Classic Turkmenistan
Summary of the itinerary:
Day 1: Airport Transfer in Ashgabat, Check-in to the Hotel and Guided Tour of Ashgabat
Day 2: Intercity Transfer to Mary with a stop at Anau
Day 3: Visit the archaeological site of Merv
Day 4:Intercity transfer to Ashgabat.
Day 5:Full-Day Tour to Darvaza
Day 6: Airport Transfer in Ashgabat.
Inclusion:
- Hotels 4star including Breakfast
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- All intercity transfers with airport transfer and flight tickets
- GST
- Visa assistance
Key Exclusions:
-International and Domestic Airfare
- City Taxes at hotels
- Intracity transfers are excluded
- Lunch and Dinner
Activities
Day 1:
Airport Transfer in Ashgabat, Check-in to the Hotel and Guided Tour of Ashgabat
Welcome to Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. It is known for its white marble buildings and grand national monuments. To the northwest, the massive Ruhy Mosque has a huge golden dome. The central Artogrul Gazi Mosque is based on the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. Examples of traditional weaving are seen in the Turkish Carpet Museum. The Wedding Palace is a series of star-shaped floors topped by a giant golden globe. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in a private car. After check-in explore Ashgabat in a guided tour and visit sites like the vibrant Tolkucha Bazaar, National Museum, Mosque of Spirituality, Orthodox Church of Alexander, and Lenin Square. Also travel west of Ashgabat to visit the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa. Continue to the Kow Ata underground lake where you can swim in the waters which are reliably between 33 and 37° C and are said to have therapeutic properties. You'll also be able to visit the mosque and ancient fortification of GeokDepe.
Day 2:
Intercity Transfer to Mary with a stop at Anau
Leave Ashgabat this morning to drive to Mary. On the way, stop at the ancient settlement of Anau, which provided some of the first signs of farming in the world, before moving to Mary. Optionally you can also choose to fly to Mary.
Day 3:
Visit the archaeological site of Merv
This morning you will have the opportunity to explore Merv's impressive archaeological site covering an area of 125 square kilometres and containing the remains of five ancient towns. With your guide, you will visit all the key sights including the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and Kys Kala, an odd windowless castle called "The House of Maidens Tears." In the afternoon you will travel to Dashoguz.
Day 4:
Intercity transfer to Ashgabat.
Travel on across the desert for a final afternoon back to the capital city and the rest of the day is at your disposal. Optionally you can also choose to fly back to Ashgabat.
Day 5:
Full-Day Tour to Darvaza
Today after Breakfast we will travel to Darvaza which is a town of around 350 occupants, situated in the Karakum Desert, around 260 km north from Ashgabat. See the crater and the burning gates of this famous crater which have been burning from 37 years. Stay till dusk to see the crater in its complete glory. Drive back to Ashgabat for the night.
Day 6:
Airport Transfer in Ashgabat.
On the last day of your trip, you will be transferred to the airport in a private cab.