From north to the east of Turkmenistan
Itinerary name: From north to the east of Turkmenistan
Day-by-day program:
Day 1: Ashgabat
Our guide will wait you at the airport and take you capital city Ashgabat and begin your travelling in the most mysterious country of Turkmenistan. The city’s history starts from 1881. Ashgabat situated only 25 km from the Iran border, near the Kopet Dag. In translation from Persian language, “eshg” means love, and “abad” is for populated land. Fascinating city tour will include Lenin’s square, Arch of Neutrality, Park of Independence. In the Independent park, you will see a white-marble “Eiffel Tower” standing in the center of the park. Then you will explore Museum of Ethnography and Museum of Fine Arts. Stay in a hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Merv – Mary
Today we will start our tour early and go on the traces of ancient trade road in the east Turkmenistan. First site to travel today is ancient Abiverd fortress. This settlement has remarkable place in the history together with Merv, Kunya-Urgench, Nissa and Dakhistan. Abiverd is situated on the way from Ashgabat to Mary. Except the fort, there are remains of old Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque dating back to 15th century. Mohammed Khudaiot supported this mosque’s construction in 1456. Further, continue your journey to Mevr. It was one of the largest and most developed cities on the Great Silk Road. Mevr had significant role in Islam World on the same level with Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus. Other places of visit in Mevr are Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum and Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After guided excursion, drive to Mary. Night in a hotel.
Day 3: Mary – Talkhatan Baba – Yekedeshik Caves – Mary
In the morning, our tour will start with travelling to Talkahatan Baba Mosque, dating back to 11th century. It is the work of Seljuk art. Then go on to interesting site Yekedeshik Caves. It includes two mysterious caves on the north of the town. They are Tagtabazar is the Ekedeshik cave settlement. From local language, 'Ekedeshik' means 'single entrance’. It has 40 available rooms on the two stores. Except these caves, there are many other undiscovered caves like Bashdeshik ('Five Entrances'). In the end, return to Mary and stay in a hotel.
Day 4: Mary – Ashgabat – Darwaza
After breakfast, you will have Mary –Ashgabat flight to continue your tour. Then travel to “Bahardok” village in the North of Turkmenistan. Here you can see the life of local people. Afternoon, drive to famous Gas Crater – Darwaza. This natural monument has amazing view in the evening. Upon arrival, enjoy the fantastic scenery and capture on your camera. Night in a tent near the crater.
Day 5: Darwaza – Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz border
After breakfast at the tent camp, continue the tours to the North district of the country, where you will visit architectural site of Old Urgench city. It used to be a capital of Khorezm during 10th-12th centuries. You will explore the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey. The highlight of the visit will be the Central Asian tallest minaret - Kutlyg Timur. Then drive to Turkmen-Uzbek border checkpoint Shawat to continue your travelling to Uzbekistan. End of tour in Turkmenistan.