Turkmenistan: Craters, Canyons and Culture

BREAKFAST

Transfer to Dashoguz Airport

12:10 - Flight to Turkmenbashy

13:10 - Arrival in Turkmenbashy

Drive to one of the most picturesque natural sites in all Turkmenistan, Yangykala Canyon (170km, 3hrs).

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 horse’s graze. 

Enjoy a campfire dinner under the clear evening sky.

Overnight in tents in Yangykala Canyon.

BREAKFAST 

09:00 - drive to Serdar (400 km) . On the way visit:

Gozli Ata Mausoleum (67km, 2hrs). Gozli Ata (“All-Seeing Father”) was a well-respected 14th century Sufi saint who was killed during a Mongol invasion. His grave, along with the adjacent grave of his wife, is considered one of the holiest sites in Turkmenistan today. The Kemal Ata Cemetery was begun near their burial site and now surrounds their graves.

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.Ornament Kemal - Ata is stone educations, many of which are on canyon slopes.

Western Turkmenistan - Small and Big Balkhan. Big and Small Balkhan - ridges in the west of Turkmenistan, near the Caspian Sea, the mountains extended from the West on the East on 60 kilometers, width - 20 kilometers. The highest point - the mountain Arlan of 1880 meters above sea level. In a mountain landscape ridges, deserts, and mountain steppes dominate.

Parau Bibi this is the Mausoleum of Parau Bibi, which dates perhaps to the 11th century. It is now one of the most important centres of shrine pilgrimage in Turkmenistan. A legend surrounding the place, similar to the tales governing several other mountain shrines across Turkmenistan, is that Parau Bibi was a maiden of great virtue. When faced with the prospect of capture by an approaching enemy raiding party, Parau Bibi prayed that the mountainside should open up and take her, in order to preserve her honour. It did so, and the local people, so the story runs, built the mausoleum on that very spot.

Upon arrival Serdar town and check-in hotel

Night at the hotel.

BREAKFAST

09:00 - drive to Ashgabat (222 km). On the way visit:

Nohur (also known as Nokhur or Nokur) is a remote and picturesque village located in the Kopet Dag Mountains of southern Turkmenistan, near the border with Iran. Known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural traditions, Nohur offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely untouched by modernity.The village is nestled in a deep valley surrounded by rugged mountains, providing breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and terraced landscapes. Traditional stone houses with flat roofs and wooden beams characterize the architecture of Nohur, blending harmoniously into the surrounding environment. Narrow streets wind through the village, giving it a timeless and serene atmosphere.

Underground lake Kov-Ata, located 107 km from Ashgabat.The Turkmen name Kov-Ata means Father of Caves. At first glance, this underground space looks like a magnificent auditorium: the total length of the cave is 230 m, the height reaches 20 m, and the width in some places reaches 57 m.The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and the warm, gushing water is clear and emerald in color. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You should take a swim in the lake). 

Akhalteke Horse Farm the horse farm is located in the countryside area, behind the GeokDepe town, 55km. Excursion at the farm to see the Akhal Teke horse and Turkmen dog Alabay. Akhal-Teke horse farm – home to the world-famous Turkmen horses. Learn about the breeding traditions and history of Akhal-Teke horses. Here, experts will tell you about Akhal-Teke horses. Next to the farm, you can take a horseback ride through the gardens.

Upon arrival in Ashgabat and check-in hotel.

Night at the hotel

BREAKFAST

10:00 – Ashgabat sightseeing:

Independence Park if you once find yourself in Ashgabat, the city of love, white marble and thousands of fountains, you must visit the main park in the Turkmen capital - National Independence Park. This Park is one of the city’s attractions, embodying the spirit of modern Turkmenistan.

Arch of Neutrality used to stand on the main square of the country, but in 2011, was moved to Ashgabat’s outskirts. Still worth a visit, this multi-level structure is crowned by a sculpture of the former Turkmenistan´s President, Saparmurat Niyazov. Previously, the sculpture used to rotate after the sun, making a daily full turnover.

Alem center (Ferries Wheel). This gigantic, 95-metre-tall structure has a 17-metre spire on the top and represents a stepped pyramid. A 57-metre diameter casing on top of the building contains a Ferris wheel. Symbolizing the national jewellery called ‘gulyaka’, a sample of the ancient art of the Turkmen jewellers, the Ferris wheel represents the star of Oguz Khan, placed in a circle and framed by five carpet patterns. To date, it is the world's tallest Ferris wheel in an enclosed space; the monument was inscribed on the Guinness World Records in 2012. The building has six floors, including in two underground floors. People can use escalators to move from floor to floor or take lifts in the central hall of the building.

Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex located on a hill towering over the city, the Memorial Complex covers an area of 650 000 metres2. It includes the monument dedicated to World War II, the monuments to the heroes of World War II and the Battle of Gokdepe, and to the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. The Complex has a museum and a building for sadaqa on Day of Remembrance. The majestic stairs with rest areas leads to the monuments. The hill, on which the complex is located, has been turned into a magnificent park (431 000 m2) with blue spruces, cypress trees, lawns, flower beds, fountains and gazebos. There are alleys with original lamps and benches in the park, where people spend a lot of time admiring the beauty of this place, the panorama of a modern city or the natural landscapes of the Kopetdag Mountains.

14:00 – Head towards the Darvaza Gas Crater (270 km, 4-5 hours drive).

The Darvaza gas crater also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, officially the Shining of Karakum, is a burning natural gas field collapsed into a cavern near Darvaza, Turkmenistan. Hundreds of natural gas fires illuminate the floor and rim of the crater. The crater has been burning since 1971. You'll find the Darvaza mud crater perched almost conveniently close to the main highway - a mere 200-metre stroll away. The sheer cliffs of this crater proudly display layers of limestone deposits, with a diameter stretching 70 meters and a depth of around 20 metres. A further 24 km southward lies the Darvaza water crater. Much like its mud sibling, this crater is conveniently accessible from the main road – just 150 meters off the beaten track. It stretches 50 meters wide with steep walls leading to a water-filled basin 15 meters below ground level.

Dinner BBQ.

Night at the yurt.

BREAKFAST BBQ

09:00 - after breakfast drive to Ashgabat . Upon arrival in Ashgabat and check-in hotel. Rest time:

16:00 - drive to the Old and New Nisa and Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque

Old and New Nisa 18 km from the city of Ashgabat in the outskirts of Bagir village there is a unique ancient monument, the ruins of ancient settlement Nisa. It used to be the capital of Parthia which had existed from the third century B.C. to the third century A.D. The Historical complex includes two archeologic monuments - Old and New Nisa.

The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque eleven kilometers to the west of Ashgabat there stands one of the largest mosques in Central Asia and main mosque of Turkmenistan – The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. Like all other buildings of the period of independence it differs with its immensity and grandiosity.

Transfer to the Ashgabat International airport for flight to next destination.

We hope you enjoyed our service and hope you'll come back again.