3stan Group Trip

Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Our representatives will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Merv (5h) 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, then you will see all major building of Mary in the downtown. Also visit Mary Bazaar to see variety of local products. and Russian Orthodox church (one of the oldest in Turkmenistan). Flight to Ashgabat. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. 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, main flagpole of Ashgabat, Arch of Neutrality, Constitution Monument, 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 Gazy Mosque. In the afternoon, you will drive to the Darvaza burning Gas Crater, which is a top international tourist destination. The area is rich in natural gas and the crater has been burning for over 50 years, making it shine like a pearl in the middle of the Karakum desert. You will also see water and mud craters. The trip provides an opportunity to experience the fresh air of the desert and the nomadic life. You will have barbecue for dinner while enjoying the light of the Gas Crater in the night sky. This unique landscape will fascinate you and make you want to come back again. Drive back to Ashgabat. Overnight at hotel

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. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia). You’ll then be welcomed by a local family called “Turkmen Hospitality,” offering a warm and authentic glimpse into Turkmen culture and traditions. You’ll try on traditional Turkmen clothing, watch and participate in carpet weaving and felt mat making using special wool, and learn to cook national dishes like dograma and ishlekli. You’ll also bake traditional bread and prepare the sweet treat pishme, a golden fried pastry served with tea. The experience ends with a shared lunch — a delicious meal that you helped prepare — enjoyed in true Turkmen style: with warmth, stories, and hospitality. Afterwards, visit Horse Stable to see the national pride of the Turkmen people—Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began breeding Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. 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. Flight to Turkmenabat. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Turkmen – Uzbek border “Farap”. Meet at the border and transfer to hotel for accommodation. Check in after 14:00. Sightseeing tour in Bukhara: Mausoleum of Ismail Samani (9-10c)-vault of Bukhara rulers’ dynasty, Chashma-i-Ayub Mausoleum (14c, St. Job’s well), Bolo-Hauz complex (18 c) consisting of Mosque (where Bukhara emirs used to pray) minaret and khauz (pond), royal fortress Ark (6-16 c) with its high fortification walls. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour in Bukhara: Poi-Kalyan Ensemble consisting of Minaret Kalon (12c) Djuma Mosque (15c) and functioning Madrassah of Miri-Arab (16 c), Emir-Alim-Khan Madrassah (14c), Ulugbek’s madrassah (15c), Abdul-Aziz’s (17c) Madrassahs. Medieval trading domes: Toqi Zargaron (jewellers), Toqi Telpak-furushon (cap sellers) and Toqi Sarrafon (money exchangers), Lyab-i-Hauz place (16-17c) consisting of Kukeldash and Nadir Devonbegi Madrassahs (16c, 17c) including Khanaqa (ancient hospice for pilgrims) and khauz (pond) of Nadir Divanbegi, ancient Mosque Magok-i-Attari (16c). Transfer to Bukhara Railway Station. Bullet train to Samarkand at 15.03. Arrival at 16.46. Meet and transfer to hotel for accommodation. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour in Samarkand: Gur-Emir Mausoleum (15c), Registan Ensemble (including Ulugbek (15c), Shir Dor (17c), Tillya –Kari Madrassahs (17c), Bibi Khanum Mosque (15c) and one of the biggest oriental bazaars of Siab. Visit to Shahi zinda and Ulugbek observatory. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). Customs and passport control on both sides, cross the border, meet Tajik local guide and driver and drive to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2h.). The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma you will enjoy a picnic. After lunch drive to Penjikent. Sightseeing in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and mosque. Visit ancient Penjikent located within 5 minutes drive from modern Penjikent. Penjikent was a major Sogdian city dating back to the 5th century and was destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning depart Pendjikent and drive to Khujand via Israravshan (260 km, 5-6 h.). In Istaravshan visit a local bazaar, Hazrat Shah architectural complex, which consists of Hazrat Shah Mausoleum, the grave of brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, Khudayar Valami Mausoleum, and Namazgah Mosque dating back to 19 C. Continue to Mug Teppe, one of the ancient settlements located in Istaravshan. The city is believed to be founded by King Cyrus in the North-East boundary of his empire. Arrival in Khujand. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast and driving to Dushanbe (6 h), capital of the country. Upon arrival visiting Ismoili Somoni Square and Rudaki Park Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Tajikistan United Museum includes the exhibits on history, natural history and art, Buddha in Nirvana is one of the valuable exhibits of museum. Ismoili Somoni Square and Rudaki Park Botanical garden-very beautiful garden with many old trees is the favorite place of Tajiks. Indepandance Squre. Mehrgon market. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Dushanbe airport