site was the scene of a significant event in 1880 when it was attacked by the Russian Empire Army. The siege lasted 23 days, leaving a mark on Turkmenistan's history. Visit the Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy), built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat. Admire its mint-turquoise blue roof and white marble structure. Then, head to the Gokdepe museum to learn more about the 1881 battle between the Russians and the local "Akhalteke" tribe through various exhibits

Finally, pay a visit to the Horse Stable to see the Akhalteke horses, the pride of the Turkmen people. Bred for 5000 years and never cross-bred, these horses were desired by emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I. With over 35 beautiful horses on the farm, it's a chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close. According to superstition, touching an Akhalteke horse might bring good health. After this cultural and historical adventure, transfer to Ashgabat, a 55-kilometer, 50-minute drive, and check into your hotel to rest and reflect on the day's experiences.

As the 8-day Turkmenistan tour comes to an end on Day 8, it's time to bid farewell to this captivating country. After having breakfast at the hotel in Ashgabat, you'll be transferred to the airport by car. This journey to the airport offers one last chance to soak in the sights of Ashgabat, perhaps catching a final glimpse of the city's white marble buildings that have left such an impression throughout the trip.