Day 01: Arrive Ashgabat 
Meet tourist at Ashgabat airport. Transfer to hotel accommodation.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 02: Ashgabat – Darvaza
After breakfast drive to Cas Crater- Darwaza 400 km-4/4.5 hours. On the way to see 2 more creators. The first crater is deep, circular hole; a metal barrier surrounds this somewhat smaller crater. There is no fire here, though it too offers a strong smell of gas. The second one lies some 18km south of Darwaza, on the west side of the main road and just about visible from it.

Eat dinner at Gas Crater.
Overnight in tents or yurta.

Day 03: Darvaza – Damla
Drive to village Damla – 100km -2/3 hours’ drive. It is located in the midst of the arid sprawl of Turkmenistan’s vast Karakum desert; the tiny village of Damla is a little haven of traditional Turkmenistani life.

Visit traditional style in Damla village. see the Tazy hunting dogs show, view sparrow hawks and listen to traditional music on dutar.
Overnight in tents.

Day 04: Damla – Ashgabat
After breakfast at Damla, drive to see camel cattle and local shepherd.
Drive to Ashgabat city with your Turkmenistan tour guide. Rest at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Nokhur – Yangykala
Very early morning at 06:00, drive to Nokhur (120km – 2 /3 hours). The village itself fills a small depression valley in the mountains of the Kopet Dag Range and the houses are been built with local boulders cemented with mud. Apart from the main street through, the middle of the town, the streets are so narrow that they only just fit a car between the high stone retaining walls on each side. The Nohkuri people who populate this remote mountain village are quite different from other Turkmen tribes. They live in a handful of villages in the mountainous border area spanning Turkmenistan and Iran. Nokhur is the largest village with just a thousand or maybe two thousand people.

Continue your way to Yangikala (480km – 5/6 hours). The word expression ”Yangi Kala” is translated from Turkmen as “fire fortresses”. Indeed, the sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ocher, purple and red colours, fancily carved by winds and rains, are very similar to the stone castles from a fantasy. The most beautiful canyons are during sunset when everything is painted in a red-hot colour.

Overnight at tents.

Day 06: Gozli-ata – Kov-Ata
After breakfast at Yangikala, at 08:00, drive to Gozli Ata (520/530km – 7/8 hours). Reportedly, a respected Sufi lived in the early part of the 14th century. His mausoleum is a brick building with twin white domes, standing in an old graveyard containing many nicely carved stone tombs. The twin- domed structure of the mausoleum is necessary to accommodate the length of the tomb: a triangular prism perhaps three ordinary graves long.

Continue to Kov-Ata – Underground Lake. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means Father of caves. At first glance, this underground area appears like a magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its height reaches 20 m, and its width is at some points 57 m. The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and its warm and gushing water is clear and emerald coloured. The water has a constant temperature of 33–37°C.

Drive to Ashgabat.
Hotel accommodation and overnight.

Day 07: Ashgabat – Dark Gorge
Drive from Ashgabat city to Gokdepe.
Continuer to 3rd Berlishik and Dark Gorge (171 km / 2/3.5 hours).
Entrance to Gorge. Turn back to camp.
Overnight in tents.

Day 08: Dark Gorge – Ashgabat
Early morning, view an ancient settlement of 15-16 centuries, Archman fortress, cave “Div-Govok” and stream.
Head back to Camp and to Ashgabat city.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Depart Ashgabat
Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport to board a flight back to home.

Day 01: Ashgabat
Arrival in Ashgabat International airport. You will be met by our representatives and transfer to hotel. Early check-in. Free time.
Visit to Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211BC), and reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum. The ruins of ancient settlement Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat at Bagyr village. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia). Then you will have Ashgabat city tour. 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 2017 Sports and Housing facilities. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02: Mary
Morning transfer to Ashgabat domestic airport for morning flight to Mary. Arrive in Mary. Drive to Merv to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing transfer to Mary airport for back flight to Ashgabat. Arrival in Ashgabat. Accommodation & overnight at a hotel.

Day 03: Darvaza
BF at Hotel. Free time.Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (268km) dubbed by locals as “The Door to Hell”. The Darwaza area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas.The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. En-route we cross Karakum desert, will make a stop in small desert village Erbent. In the evening watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner at Gas Crater. After sightseeing drive back to Ashgabat. Accommodation & overnight at a hotel.

Day 04: Depart Ashgabat
Transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Ashgabat
Arrival in Ashgabat by morning flight. Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan even though it is relatively young city. In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of the white marble. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

You can walk around the hotel; near the hotel, you can visit beautiful monument of Akhalteke horses, park of “Ylham” (Inspiration), “Altyn Asyr” trade market and “Gulistan” market (so called Russian bazaar).

Half day tour of Ashgabat including visit to: Park and Monument of Independence, National Museum of History and Ethnography, Arch of Neutrality, a 75m- high monument with a revolving golden statue of the first President Turkmenbashy. Hit the viewing platform of the Arch of Neutrality to see the beautiful panorama of Ashgabat. Panoramic tour to “Alem” Ferris wheel, “Bagt Koshgi” (wedding palace). Continue tour to the historical and archaeological site “Ancient Nisa – the Residence of Parthian Kingdom” UNESCO site from 2007. The Parthian Empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations of the ancient world, and a brilliant rival of Rome which prevented the expansion of the Roman Empire to the east. 

Day 02: Ashgabat – Nohur
After breakfast drive to Nokhur Mountain Village by 4WD car (190km, 3,5 h).En route stop to visit “Kow-ata” underground lake. A warm hydrogen sulphide lake lies in a cave at the Kopet Dag foothills. 276 steps lead into the lake. On your way down you will admire marvelous grapes and lines of stalactites and see bat’s bevies. This cave impresses with its greatness. It has the length of 250 m, width 50 m, depth of 65 m. The lake is available all year round because of constant temperature of water.

Arrival in Nokhur village. Short sightseeing of Nokhur village and visiting of “Gyz Bibi” Pilgrimage site & its unique cemetery where each tomb has the horns of mountain goats, the Great Tree – oldest tree in the village thought to be 800 years old. Evening short introduction with local silk textile weavers and having dinner at local family. Overnight in tents or at local family’s house.

Day 03: Yangikala
Morning drive to Yangikala where impressive limestone formations rise up from the desert sands with views of the Karabogaz Gulf in the distance. These limestone cliffs are the remains of massive coral reefs from the pre-historical Parathetys Sea. En route to Yangikala stop in Balkanabat to have lunch and visit the local bazaar to stock up with food & drinks for dinner. Continue to the canyon of Yangikala, home to some of the best scenery in Turkmenistan. Arrive and explore the site. Take a picnic among the cliffs. When the sun sets we drive to the pilgrimage site of Gozli Ata – one of the holiest pilgrim sites in Turkmenistan. The mausoleum of Gozliata, located on a low platform against the backdrop of stunning pink and red limestone rock formations. Overnight at a camping.

Day 04: Turkmenbashi
Morning drive to Turkmenbashy – the biggest port town of Turkmenistan. The town is enclosed with low mountains and faces the Caspian Sea. Arrive and accommodation in one of the best hotels in Avaza – the most popular sea resort center (10 km from Turkmenbashi) that is promising much in the future. Rest on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Short sightseeing in Avaza with its nice beaches which will be turned soon into the free economic touristic zone with decades of luxurious hotels, resorts and health clubs. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Turkmenbashi – Dashoguz
Transfer to the airport and flight to Dashoguz. Arrival & check in Dashoguz hotel. Short sightseeing in Dashoguz city.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Dashoguz – Darvaza
In the morning drive to Koneurgench – the capital of Khorezmshahs (3-16th cc.) inscribed into the World Heritage Book of UNESCO.Koneurgench (known as Gurganch in the past) is the largest historical and archaeological park in the north of Turkmenistan. It is a large reserve with numerous ruins and monuments on the territory of modern Kunyaurgench. Such great Muslim scholars as al-Biruni, al-Khorezmi and Avicenna once worked here.

Sightseeing of the old city: Portal of Caravansaray (11-14th cc.), Il Arslan Mausoleum (12th c.), Mausoleum of Khorezm shahSultan Tekesh (13th c.), Academy of Horezm (3-13th cc.), Mausoleum of TurabekHanum, Minaret of KutlugTimur (14th c.) – one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, Najmeddin Kubra (13th c.) and Soltan Ali (15th c.) Mausoleums.

After sightseeing of KoneUrgench drive to Darvaza. Arrive at Darvaza and explore the flaming Gas Crater at sunset. . Overnight in tents.

Day 07: Darvaza – Ashgabat
Drive to Ashgabat. En route explore the gas craters, first full of water, and second the sulfur – muddy. Make the next stopover to visit Yerbent Nomadic village where you can enjoy seeing the local life in the desert – Turkmen yurts, dromedaries, tamdyr (mud oven) and many others. Arrive & check in the hotel 

Day 08: Ashgabat – Mary
Drive to Mary. Visit on the route: Anau pilgrimage place (remains of Seyitjemalatdin mosque XV c). Lunch at Hanhovuz chayhana to taste silver or grass carp fish. Arrive in Mary & check in Margush hotel. Visit the museum of history and ethnography of Khorassan region in Turkmenistan. Drive to Merv historical site. The ancient city of Merv (Persian Marv) contains a succession of ancient cities developed over a period of 2500 years at the heart of the oasis formed by Murgab river delta, and close to the course of where the main river channel flowed in ancient times. Together, the cities of Merv once encompassed over 1000 hectares. In 1999, the United Nations declared Merv a World Heritage Site. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Mary – Turkmenabat
Transfer by 4WD (110km & 2,5 h) to visit Margush Country (GonurDepe – capital of Margush) – Bronze Age Civilization Sites recognized as 5th Civilization of the Earth recently & Birthplace of Zoroastrianism – Fire Worshipping (4-3 mil. BC- 6th c. BC) inscribed in the World Heritage Book.After sightseeing of Margush drive to Turkmenabat. Arrive & check in hotel. Overnight. 

Day 10: Turkmenabat – Koyten
Early morning drive to Koyten village to explore the Koytendag Nature Reserve, which offers dinosaur footprints, a vast network of caves and Turkmenistan’s highest peak. The region has some fine historical monuments and holy places as well. En route stop to visit “Astana-Baba” Mausoleum in Atamyrat. Crossing Amudarya River.Arrival in Koyten. Accommodation in the hostel. Overnight.

Day 11: Koyten
Morning drive by 4WD along the Koytendag mountain gorge.Koytendag is the home of the highest mountains in Turkmenistan, the deepest lake, the longest caves and the most majestic natural waterfalls in the country. Koytendag Nature Reserve is a huge geological research center, the pride of which is the rocky plateau with hundreds of dinosaur footprints.

Explore “Forty Girl`s Gorge”, “Plateau of Dinosaurs”. Visit of Umbar-Dere Waterfall. Return to the hostel. Excursion to the Kaynar Baba Lake.Overnight at the hostel. 

Day 12: Depart Ashgabat
Morning drive by 4WD back to Turkmenabat. Evening flight to Ashgabat. Arrival and transfer to Ashgabat International airport.

Day 01: Arrival Ashgabat & City Tour
Arrival in Ashgabat. After the customs formalities, you will meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel in Ashgabat to relax.

After short rest in the hotel start sightseeing of Ashgabat, visit independence-period parks and monuments, including the Park of Independence, Neutrality Square, and some others. The tour today also includes visits to Old Nisa fortress (UNESCO site) and Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque and mausoleum and visit National Museum of history and ethnography, whose halls are dedicated to various themes and historical periods. Demonstrating a rich collection of artifacts from all over Turkmenistan, including ivory rhytons from Old Nisa, the museum will also offer us reconstruction models of most of the sites that we are going to visit.

Day 02: Ashgabat – Mary (flight) – Gonur Tepe (100km) – Mary
In the early morning take a flight to Mary (40 mins). On arrival, drive to Gonur Tepe/Margush  (100 km including 40 km off-road). Here first agricultural settlements appeared in the delta of Murgab River as back as 3 millennium BC. Fertile silt coming from mountains, an abundance of water and moderate climate had created favorable conditions for good crops and the progress of the ancient economy was continuing for several centuries. The American newspaper “Boston Globe” wrote that before we knew the four oldest centers of the world’s civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China, and due to the fantastic results of the Margiana expedition it is quite possible to think that there was another, the fifth center. Picnic lunch. Later drive back to Mary.

Day 03: Mary – Ancient Merv – Mary – Ashgabat (flight)
After breakfast, we head 25 km to the east of Mary, towards Bayram-Ali, the contemporary re-incarnation and humble suburb of the glorious 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. Within the limits of the archaeological park, which is 1200 ha, we will have a chance to observe all constituent parts of the “wandering city”. A series of adjacent cities, which can be roughly divided into the ancient (Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala), the medieval (Sultan Kala with its suburbs), and post-medieval (Abdulla-Khan Kala and Bayram-Ali-Khan Kala), appeared in the course of time as a token of the natural progress of the city from initial stages of its existence to a more advanced level. Besides remnants of the cities of Merv, we will visit the VI-IX cc. AD forts of Big and Little Kyz-Kalas, excellent examples of the so-called corrugated Koshks; the splendid XII c. mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd. After sightseeing, we drive back to Mary where we will have lunch.

In the afternoon we visit the local history museum and do some sightseeing in Mary. In the evening we take a return flight to Ashgabat.

Day 04: Ashgabat – Anau – Darvaza (280 km, 4h)
Check-out from the hotel after breakfast. The remains of the Anau-Depe bronze age settlement and the Anau fortress are a 30-minute drive outside Ashgabat in the southeast. The name Anau is derived from Abi-Nau and means “new water”. The site was already in the 4th-3rd Millennium BC inhabited. We also visit a mosque from the 15th century this morning.

In the afternoon we drive north to the burning gas crater in Darvaza. On the way, we also visit the desert village of Erbent and two other craters, both of which gush from the underground with natural gas – one with water and one with mud. On arrival in Darvaza, we check-in at the yurt camp next to the burning gas crater in the desert. When the sun goes down, the whole crater becomes a door to hell, a fire temple, or another mysteriously spectacular place. Dinner and overnight in a yurt near the burning gas crater.

Day 05: Darvaza – Ashgabat (280 km, 4h)
After breakfast, we drive back to Ashgabat. Free time for the rest of the day.

Day 06: Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi (flight)-Yangykala (ca 200 km)
In the morning, at 08:30 am (subject to possible change) take a flight to Turkmenbashi (1 hr with Boeing 737). On arrival, brief tour of Turkmenbashi, visiting local market, city center,and some other sights.

In the afternoon drive to the stunning Yangykala Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Central Asia’ and a remarkably beautiful place with pink, white, and yellow sandstone formations, stunning vistas, and the fascinating ‘crocodile’s mouth’ rock formation. En-route visit Gozli Ata shrine. Gozli Ata was reportedly a respected Sufi who lived in the early part of the 14th century.

Overnight in tents (wild camping)

Day 07: Yangikala – Turkmenbashi – Awaza (ca. 250 km)
Today morning we explore the canyon landscape a little more and drive down to Yangi-Suu. Then drive back to Turkmenbashi. The modern tourism resort Awaza is located just 12 kilometers west of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea. There we check-in at a beautiful hotel and relax on the beach in the afternoon, including a short excursion in Awaza. Optionally, it is also possible to take a boat trip.

Day 08: Awaza – Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat (flight)
This morning we fly from Turkmenbashi back to Ashgabat (10:30 am – 11:30 am, subject to change). Check-in at the hotel and free time in Ashgabat in the afternoon. Farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 09: Ashgabat – Departure
Transfer to airport for departure flight back home.