Tour Programme
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat
Welcome to the ‘City of Love’
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The Journey Begins: Meet and greet at the airport followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel.
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First Impressions: After a short rest, embark on a tour of white-marble Ashgabat—a city of fountains, lush parks, and grand architecture that holds multiple Guinness World Records.
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Overnight: Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat → Darvaza
Journey to the Desert Heart and the ‘Gates of Hell’
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Morning in the Capital: Enjoy breakfast and free time for shopping at the oriental bazaar or a leisurely stroll through the city centre.
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Into the Karakum: Depart at noon for the Darvaza region. En route, stop at the remarkable ‘Water’ and ‘Mud’ craters—fascinating natural desert anomalies.
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The Night Show: Spend the evening and night by the glowing abyss of the Darvaza Crater. Watch the desert darkness surrender to the roar of the flames—a perfect moment for breathtaking photography.
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Overnight: At a cosy desert campsite under a vast canopy of stars.
Day 3: Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Dashoguz → Ashgabat
Legends of Khorezm and Return to the Capital
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Ancestral Heritage: After breakfast, travel to Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO) to witness the majestic mausoleums and minarets of the Khorezmshah era.
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Vibrant Dashoguz: Immerse yourself in the life of the northern region. Walk through the Gurbansoltan-Eje bazaar, relax by the city fountains, or visit the Regional History Museum.
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Evening Flight: Transfer to the airport for a short flight back to Ashgabat.
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Overnight: Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ashgabat → Kerki → Koytendag
Flight to the East and the Koytendag Foothills
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New Horizons: A morning flight to the city of Kerki, the gateway to Turkmenistan’s highest mountain range.
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Mountain Exoticism: Travel to the Koytendag mountains. After checking in, enjoy a light hike to the Umbar-Dere Canyon or a stroll through a traditional mountain village.
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Overnight: At a guesthouse or hotel in Koytendag.
Day 5: Dinosaur Plateau → Kerki
Dinosaur Plateau – A Step into Prehistory
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A Walk Through Time: The day’s highlight is a visit to the Dinosaur Plateau. A light hike (30–45 mins) leads you to this world-renowned site, home to over 300 authentic footprints of prehistoric reptiles.
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Mountain Mysticism: Optionally, visit the sacred Kyrk-Gyz cave.
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Evening by the Amu Darya: Return to Kerki for a walk along the embankment of the mighty Amu Darya River to enjoy a peaceful sunset.
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Overnight: Kerki.
Day 6: Kerki → Ashgabat
Return to Ashgabat
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Relaxed Morning: Enjoy tea at a local teahouse or a final walk through the streets of Kerki.
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Capital Contrasts: A midday flight back to Ashgabat. Continue your exploration of the city’s world-class museums, monumental parks, and modern shopping centres.
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Overnight: Ashgabat.
Day 7: Ashgabat → Merv → Ashgabat → Departure
The Grandeur of Merv and Farewell
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Jewel of the Silk Road: An early departure for Mary to explore Ancient Merv (UNESCO). Discover the ruins of what was once the largest metropolis on the medieval Silk Road.
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Grand Finale: Return to Ashgabat for your transfer to the International Airport.
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Conclusion: Bid farewell to Turkmenistan, taking home memories of a lifetime!
