Turkmenistan Escapade: A Round-Trip Adventure

Turkmenistan is one of the bizarre and least explored countries in Central Asia, mainly because of the dictatorship rule of Saparmurat Niyazov - Turkmenbashi (father of all the Turkmen). Though he passed away in 2006 many of his golden statues can still be seen in Ashgabat and all over the country. But Turkmenistan is also an ancient land, situated along the ancient Silk Road and here you can enjoy natural phenomena, ancient ruins and warm hospitality.

Highlights:
♦ Ashgabat - the capital impresses with marble buildings, golden domes and vast parks and squares with numerous fountains
♦ The ancient ruins of Merv and Kunya Urgench
♦ Darvaza Fire Gas Crater - called the Door to Hell

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Ashgabat.
Arrival in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel for an overnight.

Day 2. Ashgabat
Sightseeing in Ashgabat: the capital's parks and squares, Neutrality Arch, Ertogrul Gazi mosque. Drive to the archaeological site of Nisa. Nisa was the first capital of Parthians and served as a barrier to the Roman Empire's expansion. After that visit to Turkmenbashi spiritual mosque and mausoleum in Kipchak. Overnight in Ashgabat. Back to the hotel for overnight. B/-/-

Day 3. Ashgabat - Nokhur
Drive into the direction of Nohur, visit first to Geok Depe Mosque and onwards to the Kopetdag Mountains, and stop in Kow Ata underground lake. In Nohur, visit to tribal cemetery, Kyz Bibi and make a short hike in the mountains near the village. Overnight in tents in the mountain. B/-/D

Day 4. Nohur - Ashgabat
Affter camp style breakfast return to Ashgabat. Check-in to hotel. Afternoon at leisure.Overnight at hotel. B/-/-

Day 5. Ashgabat - Darvaza
Half-day city tour including visits to Anau mosque ruins, Ahalteke horse stables, Carpet Museum and (Sunday) bazaar. Transfer to Darwaza in the Karakum desert, visit Erbent desert community on the way. Set up camp. Camp dinner and overnight in yurt. B/-/D

Day 6. Darvaza - Dashoguz
Drive to Kunya Urgench historical site, protected by UNESCO. Visit the ruins of the mausoleums of Il Arslan from 12th c., Sultan Tekesh from 12th c., Turebeck Khanym from 14th c., minaret of Kutluk Timur from 14th.Transfer to Dashoguz for overnight. B/-/-

Day 7. Dashoguz - Mary
Morning city tour in Dashoguz, including visit to local bazaar. Transfer to the airport for early afternoon flight to Mary. In the afternoon visit to the historical site of Merv - one of the famous cities on the ancient Silk Road. Among the ruins you will see Sultan Kala, Sultan Ahmad Sanjar mausoleum, Gyz Kala castle, Yusuf Hamadany shrine etc. Return to Mary for overnight. B/-/-

Day 8. Mary - Ashgabat
Morning drive to Gonur Depe Bronze Age site. Excursion. Return to Mary around 1600h.Visit the History museum of Merv region. Transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel. B/-/-

Day 9. Departure
Transfer to the airport for the flight back home.

Price Includes:
Visa support (Letter of Invitation,State Registration,Travel Pass)
Road transport in private air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation based on shared double hotel room,including breakfast
Accommodation based on shared trekking tent (incl. sleeping mat,sleeping bag and pillow),including breakfast
Fixed lunch and dinners (2 dinners) in locations where no public dining options are available,where meals need to be pre-arranged
Bottled water 1,5 ltr

Not Included:
Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person,when obtained at Ashgabat Airport (subject to change; nationality dependent)
Turkmenistan migration tax 10+4 USD per person,to be paid at Ashgabat Airport (subject to change)
English-speaking guide-interpreter services (GIT: escort guide,also on transfers; FIT local guides)
Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the programm
Photo/video fees at historical sites and museums
Tips for local guide(s) and/or driver(s)

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