DAY 1: SHAVAT BORDER — KUNYA URGENCH — DARVAZA GAS CRATER (OVERNIGHT IN YURT CAMP)
- Arrival at Shavat Border Checkpoint (Turkmenistan — Uzbekistan) where you will be warmly welcomed by our English-speaking guide.
- Drive to the ancient city of Kunya Urgench (Approx. 1.5 hrs), once the capital of the Khwarezm Empire and an important Silk Road hub.
- Sightseeing includes:
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- Portal of Caravansaray
- Mamun Minaret
- II Arslan Mausoleum
- Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum
- Academy of Horezm
- Kutlug Timur Minaret
- Turabek Khanym Mausoleum (notable for its astronomical tilework)
- Post-lunch, journey across the vast Karakum Desert to the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater – also known as the "Door to Hell", a surreal burning natural gas pit that's been aflame for over five decades.
- En route, view mud and water craters — hidden geothermal wonders of the desert.
- Experience nomadic Turkmen life: Settle in traditional yurts or private tents under the starlit desert sky.
- Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner, while the fiery glow of the crater lights up the night.
- Note: Basic but authentic yurt camp facilities are provided, including mats, sleeping bags, and essentials.
DAY 2: DARVAZA — GOKDEPE FORTRESS — ASHGABAT
- Wake up to the fresh desert air and enjoy a picnic-style breakfast.
- Proceed to a prestigious Ahalteke Horse Farm, home to the legendary Ahalteke breed — a source of pride for Turkmenistan. Revered for their beauty and endurance, these horses have been bred pure for 5000 years.
- Interesting Fact: It is believed that touching an Ahalteke horse can bring healing to the ill!
- Continue the journey to Gokdepe Fortress, a historical site of resistance against Russian imperial forces.
- Visit the Saparmyrat Hajy Mosque, noted for its stunning turquoise dome and white marble elegance.
- Arrival in Ashgabat, the capital city adorned with white-marble grandeur.
- Check-in at Sport Hotel 4* or Archabil Hotel 4* for overnight stay.
DAY 3: ASHGABAT — SEYIT JEMALEDDIN MOSQUE — ABIWERD — ANCIENT MERV — RETURN TO ASHGABAT
- After breakfast, drive to Anau, home to the historic Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque, a rare gem of Timurid architecture dating back to the 15th century.
- Visit the ruins of Abiwerd, one of Turkmenistan's eight officially protected historical reserves, once a thriving Silk Road settlement.
- Proceed to Ancient Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis cities of Central Asia, once rivalling Baghdad and Damascus in grandeur.
- Attractions include:
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- Greater & Lesser Kyz Kala (VI — VII century)
- Erk Gala (6th century BC)
- Gyaur Gala (4th century BC)
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
- Hoja Yusup Hamadani Complex
- Muhammed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum
- Drive back to Ashgabat on a modern autobahn. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4: ASHGABAT SIGHTSEEING — DEPARTURE VIA BAJGIRAN BORDER
- Post breakfast, begin a cultural exploration of Ashgabat:
- Highlights: Guinness Record-holding world’s largest handmade carpet (301 m²) and the smallest carpet keychain.
- Visit the renowned Turkmen Carpet Museum, showcasing exquisite handwoven carpets from Tekke, Yamud, Sarik, and Chodor tribes.
- Afternoon city tour of Ashgabat:
- Presidential Palace
- Ruhyyet Palace
- Wedding Palace
- “Yildyz” Hotel
- Ferris Wheel
- Constitution Monument
- Arch of Neutrality
- Monument and Park of Independence
- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque
- Ashgabat 2017 Sports Complex
- Proceed to Bajgiran Border Checkpoint (Turkmenistan — Iran border) for onward journey to Tehran, Iran, where you will be greeted by our partner representatives.
Thank you for traveling with us. Namaste — until we meet again!
