Start and end your journey at Ashgabat International Airport.
Encounter the essence of Turkmenistan: its history, its land, its people.
Welcome the tourists at Ashgabat International Airport and transfer them to the hotel for accommodation and rest. After lunch, begin an enriching Ashgabat city tour, visiting the capital’s main attractions including the Independence Monument, Neutrality Arch, Memorial Complex, Constitution Monument, Gulistan Bazaar, and other iconic landmarks. Continue the experience with a drive to the local restaurant where guests can enjoy authentic Turkmen cuisine in a traditional-style café setting. The journey continues to the Museum of Carpets, home to Central Asia’s largest collection of Turkmen carpets, showcasing exquisite pieces from the medieval era to the 20th century—over 1,000 carpets from the 18th and 19th centuries—alongside rare artifacts such as a meteorite that fell in Kunya-Urgench in 1998. Visit the record-breaking indoor Ferris Wheel, a striking marvel of engineering, before concluding the day with a night tour through Ashgabat’s illuminated streets, featuring a photogenic stop at the Palace of Happiness.
After breakfast, set out to explore Old Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 3rd century BC. After lunch, depart at 15:00 for the northern village of Bahardok, where you’ll immerse yourself in traditional Turkmen village life—witness local crafts, try on national attire, and engage with the community. Continue onward to the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Gates of Hell,” making a brief stop in a nearby nomadic settlement. As evening falls, marvel at the fiery spectacle of the crater under the stars, enjoy a BBQ dinner, capture stunning nighttime photos, and spend the night in authentic Turkmen yurts, embracing the nomadic lifestyle.
Set off for Dashoguz and enjoy a guided exploration of Kunya-Urgench, once the flourishing capital of the Khorezm Empire between the 10th and 12th centuries. Pause for lunch at a local eatery in the heart of the city before continuing your cultural journey through its UNESCO-listed monuments, including the Mausoleums of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Arslan, and Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, as well as the towering Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest in Central Asia. Return to Dashoguz for a brief city tour, then head to the airport for your domestic flight back to Ashgabat.
After breakfast, continue onward to the Kow-Ata underground lake, a natural thermal wonder located 107 km from Ashgabat. Known as the “Father of Caves,” this hidden chamber stretches 230 meters in length, reaches up to 20 meters in height, and spans 57 meters at its widest point—resembling a vast underground auditorium with a mineral-rich lake at its base. Continue the journey to Nohur village, nestled in a secluded valley of the Kopet Dag Mountains, where traditional stone houses blend into the rugged landscape and local customs remain deeply rooted. Conclude the day with a scenic drive to Turkmenbashy city, located on the Caspian coast, where modern development meets Shoreline grace.
Then head toward the Caspian Sea, where you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and a peaceful walk along the coast.
In the evening, transfer to Turkmenbashy Airport for your flight to Ashgabat (T-248 | 21:20–22:20)
Begin the day with a 7:30 AM transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your 10:00 AM flight (T5-313) to Kerki, arriving by 11:00 AM. From Kerki, set off on an exquisite 250 km journey—approximately 4.5 hours—through the rugged landscapes of eastern Turkmenistan along the way to Koytentag. Upon reaching the base camp, savor a flavorful lunch showcasing regional specialties. Spend the afternoon unwinding or exploring the surrounding nature, then gather in the evening for a warm, traditional dinner beneath the glittering stars.
Begin your morning with a drive to the Ashgabat Railway Station to catch the eastbound train to Turkmenabat. After your arrival, enjoy a leisurely lunch steeped in Turkmenistan’s vibrant local flavors. The journey then leads 480 km through shifting landscapes to the storied Dinosaur Plateau in the Koytendag mountains. As evening falls, settle into a remote base camp embraced by natural serenity. Share a warm dinner under a sky adorned with stars, and arrange for a restful sleep surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Get started on an enchanting journey to the Dinosaur Plateau, where age-old terrains unveil a mesmerizing glimpse into Earth’s primeval history. After immersing yourself in the ancient echoes scattered across the landscape, retreat to the base camp for a much-deserved luncheon amid the austere grandeur of the surroundings. Following your meal, proceed to the railway station to board your train destined for Ashgabat. This picturesque journey stretches across 15 hours, traversing the vast tapestry of Turkmenistan from east to west. Repose in the comfort of your cabin for an overnight passage. As ever-changing vistas unfurl beyond your window, savor a satisfying onboard dinner and ease into serenity, preparing for a tranquil night’s rest as you glide through the heart of the nation.
After breakfast, depart for Mary, a city rich in history and charm. Begin with a brief tour of the local market, city center, and surrounding sights.
Then journey to the legendary Ancient Merv, once a thriving Silk Road metropolis that rivaled Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus.
Enjoy a guided tour of its iconic landmarks: Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Yusup Hamadani, and the Ibn Zeid Mausoleum.
Continue to Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy, where you’ll immerse yourself in traditional Turkmen culture—sample local cuisine, witness ancient customs, and even try horse riding.
Finish the day with a visit to the Museum of History, home to remarkable artifacts from Margush and Merv, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport to take an international flight. *End of the tour*
