THE HEART OF TURKMENISTAN : A 9-DAY JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY AND LANDSCAPE
About tour
This 9-day, 8-night tour of Turkmenistan offers a deep dive into the country's rich history, unique culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The itinerary covers some of Turkmenistan's most iconic destinations, taking you from the modern capital to ancient Silk Road cities and breathtaking natural wonders. Highlights of the Tour: Ashgabat: Explore the surreal, white-marbled city of Ashgabat, known for its monumental architecture, golden statues, and impressive parks. Visit the National Museum, Independence Park, and the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. Yangykala Canyon: Journey to the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia." This geological marvel, whose name translates to "fiery fortress," displays a mesmerizing array of red, yellow, ochre, purple, and white cliffs, with colors changing throughout the day. Ancient Merv: Step back in time at Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Silk Road cities. Explore the vast archaeological park, including the remains of medieval Sultan-Kala, the impressive Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, and the ancient city walls. Gonurdepe: Uncover the secrets of the Bronze Age at Gonurdepe, the capital of the ancient Margiana civilization. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into a forgotten world, with remnants of palaces, temples, and necropolises. Kunya Urgench: Discover another UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient city of Kunya Urgench. Once a major center of the Khorezm Empire, its monumental architecture includes soaring minarets, grand mausoleums, and other impressive structures from the 11th to 16th centuries.
Itinerary
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Arrival to the Ashgabat international airport. Tour guide will meet you with “Ak yol Travel " signboard at the meeting area and transfer to the hotel and check in. After breakfast excursion on mosque Ertugrul Gazi, which is one of the most beautiful Muslim mosques of Turkmenistan. It is the largest one in Ashgabat and can accommodate up to 5,000 people at the same time. It was built in Turkish style and named in honor of the father of Osman Empire’s first ruler. Then Monument of Independence. Lunch time. In the afternoon visit, “Nisa” was once the Capital of the Parthian Empire (under UNESCO Heritage). Continue with “Gypjak” Mosque.
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Early morning drive to Mary. On the way visit Seyit-Jemal-Ad-Din mosque, Ancient Abiverd. Upon arrival lunch and drive to 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. Returning to Mary. Dinner and overnight
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After breakfast excursion to an Ancient Merv– Merv, located at the former banks of the Murghab River, was the most important Silk Road hub in the region, and particularly thriving as regional capital under Seljuk governor Sanjar. Merv is the collective name of five urban centers that existed under various different names in different periods from the VI c BC up to the XVIII c AD. Then visit Mary museum. Drive back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival accommodation at the hotel and rest time.
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Today in the morning transfer to Ashgabat Airport for flight to Turkmenbashy at 06:20-07:20. Turkmenbashy (formerly Krasnovodsk) is a port city on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. It serves as a gateway to the sea and the western region of Turkmenistan. The city itself has a bustling port, beaches, and modern infrastructure, including the Avaza National Tourist Zone, a developing seaside resort. Then drive to Yangykala Canyon . Yangykala Canyon Often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," Yangykala Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder. The name "Yangykala" translates to "Fiery Fortress," and it's easy to see why. The canyon's sheer cliffs are a stunning mosaic of white, yellow, ocher, purple, and red rock formations, carved by wind and water over thousands of years. The best time to visit is during sunset, when the golden light transforms the landscape into a truly otherworldly scene. Activities in Yangykala Canyon typically include: Hiking and exploring the dramatic rock formations. Photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Camping on the plateau above the canyon to experience the breathtaking night sky. Visiting the "Crocodile Mouth," a unique rock formation. After visit Gozli Ata pilgrimage site. Gozli Ata Near Yangykala Canyon, you'll find the Gozli Ata Mausoleum, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Turkmenistan. Gozli Ata, meaning "All-Seeing Father," was a respected 14th-century Sufi teacher. His mausoleum, along with the nearby grave of his wife, is a site of great spiritual significance, surrounded by a large graveyard and set against a backdrop of stunning pink and red limestone formations. Visitors often stay overnight in a pilgrim house or camp nearby, making it a key stop on the journey through this remote region. Night at the pilgrimage house.
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Morning transfer to Turkmenbashi. Check in to the hotel. Free day on your own leisure at Caspian Sea.
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Breakfast is at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Ashgabat at 08:30/09:30. Lunch. After lunch drive to Darwaza in the Karakum desert, with visit of Erbent desert community on the way. Darwaza - The center of a gas-rich area in the heart of the Karakum desert attracts travelers from all over the world because of its unique burning crater that offers a particularly spectacular view in the dark. Enjoy BBQ style meal. Night at the yurta or tent.
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After breakfast drive to excursion to KunyaUrgench–owes its Unescoworld heritage status to the fact that it was an important Silk Road hub on the Oxus River, and capital of the Khorezm Empire (12th c AD), until its destruction by the armies of Dzhengis Khan. Several mausoleums, town wall remains, the tallest minaret in Central Asia and the KyrkMolla pilgrim mount reflect the various roles of this historical city, which was praised by historical figures such as Biruni and Avicenna, Al-Farabi and Al-Khorezmi. Visit mausoleums of II Arslan and SoltanTekesh, Nejmeddin Kubra, Soltan Ali, Turabek –Khanum (12th c), minaret of KutlugTimur, Mamun II. Transfer to Dashoguz airport for evening flight to Ashgabat at 21:50/22:40 (flight time could be changed). Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Night at the hotel.
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Breakfast is at the hotel. National Museum - Opened in 1998, the museum's 9 history halls houses the Turkmenistan’s major collection of artifacts discovered at various excavation sites in Turkmenistan. Lunch. Then drive to Akhalteke horse stable - A variety of Akhalteke private horse farms and stables can be visited for those that want to observe these gorgeous horses from a safe distance. Independence Park, this Park is one of the city’s attractions, embodying the spirit of modern Turkmenistan. Arch of Neutrality is a viewing platform. Farewell dinner. Night at the hotel.
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Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination
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