CARAVANS OF THE TRAIN SILK ROAD: TURKMENISTAN
About tour
A 13-day, 12-night itinerary white Marble Architecture, Ancient Silk Road History, Desert Wonders, and Turkmen Culture. A combination of nights spent onboard the train (in private cabins/sleepers) and nights in hotels in key destination cities. Moderate to Fast, covering the country from the Caspian Sea to the Eastern deserts.
Itinerary
-
Arrival to Ashgabat international airport in the early morning by Turkish Airlines. Tour guide will meet you with “Ak yol travel” signboard at meeting area and transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival check in and overnight at the hotel. Breakfast is at the hotel. Ashgabat is a relatively young city in 25.05.2013 city was included Gunnies Book of records as a white marbled city on the world. City tour in Ashgabat with visits of Ertogrul Gazi Mosque it honors Ertogrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Independence Park, this Park is one of the city’s attractions, embodying the spirit of modern Turkmenistan and the "Book of Ruhnama."Arch of Neutrality is a viewing platform. Night at the hotel.
-
Morning visit to the National Museum and the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa (UNESCO). National Museum of History and Ethnography. The Museum was opened in November 1998. The museum has s rich collection of ancient artifacts from Turkmenistan. More than 500,000 exhibits are displayed here. It has 9 halls, each dedicated to a certain period or theme. The museum reveals the variety of Turkmenistan's landscape: its flora and fauna, fossils and rare geological finds. The Hall of Ancient History presents a collection of flint tools from the Mesolithic era (50 000 years B.C.), used by primitive people in Western Turkmenistan, along with Neolithic ceramics and ornaments from the first human settlements along the northern slopes of Kopet-Dag. There are objects made of clay and metal, semi-precious stones, witnessing tile high level of development of the early agricultural civilizations of Jeitun, AltynDepe, Namzga-Depe, Anau Depe etc. Nissa Historical Park - located on a natural high platform at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains. Nissa owes its importance to the early Parthian rulers, who took control of the area in the 3rd century. B.C. See the Turkmenbashi Mosque (Gypjak Mosque). In the afternoon transfer to the Railway station to board the to Mary (Kupe/4-berth). Departure from Ashgabat to Mary at 15:30. Today evening arrival Mary Railway station at 23:58. Upon arrival Mary and transfer to hotel. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
-
After breakfast drive to Ancient Merv. Ancient city of Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Spend the day exploring the vast ruins of this former Silk Road metropolis, including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum. Return to Mary city and check-in hotel. After dinner 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. Overnight at a hotel.
-
Today after breakfast you will travel to the one of the ancient and most prominent sites - Margush/ Gonurdepe that was existed in 5th center. This Bronze Age civilization is well known as Margush or from the Greek name of Margiana. Professor Viktor Sarianidi found this significant sight in the early 1970s. He was the leader of Margiana Archaeological Expedition. Moreover this place of Bronze Age was found beyond the northern edge of the modern oasis, where you can find the desert. Due to the climatic changes made this place uninhabited and due to it the ruins of the Bronze Age were well-preserved underneath the desert soils. The prominent site also has relation to that at Bactria that now situated in northern Afghanistan. Due to it can be said that the Bactria- Margiana complex was the main center of ancient civilization. In addition there is a theory that Margiana was the place where Zoroastrianism appeared.In the afternoon, we enjoy an immersive cultural experience at Gadymy Turkmen Ojak, an ethno guesthouse where we savor freshly baked Turkmen bread, witness traditional cuisine preparation, embroidery, wool spinning, and carpet making. We’ll also enjoy a folk-dance performance espacially organized for the group. Transfer to Mary train station, departure to Turkmenabat city at 21:17. Today midnight arrive at 02:21 Turkmenabat train station. Transfer to the hotel. Night at the hotel.
-
After breakfast drive to Dayahatyn Caravanserai the site is approximately 170 km from the city. The drive itself is part of the experience, traversing the route of the ancient Silk Road. Discover the remarkable 11th-12th century fortress-like structure, admiring its intricate brickwork and scale. Drive back to Turkmenabat. Return journey to the city. Have lunch in the city center. Visit Amul Fortress Ruins. Explore the ruins of the massive citadel (shahristan) that was the historical heart of the city of Amul, giving Turkmenabat its ancient roots on the Silk Road. The site is usually located on the outskirts of the modern city. Visit Turkmenabat Museum. Museum of Turkmenabat to see archaeological finds from Amul, textiles, natural history exhibits, and other cultural items of the Lebap region, providing context to the ruins you've seen. Transfer to the Turkmenabat railway station and departure to Ashgabat at 17:11. Night at the train
-
In the morning arrival Ashgabat railway station at 06:05. Local restaurant breakfast. Visit Carpet museum opened in 1994. It has a rich collection of Turkmen carpets from the medieval through to the 20th century, including over 1000 carpets from the 18th and 19th centuries and one of the biggest hand -made carpets in the world. Then visit 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. Transfer to Ashgabat railway station. Departure from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashy at 17:40. Overnight train.
-
Meet your 4x4 vehicle driver near the station at 08:02. Then drive to Yangykala Canyon. The drive will take approximately (160 km) 3.5 to 4 hours. Explore Yangykala Canyon. Popular viewpoints include the "Crocodile Mouth" outcrop, which offers panoramic views of the canyons' distinctive white, yellow, pink, and red rock formations. Lunch box at the canyon. You will visit Gozli Ata Mausoleum, about 50 km from Yangykala. It's a key pilgrimage site for Turkmen people. Night Gozli Ata pilgrimage house.
-
Start the day from the pilgrim guesthouse. A simple breakfast is typically offered at the guesthouse. Stop briefly at the nearby Kemal Ata Mausoleum, a smaller, revered pilgrimage site known for its unique rock formations. Drive to Turkmenbashy Begin the drive out of the canyons and along the main road towards the city of Turkmenbashy (formerly Krasnovodsk). The total driving distance from Gozli Ata to Turkmenbashy is approximately 157 km, which can take around 3 to 4 hours. Arrive at Turkmenbashy Railway Station. Departure from Turkmenbashy to Ashgabat at 14:50. Overnight train.
-
In the morning arrival Ashgabat Railway station at 05:35. Breakfast at the local restaurant. Visit “Halk Hakydasy” memorial complex. The Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex (which translates to "People's Memory" in Turkmen) is a significant national monument located in the southwestern part of Ashgabat. Visit Gulistan Bazaar (also known as the Russian Bazaar). Handmade Souvenirs: Look for items crafted by local artisans. This is a great way to find unique, authentic keepsakes. Enjoy your shopping experience at the Gulistan Bazaar! After transfer to Ashgabat Railway station. Departure from Ashgabat to Dashoguz at 16:50. Overnight train.
-
Early morning arrival Dashoguz Railway station at 04:45. Drive to Dashoguz hotel restaurant. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. 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 Kyrk Molla 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. Return to Dashoguz city. Dashoguz city tour. Night at the hotel.
-
After breakfast drive to the Darvaza (310 km, 5-6 hours). En route stop at some typical dunes of Garagum Desert to enjoy with photos. When the Soviet geologist drilled in 1971, he accidentally discovered an underground cave filled with natural gas. A piece of mud under the drilling device collapsed, leaving a large hole about 50-100 meters in diameter. In order to prevent the release of toxic gases, they decided to ignite the leaked natural gas. Dinner is in a picnic style. Overnight is at the tent or yurt.
-
After breakfast at the camp, you'll take one last look at the flaming crater before beginning the drive to Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. On the way, some tours may make stops at the nearby mud and water craters. Free time. Farewell Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
-
Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels on DBL/TWIN sharing
- Ashgabat - Ak Altyn Hotel 3* / Sport Hotel 4* - 2 nights
- Mary- Margush Hotel 3* / Mary Hotel 4* - 2 nights
- Dashoguz - Uzboy Hotel 3* / Dashoguz Hotel 4*- 1 night
- Turkmenabat - Jeyhun Hotel 3*- 1 night
- Darvaza - yurt - 1 night
- Gozli Ata - pilgrim house - 1 night
- Onboard the train - 4 nights
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver as per the program
- o 2 pax - Sedan car up to 4 seats “Toyota Camry, Kia, Hundai”
- o 4-6 pax – Minivan up to 7 seats “Toyota Siena, Toyota Haice”
- o 8-20 pax – Minibus “Toyota Coaster”
- 4,7,8,11 &12 Days 4 WD car
- English speaking local guide
- Daily 5 bottles of 0.5l water per person
- Full Board meals: 12 Lunches / 12 Dinners
- BBQ style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater
- Train tickets: Ashgabat-Mary, Mary-Turkmenabat, Turkmenabat-Ashgabat, Ashgabat-Turkmenbashy-Ashgabat, Ashgabat-Dashoguz
- BBQ style dinner and breakfast Gozli Ata pilgrim house
- Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs)
- Entrance fees to mentioned sights per program (excluding photo and video charges at sights)
- Visa support to Turkmenistan, registration and travel pass
- Porter services
- Handmade souvenir per person
Excluded
- Visa consular fees and processing expenses 80+15 USD per person, when obtained at land border (subject to change, nationality dependent)
- • Turkmenistan migration tax 14 USD per person
- • PCR nose test 33 USD (subject to change)
- • Photo and video charges at sights
- • An early check-in hotel
- • Beverages
- • International air tickets to / out of Ashgabat
- • Travel Insurance
- • Extras, not indicated in inclusions
Additional info
PRICING: 2026
Hotel 3*
2 pax - 2179 USD
4 pax - 2018 USD
6 pax - 1903 USD
8 pax - 1659 USD
10 pax -1662 USD
Single Supplement: 180 USD
Hotel 4*
2 pax - 2299 USD
4 pax - 2138 USD
6 pax - 2023 USD
8 pax - 1779 USD
10 pax -1782 USD
Single Supplement: 260 USD
Note:
Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
Set menu includes salad, soup, main course, bread, tea, coffee & water
We offer at Darvaza Gas Crater BBQ style menu
Barbecue (BBQ) or Shashlik: This is the most common and traditional offering. Our guide and driver will prepare "nomad-style kebabs" or grilled skewers (shashlik) over an open fire. Meats are usually lamb or chicken.
Meals are universally accompanied by fresh bread, salads, and sometimes roasted vegetables like potatoes or eggplant.
Dessert in the Desert: Turkmen Melons and watermelons: If traveling during the harvest season (late summer/early autumn), the famous, incredibly sweet Turkmen melon and watermelon is the country's most beloved natural dessert and is often served.
We also offer our customers our national Turkmen drinks: green tea, kefir/ayran, and fermented Camel Milk (Chal)
For breakfast, we offer boiled eggs, yogurt, fruits, jam, bread, tea, and coffee.
Vegetarian/Dietary Needs: Because meals are prepared in advance, you must inform our tour operator well ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies). They can usually accommodate with things like simple vegetable plov or grilled vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, sweet pepper).
Child policy:
Child 0-2 years old -No extra bed, free charge
Child 3-6 years old- with bed, 50 % charge of the tour cost
Child 7 years old and above -with bed 100 % charge of the tour cost
Payment:
Tour payment should be made not less than 10 days prior to tourist group arrival to our bank account as per sent invoice
Cansellation prior to 30 days - no charges apply
Cansellation prior to 29-20 days 50% charge of the tour price
Cansellation prior to 19-10 days - 100 % charge of the tour price
Notes:
If the traveler stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on a local Tourist Board
An express PCR test for Covid-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs 33 USD (subject to change)
Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures
Customer Support
We have a professional customer support team and always accompany you on every trip.