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Tour operates: March until November
Duration: 12 nights 13 days
Destinations: Ashgabat – Gokdepe - Kowata - Nohur - Karakala - Dehistan - Balkanabat - Yangikala - Paraw bibi - Darwaza - Turkmenabat - Koyten - Merv - Mary
Transport: Private air conditioned transport, economy class domestic flights
Accommodations: All comfortable class accommodation with private facilities
Guides: Fully escorted by our English speaking guides in each country
Tour starting point: Ashgabat Ends: Ashgabat
Guaranteed departure: Daily- Minimum 2 people required
Day 1: Arrival to Ashgabat International airport – City tour
Our representative will meet you at Ashgabat International airport. Transfer to hotel, accommodation at Grand Turkmen Hotel by check in time. Free time.
Later drive to visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. The fortress was enrolled to UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. Nissa described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I and was the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy mosque (the largest mosque in Central Asia), After drive to see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, building of Constitution, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ferries Wheel, Ertogrul Gazy mosque (blue mosque in Ashgabat), Ashgabat 2017 Asian Games facilities.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Grand Turkmen Hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Gokdepe – Kowata - Nohur mountain village
BF at Hotel. In the morning drive to Gokdepe fortress that was attacked in December 1880 by Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy) that was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue colored roof and white marble structure. Also visit Gokdepe Historical Museum to learn the history of Gokdepe, understand the reason of Russian attacks, see the drawings of Russian-Turkmen battle, and see socio-historical development of Turkmen people.
After lunch visit Horse Farm to see a national proud of Turkmen people - Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon.
Then drive to Kowata to see underground lake. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means "father of caves". This underground area seems 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 colored. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You may swim in the lake).
Then drive to Nohur mountain village. Visually, Nohur is unlike any other site found in Turkmenistan. Rich in history, nature and tribal custom, Nohur is set 1,100 m above the Karakum Desert in the cool mountain valleys of southwestern Turkmenistan. The Nohur people have maintained a highly homogeneous society based upon ancestral rights, and tribal custom. The Nohur felts are also thought to be exclusive to this region. They differ from customary Turkmen felts with their original designs and Zoroastrian ornaments. Constructing their homes from the stones found around the area, the Nohur people have decorated these simple homes with handcrafted wooden columns and capitals unique only to this clan of people. Accented by two small flowing streams, the flora and fauna of this region is exceptional. There are mountain goats (umga and marhur), Urial mountain sheep, wolves, foxes, jackals, porcupines, and even snow jaguar. See this ancient way of life uniquely preserved and rarely seen. Dinner at homestay. Overnight at homestay.
Day 3: Nohur – Karakala
BF at homestay. In the morning drive to Karakala. The Syunt-Khasardag nature reserve includes ecosystems of the Western Kopetdag mountains (dry subtropics) and neighboring plains. Here, 37 species of mammals and 217 species of birds are found. Flora of the Western Kopetdag includes 1,266 species of higher plants, which belong to 233 genera and 500 families; among these, 150 species are endemic. The nature reserve incorporates one mountain natural preserve, the Syunt-Khasardag (established in 1990).
Dinner on the site. Overnight in the camp.
Day 4: Karakala – Dehistan - Balkanabat
BF at homestay. In the morning drive to Dehistan. Dehistan boats its picturesque towers of ancient settlements and 10-12-th century monuments as well as the most ancient mosque up the early Islamic period that stands on ancient entombment of Mashad. This city is probably the most remote and isolated. Once it used to be a prospering medieval city standing on caravan routes between Khoresm and Persian Hyrcania.
Then drive to Balkanabat. Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Nebitchi Hotel.
Day 5: Balkanabat – Yangykala Canyons
BF at Hotel. In the morning drive to Yangykala Canyons. One of the scenic natural objects of Turkmenistan – Yangikala canyons are located in 165 km to the north from Balkanabat city. The word expression “yangy kala” translates from Turkmen as “fire fortress”. Indeed, the sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ocher, purple and red colors, fancily carved by winds and rains, are very similar to the stone castles from a fantasy. Explore the Canyons.
Dinner at site. Overnight in the camp.
Day 6: Yangykala Canyons – Paraw Bibi
BF in the camp. In the morning drive to Paraw Bibi, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites. It is located in western part approx. 20 km northwest of Serdar town in the village of Paraw. According to legends, Paraw Bibi was a beautiful and virtuous maiden who was the object of jealousy of many women. During a period of infidel military threat a jealous woman wanted to turn Paraw Bibi over to the invaders in exchange for promises from the enemy not to carry out the attack. Upon hearing this, Paraw Bibi cursed the woman causing her to turn into black stone. Soon thereafter, while on the mountainside, Paraw Bibi saw the enemy party approaching. With this she realized the hopelessness of her situation and ordered the mountain to split open so that she might enter into it, thus preserving her purity and virtue. Dinner at site. Overnight in the camp.
Day 7: Paraw Bibi – Darwaza Gas Crater
BF in the camp. In the morning drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater via Ashgabat. The Crater is also called as "The Door to Hell". The 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 60 m and 20 m deep. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided 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. In the evening watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. En-route we cross Karakum desert, will stop at small nomad village. Dinner at Gas Crater. Overnight in the camp.
Day 8: Darwaza – Ashgabat – Turkmenabat
BF in the camp. In the morning drive to Ashgabat. Arrival to Ashgabat. Flight to Turkmenabat (50 min). Arrival and accommodation at Jeyhun hotel. Free time.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Jeyhun hotel.
Day 9: Turkmenabat - Koyten
BF at Hotel. Morning drive to Koyten village on 4WD cars (420km). On the way, short stops at Astanababa Mausoleum, and Kerki district, which is famous with fish from Amudarya River. Arrival to Koyten. Dinner in a local café. Overnight at Koytendag rest center.
Day 10: Koyten
BF at Koytendag rest center. Morning drive to by 4WD cars up the Koytendag valley to visit the Dinosaur Plateau. The formation process of Dinosaur Plateau is described as follows: about 145-150 million years ago, at the end of the Jurassic period, there existed a shallow lagoon bottom – one of the habitats of huge dinosaurs. Lunch at sight. Drive to “Kyrk Gyz” Cave. Kyrk Gyz Cave means "Forty Girls’ Cave", a name that refers to a local legend of forty girls who once retreated there, in order to avoid rape and murder by bandits. Drive to Umberdere waterfall. Dinner in café. Overnight at Koytendag rest center.
Day 11: Koyten - Turkmenabat
BF in rest center. Morning drive to Turkmenabat. En route, we visit Kaynar-Baba Lake. Arrival to Turkmenabat. Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Jeyhun Hotel.
Day 12: Turkmenabat – Merv - Mary - Ashgabat
BF Hotel. Morning drive to Bayramali town 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 Yusus Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum.
Drive to Mary city. Evening flight to Ashgabat. Arrival to Ashgabat.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Grand Turkmen Hotel.
Day 13: Departure
BF at Hotel. Transfer to Ashgabat International airport.
Day 1: Arrival to Ashgabat International airport – City tour
Our representative will meet you at Ashgabat International airport. Transfer to hotel, accommodation at Grand Turkmen Hotel by check in time. Free time.
Later drive to visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. The fortress was enrolled to UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. Nissa described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I and was the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy mosque (the largest mosque in Central Asia), After drive to see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, building of Constitution, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ferries Wheel, Ertogrul Gazy mosque (blue mosque in Ashgabat), Ashgabat 2017 Asian Games facilities.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Grand Turkmen Hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Gokdepe – Kowata - Nohur mountain village
BF at Hotel. In the morning drive to Gokdepe fortress that was attacked in December 1880 by Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy) that was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue colored roof and white marble structure. Also visit Gokdepe Historical Museum to learn the history of Gokdepe, understand the reason of Russian attacks, see the drawings of Russian-Turkmen battle, and see socio-historical development of Turkmen people.
After lunch visit Horse Farm to see a national proud of Turkmen people - Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon.
Then drive to Kowata to see underground lake. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means "father of caves". This underground area seems 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 colored. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You may swim in the lake).
Then drive to Nohur mountain village. Visually, Nohur is unlike any other site found in Turkmenistan. Rich in history, nature and tribal custom, Nohur is set 1,100 m above the Karakum Desert in the cool mountain valleys of southwestern Turkmenistan. The Nohur people have maintained a highly homogeneous society based upon ancestral rights, and tribal custom. The Nohur felts are also thought to be exclusive to this region. They differ from customary Turkmen felts with their original designs and Zoroastrian ornaments. Constructing their homes from the stones found around the area, the Nohur people have decorated these simple homes with handcrafted wooden columns and capitals unique only to this clan of people. Accented by two small flowing streams, the flora and fauna of this region is exceptional. There are mountain goats (umga and marhur), Urial mountain sheep, wolves, foxes, jackals, porcupines, and even snow jaguar. See this ancient way of life uniquely preserved and rarely seen. Dinner at homestay. Overnight at homestay.
Day 3: Nohur – Karakala
BF at homestay. In the morning drive to Karakala. The Syunt-Khasardag nature reserve includes ecosystems of the Western Kopetdag mountains (dry subtropics) and neighboring plains. Here, 37 species of mammals and 217 species of birds are found. Flora of the Western Kopetdag includes 1,266 species of higher plants, which belong to 233 genera and 500 families; among these, 150 species are endemic. The nature reserve incorporates one mountain natural preserve, the Syunt-Khasardag (established in 1990).
Dinner on the site. Overnight in the camp.
Day 4: Karakala – Dehistan - Balkanabat
BF at homestay. In the morning drive to Dehistan. Dehistan boats its picturesque towers of ancient settlements and 10-12-th century monuments as well as the most ancient mosque up the early Islamic period that stands on ancient entombment of Mashad. This city is probably the most remote and isolated. Once it used to be a prospering medieval city standing on caravan routes between Khoresm and Persian Hyrcania.
Then drive to Balkanabat. Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Nebitchi Hotel.
Day 5: Balkanabat – Yangykala Canyons
BF at Hotel. In the morning drive to Yangykala Canyons. One of the scenic natural objects of Turkmenistan – Yangikala canyons are located in 165 km to the north from Balkanabat city. The word expression “yangy kala” translates from Turkmen as “fire fortress”. Indeed, the sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ocher, purple and red colors, fancily carved by winds and rains, are very similar to the stone castles from a fantasy. Explore the Canyons.
Dinner at site. Overnight in the camp.
Day 6: Yangykala Canyons – Paraw Bibi
BF in the camp. In the morning drive to Paraw Bibi, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites. It is located in western part approx. 20 km northwest of Serdar town in the village of Paraw. According to legends, Paraw Bibi was a beautiful and virtuous maiden who was the object of jealousy of many women. During a period of infidel military threat a jealous woman wanted to turn Paraw Bibi over to the invaders in exchange for promises from the enemy not to carry out the attack. Upon hearing this, Paraw Bibi cursed the woman causing her to turn into black stone. Soon thereafter, while on the mountainside, Paraw Bibi saw the enemy party approaching. With this she realized the hopelessness of her situation and ordered the mountain to split open so that she might enter into it, thus preserving her purity and virtue. Dinner at site. Overnight in the camp.
Day 7: Paraw Bibi – Darwaza Gas Crater
BF in the camp. In the morning drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater via Ashgabat. The Crater is also called as "The Door to Hell". The 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 60 m and 20 m deep. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided 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. In the evening watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. En-route we cross Karakum desert, will stop at small nomad village. Dinner at Gas Crater. Overnight in the camp.
Day 8: Darwaza – Ashgabat – Turkmenabat
BF in the camp. In the morning drive to Ashgabat. Arrival to Ashgabat. Flight to Turkmenabat (50 min). Arrival and accommodation at Jeyhun hotel. Free time.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Jeyhun hotel.
Day 9: Turkmenabat - Koyten
BF at Hotel. Morning drive to Koyten village on 4WD cars (420km). On the way, short stops at Astanababa Mausoleum, and Kerki district, which is famous with fish from Amudarya River. Arrival to Koyten. Dinner in a local café. Overnight at Koytendag rest center.
Day 10: Koyten
BF at Koytendag rest center. Morning drive to by 4WD cars up the Koytendag valley to visit the Dinosaur Plateau. The formation process of Dinosaur Plateau is described as follows: about 145-150 million years ago, at the end of the Jurassic period, there existed a shallow lagoon bottom – one of the habitats of huge dinosaurs. Lunch at sight. Drive to “Kyrk Gyz” Cave. Kyrk Gyz Cave means "Forty Girls’ Cave", a name that refers to a local legend of forty girls who once retreated there, in order to avoid rape and murder by bandits. Drive to Umberdere waterfall. Dinner in café. Overnight at Koytendag rest center.
Day 11: Koyten - Turkmenabat
BF in rest center. Morning drive to Turkmenabat. En route, we visit Kaynar-Baba Lake. Arrival to Turkmenabat. Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Jeyhun Hotel.
Day 12: Turkmenabat – Merv - Mary - Ashgabat
BF Hotel. Morning drive to Bayramali town 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 Yusus Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum.
Drive to Mary city. Evening flight to Ashgabat. Arrival to Ashgabat.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight at Grand Turkmen Hotel.
Day 13: Departure
BF at Hotel. Transfer to Ashgabat International airport.
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- Letter of Invitation
- Registration in Ashgabat city
- Accommodation at TWIN/DBL rooms:
- Grand Turkmen Hotel 3* BB – 2 nights in Ashgabat
- Nebitchi Hotel 3* BB – 1 night
- Jeyhun Hotel 3* BB – 2 nights
- Koyten Rest Center 2* B – 2 nights
- Homestay in Nohur – 1 night
- Tent Stay – 4 nights
- Transport services through the tour
- Flight: Ashgabat–Turkmenabat; Mary - Ashgabat
- Escort English speaking guide service
- Entrance fee: Nisa, Museum, Merv, Horse farm, Kowata
- Meals: BF, Dinner
- 1,5 L water per person per day
- International flights
- Cost of Turkmen visa w/border fees
- Travel Tax: $2 p/p per night at hotels
- Payment for photo and video
- Meals: Lunch
- Tips for guide and driver
- Medical insurance
- Services not shown in the program
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