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Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. You will be met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel (early check-in). Free time.
You will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013, the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat a “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of white marble. You will see the Ashgabat Olympic Stadium, Monument and Park of Independence, the main flagpole of Ashgabat, the Arch of Neutrality, the Constitution Monument, the Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace, and enjoy a panoramic view of Ashgabat from the top of the hill, Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, Alabay monument, and Ertogrul Gazi Mosque.
Overnight in Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Mary (360km, 4h). Arrive in Mary and Lunch. Drive to Merv (35km, 45min) to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of Islam, along with Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing, flight back to Ashgabat. Overnight in Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to visit Nissa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared the fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence nor a mausoleum.
Take an afternoon drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (276km, 4h), which is one of the most popular international tourist destinations. The region is abundant in natural gas, and the Darvaza Gas Crater has been burning for more than 50 years, making it shine like a pearl amid the Karakum desert. Apart from the Darvaza Gas Crater, you will also have the opportunity to witness water and mud craters. One of the most captivating and intriguing aspects of this trip is the fresh desert air and the chance to experience the nomadic way of life firsthand. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater illuminates the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and have a barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape in the world will enthral you and make you want to return

Wake up early in the morning. Watch the sunrise at the Darvaza Gas Crater, the shining Garagum, where the desert glows in warm morning light. Capture unforgettable photos in this unique landscape and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Karakum Desert. Capture stunning photos, then enjoy a delicious breakfast in the peaceful desert. Drive to Ashgabat (270km, 4h). Check in to the hotel.
Visit the old part of the city. Our vehicle will stop in front of the Magtumkuli Drama Theatre, where we will begin our walking tour (total: 1.5km) toward the Lenin statue. This area represents the historic downtown of Ashgabat, shaded by century-old trees that have witnessed over a century of history. The Lenin statue, built during the Soviet era, stands as one of the few remaining monuments from that period. Behind us, you’ll see the State Central Archive building, recognisable by its Soviet-style architectural elements still preserved on the facade. From there, we will continue walking past the Ashgabat Mayor’s Office before reaching the Russian Bazaar. This is one of the most vibrant and authentic places in the city, where you can observe daily local life and explore local products. Our walk will then continue to Inspiration Park, which is adorned with numerous statues of Turkmen poets.
Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, a drive to the Gokdepe fortress (54km, 45min) on 4x4 vehicles, which was attacked in December 1880 by the Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy), which was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat, and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue coloured roof and white marble structure.
Later, drive to visit the Horse Stable to see a national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. After visiting the horse stable, drive to your hotel. Check in and rest till departure time. Drive to Nokhur – a village (100km, 1.5h) in the western Kopetdag Mountains. One is the town’s cemetery, where each grave is protected by the huge horns of the mountain goats that locals consider sacred - indeed, many houses in the village have a goat’s skull hanging on a stick outside to ward off evil spirits. Just beyond is the pilgrimage site of Kyz Bibi. A fat-trunked plane tree, surrounded by a small metal fence, is covered with small scraps of cloth representing wishes. From here, a flight of concrete steps leads up to a tiny cave, just a few centimetres across, on the side of the hill. The cave is surrounded by more pieces of material, some of which have been fashioned into tiny cribs, suggesting the nature of the wishes made here.
Drive to Balkanabat (320km, 3.5h). Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Yangikala Canyon (180km, 3h). Visit the pilgrimage site Gozli-Ata on the way to drive to the Yangykala Canyons, one of the scenic natural objects of Turkmenistan. The word expression “Yangy kala” translates from Turkmen as “fire fortress”. Indeed, the sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ocher, purple, and red colours, fancily carved by winds and rains, are very similar to the stone castles from a fantasy. Explore the Canyons. After exploration, drive to Turkmenbashi (170km, 3h) for a flight to Ashgabat at 20:30. Arrival in Ashgabat and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. Departure