Hidden treasures of Turkmenistan

Day 1: Ashgabat

The local guide will meet you at the airport, main in Turkmenistan and take you to the city tour of Ashgabat and start your travelling. The whole day you will explore the capital city. Ashgabat was established in 1881 near the Iran border, closer to the Kopet Dag. In translation from Persian language, “eshg” means love, and “abad” means populated land or city, so literally Ashgabat is the city of love. Today’s sightseeing will include Lenin’s square, Arch of Neutrality and Park of Independence, where there is a white-marble “Eiffel Tower” standing in a beautiful park. Later you will learn more about history and culture in Museum of Ethnography and Museum of Fine Arts. Overnight in a hotel.

 

Day 2: Ashgabat – Merv – Mary

Early in the morning, you will travel to the eastern part of Turkmenistan to have a tour. The first stop will be Abiverd fortress. This ancient settlement has the same importance like other eight remarkable sites: Kunya-Urgench, Nissa, Merv, Dakhistan. It is situated on the way from Ashgabat to Mary. Moreover, there are remains of old Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque (15^th century). It was constructed by Mohammed Khudaiot in 1456. Further, continue to Mevr. It was one of the most developed cities on the Silk Road in this area. Mevr had significant role in Islam World together with other cities like Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. In ancient time, it rapidly became the largest and important city. In Mevr you will visit Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After excursion, drive to Mary and rest in a hotel.

 

Day 3: Mary – Talkhatan Baba – Yekedeshik Caves – Mary

Today you will visit attractive places near the Mary town which is part of many tours in Turkmenistan. The first place to travel is Talkahatan Baba Mosque, which was constructed in 1095. It has amazing decoration of Seljuk period. Further, explore the most mysterious site - Yekedeshik Caves. There two cave settlements in this sand rock hill, first is Tagtabazar and second is Ekedeshik. In translation “Ekedeshik” means “single entrance”. It has more than 40 rooms located on the two level. There are many other caves in this area, which have not explored enough by archeologists. One of them is Bashdeshik ('Five Entrances'). Night in a hotel in Mary.

 

Day 4: Mary – Ashgabat – Nissa – Horse farm – Ashgabat

After breakfast, you will have morning flight to capital city and continue your tour. After arrival, we will travel to Nissa fort, famous in Turkmenistan. It was the Parthian Kings’ Sanctuary. In 2007, it was included into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, you will visit famous Turkmen horse farms in Gokdepe region. Turkmen breed- Akhal Teke is an honor of the country; here there will be short demonstration of beautiful horses. Drive back to Ashgabat and rest in a hotel.

 

Day 5: Flight

After a short tour in Turkmen land, drive back to airport.