6 Days 5 Nights Turkmenistan Tour

BREAKFAST

09:00 -you will meet your guide and then begin your journey.

Nisa Fortress, located near Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. The site comprises the ruins of two ancient fortresses, Nisa and Old Nisa, which were pivotal in the region during the Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD). Nisa was a prominent center for the Parthian dynasty, serving as a royal residence and a key military stronghold. The site is believed to have been established in the 3rd century BC and showcases a blend of Persian and Hellenistic architectural styles, reflecting the cultural exchanges of the time. It was also an important hub for trade along the Great Silk Road, linking East and West.

Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (also known as the Gypjak Mosque) is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, located in Gypjak, a village near Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. It was commissioned by Saparmurat Niyazov, the first president of Turkmenistan. The mosque covers an area of 18,000 square meters and can accommodate around 10,000 worshippers at a time. Its central dome reaches a height of 55 meters, while the minarets are 91 meters tall, representing the year 1991, when Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union. Design built primarily from white marble, which is commonly used in Ashgabat, the mosque reflects a blend of traditional Islamic and Turkmen styles. The interior is adorned with intricate patterns, including calligraphy from the Quran.

Akhalteke Horse Farm the horse farm is located in the countryside area, behind the Geokdepe town, 55km. Excursion at the farm to see the AkhalTeke 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.

Gokdepe Mosque is a significant religious and historical landmark located in Gokdepe. Built in the 1990s, it is sometimes referred to as the Saparmyrat Haji Mosque in honour of his pilgrimage to Mecca.The mosque is an impressive architectural work, combining elements of modern Islamic design with traditional Central Asian styles. Its white marble facade reflects Turkmenistan’s national preference for this material, which can be seen in many of the country’s modern structures. The mosque is adorned with four minarets, tall and slender, framing a central dome that rises prominently above the building. The dome itself is striking, often described as sparkling turquoise or blue, which is a testament to the mosque’s name ‘Gokdepe’, which means ‘blue hill’ in Turkmen.

Kowata (Kow-Ata) is a natural underground lake located within the Kow-Ata Cave in Turkmenistan, known for its warm, sulfur-rich waters that are reputed to have therapeutic qualities. It lies about 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Ashgabat, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The water in Kowata remains warm year-round at a consistent temperature of about 35-37°C (95-98°F). The lake is rich in minerals like sulfur, which gives the water a slight medicinal odor, believed to help treat certain skin and respiratory conditions.

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.

Night at the hotel.

BREAKFAST

08:00 - drive to Mary Region 350 km. On the way visit:

Altyn Asyr Bazaar, also known as the Tolkuchka Bazaar, is the largest and most vibrant market in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Situated on the outskirts of the city, the bazaar has become a hub for commerce and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Turkmen life.The Altyn Asyr Bazaar traces its roots back to the Soviet era when Tolkuchka (meaning “pushy” in Russian) was a small market where people gathered to trade goods. Over time, the market expanded in size and importance, and in 2011, a new, modernized version of the bazaar was opened under the name “Altyn Asyr.” The new structure replaced the old market, covering an area of more than 150 hectares, making it one of the largest outdoor markets in Central Asia.

Seyitjemaleddin Mosque. Located in the city of Anau, 12 km east of Ashgabat along the Ashgabat-Mary highway. The Seyit-Jemallidin Mosque is a complex structure that once included a mosque, madrasah and the mausoleum of Sheikh Jemal ad-Din.On the Turkmen land the famous Seyit-Jemallidin mosque, widely known as “Seyit-Jemal ad-Din”, a well-known monument that preserves the unique architectural traditions and artistic styles of the Iron Age. The monument was built in the 15th century during the reign of Abul Qasim Babur, a Timurid descendant in Khorasan. This mosque amazed many Muslim architects of the East with its external beauty and architectural features.

Abiverd one of the most important cities of Northern Khorasan is a medieval settlement Abiverd. Hafiz-i-Abru said that Abiverd settlement consisted of dozens of villages and several cities. The city wall is a rectangular area of 42 hectares.There also were found ancient coins, ceramics products of IX-XII centuries, as well as a lot of metal handicrafts: various women's jewelries, buckles. According by them, we can say that there were shops of jewelers and tinkers. During the excavations archeologists found huge wells and reservoirs, indicating a highly-developed irrigation of Abiverd. The first investigation was took place in 1928 under the lidership A.A. Semenov, who first made a plan of the city, citadel and remains of the city wall. In addition to Semenov’s scientific works, there are also archeological materials collected by the members of the expedition from different parts of Abiverd.

The Nedir Shakh fortress was built by Nedir-Shah order in the XVIII-th century. The fortress was surrounded by moat. The southern wall of this historical monument was damaged, however the other walls have been preserved to our days.In the northern corner of the fortress one can see a hill 10 meters high. From the top of this hill the whole fortress and its surroundings could be seen. In the middle of the fortress there are the ruins of the palace. About 22 kilometers to the north of Kaahka region in the collective farm named after A. Tahirov, there is the fortress of the great ruler Nedir-Shah. The fortress was built by the order of Nedir-Shah himself in the XVIII-th century.

Upon arrival in Mary city and  check-in hotel.

Night at the hotel.

BREAKFAST 

08:00 - drive to Margush/Gonurdepe historical site. Located approx. 90 km from Mary city. 

Gonurdepe 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.

15:00 - visit Ancient Merv historical site:

Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum most majestic architectural monument of Merv is Sultan Sanjar mausoleum called "Dar-al-Akhir" ("Otherworld"). His whole appearance it represents the highest achievements and flourishing Seljuk power. Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum is located in the center of the settlement Sultan Kala. Nearby are large monumental buildings - the palaces of Seljuk rulers and a mosque.

Great and Less Kiz fortress small fortresses with corrugated, if folded in the crease, napodobye accordion, walls. They put on the earthen ramps with mild slope. Small windows are hidden in the folds of the walls. At the top of the wall terminate toothed battlements, which are almost did not survive.

Gyaur Kala fortress In Turkic languages, "Gyaur" means "infidel", referring to those who do not practise Islam. The name of the fortress in ancient Merv, Gyaur-Kala - "Fortress of the Infidels" - was given by the Arabs who conquered it in the early 8th century. However, the fortress itself dates back much earlier, to the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

Erk-Kala fortress was the center of ancient Merv. The fortifications of Erk-Kala have sagged under earth drifts but nevertheless, have preserved their height and power. This distinguishes Erk-Kala from other fortresses. Now the height of the fortifications with steep slopes and precisely cut out towers reaches 25 - 29 m.

Gadymy Turkmen Ojak an ethno guesthouse where we savor freshly baked Turkmen bread, witness traditional cuisine preparation, embroidery, wool spinning. We’ll also enjoy a folk-dance performance espacially organized for the group.

Night at the hotel.

BREAKFAST

09:00 - you will start tour in Mary city.

Monument to the poet Mollanepes. The monument  located in the center of Mary city. He lived in the 19th century.

Maru-Shahu-Jahan bazaar. Located in the center of Mary city, near the Murgab River. Maru-Sahu-Jahan bazaar is a local shopping center, offering a glimpse into everyday Turkmen life with lively shops selling produce, textiles, and household goods. Visits are usually to experience the local culture, atmosphere, and to purchase souvenirs of national handicrafts.

Mary Regional Library opened in 2011.The Mary Regional Library of Turkmenistan is the main cultural, educational, and research center on the Mary River. It serves as a large book depository with over three million copies, housing nine reading rooms, a museum of Turkmen books, and an observatory. This library serves 600 readers at a time. It is known for its unique tulip-shaped dome, which houses an observatory with a powerful telescope.

The History Museum in Mary houses an extensive collection of approximately 40,000 exhibits, showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. Covering an area of 10,000 square metres, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into the country's history through the ages. Founded in 1968 as the Mary Historical and Revolutionary Museum, the first exhibition opened in 1974. In 2010, the museum moved to a new building in the shape of an eight-pointed star, with a magnificent fountain at its centre. Statues of prominent Turkmen historical figures adorn the entrance. The exhibition area covers 4,000 square metres in six halls.

The Pokrovskaya Church in Mary, Turkmenistan is a historic, red-brick Orthodox church built in 1900. Located in the center of the city, it is a model of early 20th-century Russian colonial architecture with ornate, detailed brickwork.

After excursion drive to Ashgabat city (350 km, 3-4 h).

Upon arrival in Ashgabat and check-in hotel.

Night at the hotel.

BREAKFAST 

09:00 - you will start tour:

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.

Then drive to Darvaza in the Karakum desert (280 km), along the way visiting the Erbent desert community.

Darvaza, the center of a gas-rich area in the heart of the Karakum Desert, attracts travelers from all over the world with its unique burning crater, which offers especially spectacular views in the dark.

Farewell dinner is served in a yurt. Return to Ashgabat after dark (slow driving).

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