Things to do in Turkmenistan

Route: Shawat (Uzbek Border)–Kunya Urgench–Darwaza Crater–Ashgabad–Anau–Mary–Merv–Farab (Uzbek Border)-Bukhara Day 1: Shavat–Kunya Urgench–Darwaza Crater List of Monuments: - Caravansaray - Mamun Minaret - Arslan II Mausoleum - Sultan Takash Mausoleum - Kutlug Timur Minaret - Turabek Hanum Minaret - Transfer to Darwaza Crater - Visit Crater “Door of Hell” Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Kunya Urgench (1.5-hours). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench, visit listed monuments and the Academy of Horezm. Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (6-hour, 300-kilometers). The Crater is also called "The Door to Hell." In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. Dinner and overnight at the Gas Crater. Day 2: Darwaza Crater–Ashgabat List of Monuments: - Carpet Museum - Presidential Palace - Ruhyyet Palace - Wedding Palace - “Yildyz” Hotel - Ferris Wheel - Constitution Monument - Arch of Neutrality - Independence Complex - Ertogrul Gazy Mosque Have breakfast and then drive to Ashgabat (5-hour, 280-kilometers). Visit Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik, and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of the cultural centers of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpets, including rare ones, are exhibited. In the afternoon you will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat the “White Marbled City”. You will see the Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, the modern “Yildyz” Hotel, the Ferris Wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, and Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities. Stay overnight in Ashgabat. Day 3: Ashgabat–Mary List of Monuments: - Mary Bazaar - Abiwerd Complex - Anau Mosque - Russian Ortodox Church Have breakfast at the hotel. In the morning drive to Mary (5-hour, 360-kilometers). Visit the ruins of Seyitjemalledin Mosque in Anau. The mosque was built in 1456 when Abu-ibn-Kasim Baber Bahadurkhan ruled in Khorasan (1446-1457). Construction of the mosque was financed by Bahadurkhan’s vizier, Muhammed Hudaidot, who also selected a site of construction–near the grave of his father, sheik Jemaleddin, a native of Anau. On the way visit Abiwerd, a trading town. Also, visit Mary Bazaar and the Russian Orthodox church (one of the oldest in Turkmenistan). Day 4: Mary–Merv–Farab–Bukhara List of Monuments: - Ancient Merv - Kyz Gala Fortresses (VI-VII) - Askhabs’ Complex (VIII-XIV) - Erk Gala Fortress (VI BC) - Gyaur Gala (IV BC) - Hamadani Complex - Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum - Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum Have breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Merv to explore ancient Merv, one of the most important capitals of Islam. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes the mentioned monuments in the list above. After sightseeing, drive to the Uzbek border (4-hour, 260-kilometers). Border cross and meet with our driver. Transfer to Bukhara.

Route: Shawat (Uzbek Border)–Kunya Urgench–Darwaza Crater–Ashgabat Day 1: Shavat–Kunya Urgench–Darwaza Crater List of Monuments: -Caravansaray -Mamun Minaret -Arslan II Mausoleum -Sultan Takash Mausoleum -Kutlug Timur Minaret -Turabek Hanum Minaret Transfer to Darwaza Crater -Visit Crater “Door of Hell” Description. Pick-up from your hotel/railway station/airport of Urgench or Khiva. Transfer to Turkmenistan border, Shavat check-point. Cross the border. Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Kunya Urgench (1.5h). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit listed monuments and Academy of Horezm. Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (6h, 300km). The Crater is also called as "The Door to Hell". In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. Dinner & overnight at Gas Crater. Night in Darwaza Crater ------------------------------------------------------------ Day 2: Darwaza Crater–Ashgabat List of Monuments: -Carpet Museum -Presidential Palace -Ruhyyet Palace -Wedding Palace -“Yildyz” Hotel -Ferries Wheel -Constitution Monument -Arch of Neutrality -Independence Complex -Ertogrul Gazy Mosque Description. Breakfast. Drive to Ashgabat (280km, 5h). Visit Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen carpet museum is one of the cultural centers of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. Afternoon you will have Ashgabat city tour. In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat “White Marbled City”. You will see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities. Night in Ashgabat Another day transfer to airport. End of services. If you need transfer to Khiva or Bukhara get in touch.

Route: Shawat (Uzbek Border) – Kunya Urgench – Darwaza Crater – Shawat (Uzbek Border). As an end point, you can choose Ashgabat. Day 1: Shavat – Kunya Urgench – Darwaza Crater List of Monuments: - Caravansaray - Mamun Minaret - Arslan II Mausoleum - Sultan Takash Mausoleum - Kutlug Timur Minaret - Turabek Hanum Minaret Transfer to Darwaza Crater and visit the “Door of Hell”. Overnight at the Darwaza Crater. Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Koneurgench (1.5 hours). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, and Turabek Hanum Mausoleum. Afternoon drive to Darvaza burning Gas Crater (6 hours), a top international tourist destination. The area is rich in natural gas. Burning for more than 50 years, Darvaza Gas Crater shines like a pearl in the middle of the Karakum desert. Besides Darvaza Gas Crater, you will also see water and mud craters. One of the most vivid and addictive features of this trip is the fresh air of the desert and experiencing the nomadic life in person. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater hits the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and have dinner. This unique landscape will fascinate you and you will want to come again. Day 2: Darwaza - Dashoguz/Shavat (Uzbek Border) Picnic-style breakfast. Drive to the Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat” (5 hours).

Route: Shawat (Uzbek Border)–Kunya Urgench–Shawat (Uzbek Border) Route: Shavat–Kunya Urgench–Shavat List of Monuments: -Caravansaray -Mamun Minaret -Arslan II Mausoleum -Sultan Takash Mausoleum -Kutlug Timur Minaret -Turabek Hanum Minaret Transfer to Darwaza Crater Description. Pick-up from your hotel/railway station/airport of Urgench or Khiva. Transfer to Turkmenistan border, Shavat check-point. Cross the border. Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Kunya Urgench (1.5h). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit listed monuments and Academy of Horezm. Afternoon drive to Shavat Border. Cross the border. Meeting by our driver and transfer to Urgench/Khiva. End of tour.

Day 1: Dashoguz - Koneurgench - Darvaza Meet the guide at Dashoguz border of Turkmenistan, The meeting time (with guide) depends on what time you cross the border. Upon arrival to the border point go through custom procedures and drive to Koneurgench province historical reserve. Тhe trip will take approximately 1,5 hours by car. -KoneUrgench (UNESKO 2005) ancient capital of Khorezm. Visit mausoleums of II Arslan and SoltanTekesh, Nejmeddin Kubra, Soltan Ali, Turabek –Khanum (12th c), the mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, the Kutlug Timur Minaret and etc. 15.00 trip to Darvaza – Gas Crater, which is a huge flaming crater located 270 km (4-5 hours). In the evening, enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater. Visit the Gas Crater. In order to truly enjoy this end of the world, it is best to arrive at the Gate after the sunset. Stay in a camp with tasty catering – dinner at picnic style. Overnight at the camp in the yurt. Day 2, Darvaza – Ashgabat 06.00 - Early morning breakfast at the camp. 07.00 - departure from the camp, travel time is 4 hours, distance 270 km Before reaching Ashgabat we can visit the Eastern Bazaar (at your request), shopping and buying national souvenirs - all of them handmade things. 12:00 - Arrival in Ashgabat. Transfer to the 4-star Sport hotel, check in and short rest 14:00 Ashgabat City Tour starts with the historical monument “Old Nisa” fortress (1hour), which was the capital of the Parthian Empire (since 2007 under the protection of UNESCO) After excursions in Old Nisa fortress, a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, - Ashgabat city tour includes – (full day tour) - The Old Nisa fortress - Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mausoleum and Mosque -The highest flagpole in the world at 133 meters –(in the Guinness Book) The size of the giant cloth ofthe State Flag of Turkmenistan is 52x35 m, weight – 420 kg. - Olimpic city (in the Guinness Book) -Monument and park of Independence, - Magtymguly monument and park -Ferris wheel (in the Guinness Book) you can ride on, -Earthquake victims complex, -Wedding palace - International Airport (in the Guinness Book) - Ertogrul Gazy (Turkish) mosque – Evening visit to one of the city's shopping and entertainment centers – Berkarar, Arkach and etc. evening departure from the Ashgabat to Mary city. Distance 350 km, 3 hours of journey. 23.00 -00:00 Overnight at the hotel. Day 3, Mary\Merv – Farap border Early morning breakfast at the Hotel 8:30-10.00 - visit an Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. Erk-kala (VI century BC), Gyaur-kala (III century), Kyz-kala (VI century), Sultan-kala (XI century), Abdullakhan-kala (XV century), Bairamalikhan-kala (presumably eighteenth century). 10.00 - Drive (by car) to the Lebap province , to Farap border 15.00 – arrival to Farap border point. Crossing border. End of the tour.

Darvaza gas crater tour to explore “Door to Hell”, 60 meters diameter hole that has been burning since 1971. Its name translated as 'gates', Darvaza is a small Turkmen settlement located close to the border with the Dashoguz region, and the start of a special permit zone. Itinerary: Khiva - Shabat(Uzbek border) - Dashoguz - Koneurgench-Darvaza - Ashgabat. Day 1. Khiva - Koneurgench- Darvaza Gas Crater 7:00 Transfer to the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border point, Shavat - Dashoguz Following border formalities at both checkpoints and crossing the 1.5 km neutral zone, your Turkmen guide will meet you to begin the trip to Koneurgench (96 km, 1.4 h). You will visit Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra, Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg- Hanym, Minaret Kutlug-Timur, and Mausoleum Arslan II. The sightseeing tour will take about 1 hour and you will feature a drive through the Karakum Desert to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater (280 km, 6 h). After arriving at the crater, camp will be set up and you’ll enjoy a delicious, fire-cooked dinner near the “Gates of Hell”. Overnight in yurta. Day 2. Darvaza Gas Crater - Ashgabat. Camp-style breakfast. 8:00 Drive to Ashgabat. (275 km, 4 h). Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, has recently been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. Visit the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the recently-built Independence Park. 18:00 Transfer to the International airport Ashgabat. _______________________

Day 1: Ashgabat to Darvaza Land at Ashgabat International Airport and proceed to complete the airport's visa formalities, and pay in American dollars in cash. After receiving your visa at the Airport, you will take the COVID test there (at the Airport), which costs $35$. Pay in cash in American dollars. Be prepared that all these procedures will take you about 2 hours. Ashgabat City Tour starts with the historical monument “Old Nisa” fortress, the capital of the Parthian Empire (since 2007, under the protection of UNESCO). The tour with a professional guide is one hour long. After excursions in Old Nisa fortress, a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, a "Health” trail in the mountains. Visit the monument to Neutrality and a monument to Independence, the Ferris wheel, a Wedding palace, the TV tower and other attractions of the city; the whole city is dressed in expensive white marble. 15.00 – Drive to Darvaza Gas crater. On the way to Darvaza, visit the village of Erbent or Bahardok to observe the rural life of Turkmen people. Erbent, located in the heart of Turkmenistan about 3 hours north of Ashgabat, is a destination for those interested in the traditions of Turkmen nomads. Explore the basic cultural evidence of Erbent, such as Felt products and carpets, camel milk, yurt life, hunting dogs, superstitions, and magical beliefs that make up pastoral life in Erbent. Continue with moving to Darvaza, to the Water, Clay and Gas Crater. In the evening (20.00), enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater. Arriving at the Gate before sunset is the best way to truly enjoy this end of the world. Only in the dark is the full beauty of this phenomenon revealed. Powerful gas exhausts emit huge tongues of red-blue flame several meters upward at various intervals, creating the illusion of something unreal, otherworldly. Stay in a camp with tasty catering – dinner at picnic style - the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Observe the fantastic view of the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound this giant oven creates. Overnight at the camp. Day 2: Darvaza to Ashgabat 06.00 - Early morning breakfast at the camp. 07.00 - Еarly departure from the camp, return to Ashgabat, travel time 5 hours, distance 270 km. 12.00 - Arrive at Ashgabat. Transfer to International Airport. End of the tour.

Join us for a full-day journey through Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital city. Begin your day with a visit to Nisa, the legendary residence of Parthian Kings. Explore the National History Museum to uncover Turkmenistan's rich heritage. Admire the intricate designs of Turkmen carpets at the Carpet Museum. Discover modern landmarks like the Arch of Neutrality and the "Turkmenistan" TV tower. End your day with a transfer back to your hotel, having experienced the blend of ancient history and contemporary culture in Ashgabat.

Itinerary Day 1: Ashgabat – arrival A driver holding a sign of your name will pick up from the International airport in Ashgabat and transfer to the hotel. Free day. Day 2: Ashgabat Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. You will visit Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, National Museum, Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum and Ancient Nissa. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Transfer to Darvaza crater. You will visit Anau mosque ruins, Ahalteke horse stables and Darvaza crater. BBQ dinner and overnight stay in yurt camp. Day 4: Darvaza-Koneurgench-Shabat - Khiva. Camp-style breakfast. Transfer to the Koneurgench, you will visit Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra, Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym, Minaret Kutlug-Timur, and Mausoleum Arslan II. Transfer to the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point, Dashoguz-Shavat Following border formalities at both checkpoints your Uzbek driver will meet you. Transfer to Khiva. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Day 5: KHIVA Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. You will visit Itchan Kala. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight . Day 6: KHIVA-BUKHARA Breakfast at the hotel. 10:00 Transfer to Khiva railway station. 11:10 train Khiva-Bukhara by regular train. By the way you will enjoy the view of the the Great Silk route Road (which passes through the Kyzylkum Desert on the way between Khiva and Bukhara). 18.14 Arrival in Bukhara. The driver will meet you in Bukhara train station. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight. Day 7: BUKHARA Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. You will visit Lyab-i-Hauz ensemble, Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah, Moschea Bolo-khauz, Ark of Bukhara, Maghak-i 'Attari Mosque, Trading Domes and Chasma Ayub Mausoleum. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight. Day 8: BUKHARA - SAMARKAND Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. You will visit Great Minaret of the Kalon, Poi Kalyan Mosque, Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, Chor-Minor and Ulugbek Madrasah. 15:00 transfer to Bukhara railway station. 15:46 Train Bukhara-Samarkand. 17:29 Arrival in Samarkand. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight. Day 9: SAMARKAND-TASHKENT Breakfast in the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. You will visit Gur Emir Mausoleum, Registan, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, The Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble and Ulugh Beg Observatory. 18:00 transfer to Samarkand railway station. 18:32 Train Samarkand-Tashkent. 20:47 Arrival in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight. Day 10: TASHKENT Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. You will visit Amir Timur Square, Amir Temur Museum, Khast Imam Square, Kukeldash Madrasah, Chorsu bazaar, Independence squar, Earthquake Memorial, Minor squar, Museum of Applied art, Tashkent metro. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight. Day 11: TASHKENT Free day. Transfer to the International Airport Tashkent.

1)Mary City and Ancient Merv 9:00-10:00 - Meet tourists at the Farab border, passing through customs formalities. Trip to the city of Mary. Upon arrival, take an excursion to Ancient Merv. Transportation is constantly by car. Lunch at a local restaurant and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Mary - 4* or similar. 2)Ashgabat City Stories, rest, and overnight at the hotel. Morning breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, check in and take some time to rest. Then, embark on a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, including a visit to the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque in honor of Ertogrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Visit Independence Park, a landmark of the city that embodies the spirit of modern Turkmenistan. Dinner will include a folk performance. Transportation is constantly by bus. Lunch at a local restaurant and dinner at a local restaurant. at a hotel in Sport - 4* or similar. 3)Kov-Ata, Nokhur Village, and Balkanabad City Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to the underground lake Kov-Ata, located 107 km from Ashgabat. The name “Kow-Ata” translates to “Father of Caves” in Turkmen. After lunch, continue the route to the city of Balkanabat. Transportation is constantly by car. Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at the guest house, and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Nebitchi - 3* or similar. 4)Yangi Kala, Gozli Ata, and the City of Turkmenbashi Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the picturesque Yangi Kala canyons, located 165 km north of Balkanabat and 160 km east of Turkmenbashi.Next, visit Gözli Ata, one of the most remote pilgrimage sites in Turkmenistan, surrounded by bands of pink and white stone escarpments. Continue the route to the city of Turkmenbashi. Breakfast at the hotel, lunch picnic-style, and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Turkmenbashi - 3* or similar. 5)Turkmenbashi City, Ashgabat, and Darvaza Transfer to the airport for a local flight to Ashgabat at 10:25/11:20. Trip to Darvaza, the center of a gas-rich region in the heart of the Karakum Desert, attracts travelers from all over the world with its unique burning crater, especially spectacular in the evening. Transportation is constantly by microbus. Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a local restaurant, and dinner in a tent. Overnight in a tent or yurt. 6)Kone-Urgench, City of Dashoguz, and Shavat After breakfast in Darvaza, go on an excursion to Kone-Urgench under the auspices of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was an important center of the Silk Road on the Oxus River and the capital of the Khorezm Empire (12th century AD).Transportation is constantly by microbus. Breakfast is picnic style, lunch at a local restaurant, and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Dashoguz - 4* or similar. 7)Dashoguz Shavat In the morning, have breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Shavat border to conclude the tour route.