Turkmenistan Tour – 7 days

❖ Morning: Departure from Ashgabat

• Meet your guide and driver at your hotel in Ashgabat.

• After a short rest and refreshment at the hotel, begin the journey toward Yangykala Canyon by a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.

• Drive approximately 5–5 hours through desert plains and mountain landscapes.

• Short stops en route for:
  • Tea/coffee break
  • Restroom stop
  • Photo opportunities

❖ Afternoon: Yangykala Canyon Exploration

• Arrive at Yangykala Canyon
• Enjoy a picnic lunch or lunch at a local guesthouse (depending on arrangement).
• Guided walking tour along the canyon rim.
• Visit the main viewpoints overlooking the canyon and the surrounding desert.
• Free time for photography and relaxation.

❖ Evening: Sunset at Yangykala & Overnight

• Watch the sunset over Yangykala Canyon, when the cliffs change color from white to pink and red.
• Time for panoramic photos and quiet enjoyment of nature.
• Dinner at the Canyon

Overnight at the “Nebitchi” hotel in Balkanabat

❖ Morning: Return Drive to Ashgabat

• Breakfast en route in Balkanabat.
• Meet your guide and driver.
• Begin the return journey to Ashgabat by a comfortable vehicle
• Drive approximately 5–5 hours with short stops for:
  • Tea/coffee break
  • Restroom stop
  • Photo opportunities

❖ Afternoon: Lunch & Ashgabat City Highlights

• Arrival in Ashgabat.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Begin city sightseeing tour, including:
  • Independence Monument
  • Neutrality Arch
  • Olympic Complex (photo stop)
  • Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (exterior visit)
  • National Museum (optional)

❖ Evening: Leisure Time & Overnight in Ashgabat

• Visit city parks and fountains.
• Free time for souvenir shopping at a local bazaar or shopping center.
• Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Overnight at the “Ak Altyn” hotel in

❖ Morning: Departure from Ashgabat

• Meet your guide and driver at your hotel in Ashgabat.
• Lunch at a local café.
• Begin the journey north into the Karakum Desert in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
• Drive approximately 4–5 hours through vast desert landscapes.
• Short stops en route for:
  • Tea/coffee break
  • Restroom stop
  • Photo opportunities

❖ Afternoon: Desert Exploration

• Arrive in the Darvaza area.
• Stop to visit the two smaller natural craters in the area:
  • The Mud Crater
  • The Water Crater
• Short walking tour and time for photography.
• Rest and preparation for evening crater visit.

❖ Evening: Darvaza Gas Crater & Overnight Stay

• Arrive at the main Darvaza Gas Crater (also known as the Door to Hell).
• Your camp (yurts or tents) will be ready upon arrival.
• Sunset: Watch the crater’s flames grow more intense as the sun sets. Walk around the perimeter for panoramic photos.
• Dinner: Enjoy a campfire dinner, often featuring traditional shashlik (BBQ), under a sky full of stars and the glow of the crater.

Overnight

• Sleep in a traditional yurt or tent at the desert camp. Basic bathroom and washing facilities are available

❖ Morning: Desert Breakfast & Drive to Ashgabat

• Early breakfast at the desert camp near

Darvaza Gas Crater.

• Meet your guide and driver.
• Begin the return journey to Ashgabat by a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
• 4–5 hours drive, with short stops for tea/coffee, restroom breaks, and photos.

❖ Afternoon: Historical & Cultural Visits

• Arrival in Ashgabat.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Begin sightseeing tour:
  • Old Nisa — UNESCO-listed ancient Parthian fortress and archaeological site.
  • Russian Bazaar (Gulistan Bazaar) — explore local markets, buy souvenirs, spices, traditional crafts, and interact with locals.

❖ Evening: Modern Landmark & Dinner

• Visit Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center (Alem Ferris Wheel) — see the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel, panoramic city views, and modern architecture.
• Dinner at a traditional Turkmen restaurant in Ashgabat.

Overnight at the “Ak Altyn” hotel in

❖ Morning: Drive from Ashgabat to Mary
• Early breakfast at the hotel in Ashgabat.
• Meet your guide and driver.
• Departure to Mary by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
• Approx. 4–5 hours drive (≈350 km) with short stops for tea/coffee, restrooms, and photos of desert landscapes.

❖ Afternoon: Ancient Merv Exploration (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Arrival in Mary.
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Mary.
• Drive to the archaeological park of Ancient Merv.
• Guided sightseeing tour of the ancient city ruins:
o Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum — masterpiece of Seljuk architecture and symbol of medieval Merv.
o Gyaur Kala — remains of one of the oldest fortified cities.
o Erk Kala — the earliest citadel of ancient Merv civilization.
o Kyz Kala (Big & Small) — unique mud-brick fortress palaces.
o Ancient city walls and irrigation systems — learn about Merv as a key Silk Road center.

❖ Evening: Mary City & Dinner
• Return to Mary city.
• Short city orientation tour:
o Local bazaar and central square.
o Views of modern Mary and the surrounding green parks.
• Dinner at a traditional Turkmen restaurant.

Overnight at the “Margush” hotel in Mary.

❖ Morning: Drive from Mary to Ashgabat
• Early breakfast at the hotel in Mary.
• Meet your guide and driver.
• Departure to Ashgabat by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
• Approx. 4–5 hours drive (≈350 km) with short stops for tea/coffee, restrooms, and photos of desert landscapes.

❖ Afternoon: Akhal-Teke Horse Stable & Traditional Yurt Lunch
• Arrival in Ashgabat.
• Visit to the Akhal-Teke Horse Stable.
• Guided tour of the stable and introduction to the famous Akhal-Teke horses — the pride of Turkmenistan.
• Opportunity to take photos and learn about horse breeding traditions.

Traditional lunch in a Turkmen yurt:
o National dishes such as plov, dograma, fresh bread, and dairy products.
o Experience Turkmen nomadic culture and hospitality.

❖ Evening: Ashgabat City Highlights
• Transfer to the hotel and check-in.
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit modern shopping and entertainment centers:
o Berkarar Shopping & Entertainment Center.
o Ashgabat Mall.
o Altyn Asyr Shopping Center.

Time for shopping and souvenirs:
o Turkmen carpets and handicrafts.
o Silk scarves and traditional textiles.
o Akhal-Teke, the horse souvenirs and jewelry.

Overnight at the “Ak Altyn” hotel in

• Morning: After a final breakfast, a later check-out, your guide will accompany you to the Ashgabat International Airport for your departure and ensure the departure process is smooth. End of Turkmenistan tour!