Amazing 5 Days in Turkmenistan (Cultural & Natural)

Arrival in Ashgabat International Airport. You will be met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel (early check-in). Free time. Afternoon you will have an Ashgabat city tour. You will see the Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium and Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Morning transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for a flight to Turkmenbashi at 06:20. Upon arrival at Turkmenbashi Airport, meet your driver for the quick city tour in Turkmenbashi and drive to Yangykala Canyons (180km, 3h), 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 of the canyon, drive to Balkanabat (185km, 3h). Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning drive to Karakala (278km, 4h) via the Syunt-Khasardag nature reserve to see Moon Mountain. You will experience the Moon's surface on Earth with outstanding landscapes. Lunch on-site. Then, drive to Nokhur mountain village (129km, 2h). The village itself fills a small depression valley in the mountains of the Kopet Dag Range, apart from the main street through the middle of the town, the streets are so narrow that they only just fit a car between the high stone retaining walls on each side. The Nohkuri people who populate this remote mountain village are quite different to other Turkmen tribes. According to legends, this was the place where Noah’s Ark was moored and all animals were let out and various seeds were planted. Indeed, the nature of Nokhur differs from the surrounding places. Visit the great tree and one of the unique cemeteries, which is isolated. Nearly every grave is marked by a wooden post decorated with the horns of a mountain goat. Make your sacred wishes by visiting a wish tree named after Kyz Bibi. After sightseeing, drive to Ashgabat (157km, 2h). Overnight at the hotel.

BF at Hotel. Drive to visit the Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of the cultural centres of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. For example, the museum has the smallest carpet to wear keys, as well as the world’s largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records.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 camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and 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.

Picnic-style breakfast in Darvaza. Drive to Ashgabat (5h). Afternoon, 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 either been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum. The ruins of the ancient settlement Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat at Bagyr village.Later drive to visit 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. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. Departure.