FOOD TOUR TO TURKMENISTAN 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS

Start your day visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Drive to visit the biggest Mosque in Central Asia Ruhy Mosque. Drive to Kopetdag mountains. Discover on the way Kov Ata cave lake & Ahal Teke private horse farm. Visit the Kov-Ata underground lake. Kow-Ata, Bakharden Lake is a natural underground lake. The name translated from Turkmen means “father of caves”. Located 100 kilometres from Ashgabat, the water temperature is from +33 to +38 ° C all year round. Visit the Nokhur cemetery with goat-horned tombstones. Explore hidden waterfalls and scenic landscapes.Cooking Class: Participate in a cooking workshop to learn how to make Manti (steamed dumplings filled with minced lamb or beef) and chorva (a rich meat-based soup). These are common dishes in Turkmen homes Nokhur village. Night at the Guest House

Early morning drive to Mary Region. On the way visit Seyitjemaleddin mosque (XV c). Visit important cities of Northern Khorasan is a medieval settlement Abiverd. Visit Mary's local bazaar “Maru-Shahu-Jahan” and try samsa (a savory pastry filled with meat, pamkin or spinach). Lunch: Enjoy a rich stew made with lamb, chickpeas, and vegetables. It’s slow-cooked for hours, making it flavorful and tender. Return to your hotel in Mary and enjoy a light dinner of Turkmen salads and Laghman (hand-pulled noodles with vegetables and meat, typically served with a rich broth). Night at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Sakarchage village. Visit local Carpet fabric. Then visit local house. You will see family animals’ camels, ships and cows. You can try camel milk. Chal (chal) is a slightly carbonated fermented camel milk drink.Agaran is a drink made from camel milk and sourdough which is stirred occasionally as it is left for two days in a dark place. Try Turkmen fresh bread with local honey and tea. Turkmen also love a meat with vegetables. Learn traditional meal Gazanlama (kazanlama) is meat cooked over hot coals. Return to Mary city. Night at the hotel.

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. Visit Mary Region museum. In the evening transfer to Mary airport, then flight to Ashgabat city. Upon arrival and check-in hotel. Enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner of Kebab and freshly made Lavash with salads. Night at the hotel.

Breakfast is at the hotel. City tour in Ashgabat with visits of Ertogrul Gazi Mosque it honors Ertogrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Lunch at a local restaurant: a soup made with noodles, meat, and vegetables with a refreshing glass of Ayran (a salty yogurt drink) or Turkmen tea. 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. Dinner Gazanlama (kazanlama) is meat cooked over hot coals. End the meal with a refreshing Ayran (a salty yogurt drink) or Turkmen tea. Night at the yurta or tent.

Drive to Kunyaurgench. Excursion to Kunya Urgench – Kunya Urgench owes its Unesco world 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. Lunch local restaurant dograma is a dish made from boiled meat, onions and pieces of flaky bread. The ingredients are mixed together and covered in a hot broth. Transfer to Dashoguz airport then flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival and visit local restaurant Kopetdag. Unash soups (bean soup with noodles) are very popular as a Turkmen national food. Gatyk is served in almost every restaurant. This thick kefir can be eaten with soup. Check-in hotel. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Carpet Museum was established in 1993 to preserve and develop the traditions of Turkmen carpet weaving. More than two thousand carpets made by hand are awaiting to amaze their visitors. Both ancient and modern carpets are on display here, including one of 301 square meters that entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest of the world. visit the Eastern bazaar "Altyn Asyr" (Tolkuchka). The Eastern Bazaar is the first largest market in Ashgabat and Turkmenistan and the 5th largest in Central Asia as there are over 2,155 stores. This bazaar was also built in a carpet-like pattern of the Akhal velayat, a vast territory of 154 hectares. Farewell dinner traditional Turkmen folklore show and foods. Night at the hotel.

Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination