TURKMENISTAN HIGHLIGHTS WITH YEKEGOWAK CAVE

After breakfast, transfer to Ashgabat Domestic Airport for a flight to Mary at 06:30-07:10. Upon arrival in Mary, drive to the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities on the Silk Road. Explore the historical monuments of Merv, including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Greater and Lesser Kyz Gala, and Erk Gala. Short walking tour within the central part of Mary City which has The Regional Mosque of Mary Province, The Central Theater of Mary, The Convention & Conference Center “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, Central Park & Monument of Mollanepes-the National Classic Poet who lived in Mary in XVIII-XIXcc. Check into your hotel in Mary. Night at the hotel.

Today after an early breakfast, you will drive to the remote area of Tagta-Bazar. On the way visit Talkhatan Baba Mosque. The Talkhatan Baba Mosque is located at 43 kilometers southeast of the city of Mary. Talkhatan Baba Mosque dates back to the XIth century. Its value lies in the good preservation of the monument. For some unknown reason, the Mongols did not destroy Dalgatan, as this city is called by historians and geographers of those times. The mausoleum of Talkhatan baba, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture, impresses with its balance and harmony of proportions, the skill of brickwork, brought to virtuosity. The first scientific description of the mosque was given by V.A. Zhukovsky in the 1890s.In the 1950s, it was surveyed in detail by the architect A.M. Pribytkova. Then drive to Yekegowak Cave. The drive is long and strenuous, taking several hours over rugged terrain. Upon reaching the site, explore the unique Yekedeshik Cave complex. Your guide will show you the two-tiered labyrinth of over 44 rooms, the ancient water collection system, and the mysterious altar-like niche. After a packed lunch and a thorough exploration of the cave, you will begin the long journey back to Mary. Night at the hotel.

Today drive to Ashgabat. On the way visit Abiverd fortress. It is historically significant heritage on the same level with other eight reserves of the country: Kunya-Urgench, Nissa, Merv, Dakhistan. The fort has important role for people in order to protect. It had only one door from south side. Moreover, there were a mosque of early 15th century near the central square of the fort, popular in Turkmenistan. Then visit Seyit Jemaletdin mosque, dating back to XV century. In the result of Ashgabat earthquake, the mosque was destroyed, but later it was perfectly reconstructed. Today, on the front of the building you can see the writing telling that this monument was erected under Abul-Kasim Babur, Temurid prince who lead Khorasan during 1447- 1457. Moreover, there are fantastic dragon images on decorating facade arch. After lunch you will begin the long drive through the Karakum Desert. En route, you'll see the diverse desert landscape and possibly stop at a local village. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Door to Hell." Enjoy a barbecue dinner and spend the evening watching the spectacular flaming crater as the sun sets. Night in a tent or yurt camp near the crater.

Enjoy a desert breakfast and have one last look at the crater. Drive north to the city of Kunya-Urgench, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historical monuments of Kunya-Urgench, including the Kutlug Timur Minaret, the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh. After sightseeing, transfer to Dashoguz. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Dashoguz Airport for a domestic flight back to Ashgabat at 07:50-08:40. Upon arrival, you will have free time for last-minute souvenir shopping at the local bazaar. You might also have time to visit other Ashgabat attractions like the Carpet Museum or the Alem Center with its indoor Ferris wheel. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Night at the hotel.

Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination