New Year Eve in Turkmenistan

Arrival in Ashgabat International Airport. You will be met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel.Hotel check-in in the midday. 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.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, a drive to the Gokdepe fortress that 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. Then visit the Gokdepe museum about the battle between Russians and the local tribe “Akhalteke” in 1881. Then, 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.
After a fascinating exploration of Gokdepe’s historical sites and cultural gems, your journey takes a delicious turn at a cosy family-run restaurant. Your hands-on lesson begins with pishme, a delightful deep-fried pastry that holds a special place in Turkmen's hearts. Next comes un ash, a hearty and flavorful noodle soup that’s a staple in Turkmen homes. You’ll learn the secrets of making the thin, hand-stretched noodles, simmering them in a rich broth brimming with vegetables, and tender cuts of lamb. Leaving the restaurant, you won’t just have new culinary skills and a satisfied stomach; you’ll carry with you a deeper appreciation for Turkmen culture and the warmth of its people. The experience will linger in your memory, a delicious reminder of your journey through Gokdepe. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, 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 and 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.
Then, drive to visit Gulistan Baazar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets and a must-visit for any traveller to Ashgabat. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. There are also stalls selling spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor of the bazaar is home to a variety of shops selling clothing, and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, you will drive to the Darvaza burning Gas Crater (276km, 4h), a top international tourist destination. Ring in the New Year Party at the Darvaza gas crater deep in the Karakum desert. You will spend the day witnessing and experiencing the preparation of national dishes such as Turkmen bread and somsa in a special Central Asian oven tamdyr. But that's not all. Of course, Turkmen cuisine cannot be imagined without meat. You will taste the famous meat dish gomme, which is cooked under burning wood and hot sand, of course barbeque from chicken, lamb and national kebap. As the hours pass from the old year to the new one, you will celebrate the New Year right next to the crater with champagne. You will enjoy a day and night filled with music, various animated games with a guide, delicious food, and happiness. This New Year's Eve will be unforgettable. Here you will feel like you have the whole planet to yourself. Overnight in a yurt.

Picnic-style breakfast at Darvaza. Drive back to Ashgabat. Hotel check-in. Visit Gulistan Baazar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets and a must-visit for any traveller to Ashgabat.
Leisure time. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. Departure.