The Land of the Akhal-Teke: History & Beauty of Turkmenistan

Morning visit to Nisa (UNESCO-listed Parthian ruins). Explore the National Museum of Turkmenistan Afternoon visit to an Akhal-Teke horse farm: Learn about the history of the world-famous breed Watch a live horse-riding demonstration Optional horse-riding experience Overnight in Ashgabat

Visit Tolkuchka Bazaar (local market experience) Drive through the Karakum Desert Visit Nomadic Villages en route Arrive at Darvaza Gas Crater before sunset Enjoy a traditional Turkmen barbecue dinner under the stars Overnight in a desert yurta near the crater

Morning drive to Kunyaurgench Explore UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench, including: Kutlug-Timur Minaret Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum Return to Dashoguz, overnight stay

After breakfast transfer to Dashoguz airport, then flight to Turkmenbashy city (11-40/12-50, Tuesday,Friday). The port-city of Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk) is the only major port in the entire Central Asia. From the east it is surrounded by low mountains, in the West the city is bordered by the waters of the Caspian Sea. The landscape around the city looks more like a lunar one. The city is a starting point for the majority of excursions to the mountains and small seaside resorts. You will visit fish market. Check-in hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Yangikala Canyon. . Yangykala Canyon is in western Turkmenistan, about 160 kilometers from the Caspian Sea port city of Turkmenbashi. Yangiqala Canyons via Balkan Mountains - Impressive white, green and red limestone formations rise up from the desert sands. These cliffs are the remains of massive coastline and seabed of the pre-historical Parathetys Sea. This surreal landscape is impressive at any time of day, but sunset and sunrise offer particularly spectacular views. The area is reachable only by 4-wheel drive, passing through the Balkan Mountains and a vast highland area where camels, sheep and horses graze. Drive to Gozli Ata mouseleum. The mausoleum of Gozli-ata is situated in the Balkan region in the west of Turkmenistan. It lies 157 kilometers away from Turkmenbashi. The Gozli Ata mausoleum is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Turkmenistan. And the place dedicated to a revered Sufi, Gozli Ata which means All seeing Father. His mausoleum is now a popular place of pilgrimage, especially by young women who ask for fertility and healthy offspring. Overnight in the pilgrim house.

After breakfast drive to Balkanabat city. Visit the Kemal Ata Site. Kemal-ata is a hill in the vicinity of the provincial town of Old Crimea. It contains the remains of some foundations and several tombstones with the names of sheikhs. Kemal-ata is popularly known among the people as the grave of Mamai. Defeated by Dmitry Donskoy in 1380, Mamai fled to Kaffa (Feodosia) where the Genoese promised him to save, but treacherously killed him. It should be noted, however, that the word "mamai" has become in the Old Crimea and its environs, to some extent, a household name: many other hills and mounds are called simply mamai. Drive to Gyzylarbat city. Upon arrival and check-in hotel. Overnight in Chynar hotel.

After breakfast drive to Ashgabat. On the way visit Parau Bibi. Historical evidence indicates that in the XI-XII centuries, the Parawbibi monument was built by the citizens. According to scientific sources, "the word paraw may have come from the Persian word 'feraba', meaning castle." Then visit Nokhur village. Nokhur (also spelled Nokhur or Nohur) is a picturesque village in the mountains of western Turkmenistan, located in the Kopet Dag range, near the border with Iran. It is known for its unique culture, traditions, and stunning natural beauty.Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and walnut forests. The village are skilled in carpet weaving, embroidery, and traditional jewelry making. Visit Kov Ata underground lake. Welcome to the sulphurous subterranean world of Kowata underground lake. Here is the place that you could never come across elsewhere in Central Asia. It is a brilliant opportunity to rest for a while on the way to the Balkanabat from the Ashgabat. The cave is only 60 km far from Ashgabat. The therapeutic water of the Kowata underground lake includes 38 elements such as iodine, magnesium, iron, bromine, potassium, sodium, sulphate, and others. The lake depth varies from 8 to 14m. Swimming in Kowata underground lake is highly recommended for stricken people to improve blood circulation, help control rheumatism, skin disorder and kidney diseases, and ease the nervous system. The water is naturally heated to about 36°C and recommended swimming time is nearly 20 minutes due to the sulphur. After excursion drive to Ashgabat city. Check-in hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mary Region 350 km . Visit to Ancient Merv. It was located at the road crossing of the Great Silk Road, quickly became one of the largest and biggest cities of the ancient world, and was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Guided tour: Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. Return to Mary city. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Gonurdepe historical place. (90 km) Visiting Gonurdepe sight - from 1971 onwards archeological teams did discoveries that reveal the importance of this area as a possible fifth center of ancient civilization, next to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China. The Mary History Museum was established as the Mary Museum of History and Revolution in 1968. Its first exposition opened in 1974. When Turkmenistan gained independence, the Museum in 2008 moved into a new white-marbled building in the center of Mary. The building area is 10,000 sq. m., and the exhibition floor is 4,000 sq. m. The museum houses 6 exhibition halls, a conference hall, restoration halls, repositories and laboratories. Five halls of the Mary History Museum are occupied by permanent expositions, and another one –Temporary – is to host thematic exhibitions. All in all, the Museum has about 40,000 exhibits. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast transfer to Mary airport, then flight to Ashgabat (flight time could be changed). Visit Seyitjemaleddin Mosque. Located in the city of Anau, 12 km east of Ashgabat along the Ashgabat-Mary highway. The Seyit-Jemallidin Mosque is a complex structure that once included a mosque, madrasah and the mausoleum of Sheikh Jemal ad-Din.On the Turkmen land the famous Seyit-Jemallidin mosque, widely known as “Seyit-Jemal ad-Din”, a well-known monument that preserves the unique architectural traditions and artistic styles of the Iron Age. The monument was built in the 15th century during the reign of Abul Qasim Babur, a Timurid descendant in Khorasan. This mosque amazed many Muslim architects of the East with its external beauty and architectural features. The Altyn Asyr Bazaar, also referred to as the Tolkuchka Bazaar, is a vibrant and extensive marketplace located in Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. This bazaar is one of the largest markets in Central Asia, embodying Turkmenistan's rich cultural tapestry. It is a hub for locals and tourists to find a diverse assortment of goods, including traditional Turkmen carpets, clothing, textiles, jewelry, and various handmade crafts, that reflect the nation's artistry and traditions. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport, registration and flight for next destination.