Tour Programme
Day 1: From the Oasis to the Abode of Fire
Shavat — Dashoguz — Darvaza
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10:00 The Legend Begins: Meeting at the Shavat border. We handle all formalities, allowing you to settle into the spirit of adventure.
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A Taste of Turkmenistan: A brief stop in Dashoguz for lunch and a glimpse of local life. A perfect chance to stock up on oriental sweets before heading into the wild.
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Across the Karakum: A 300-kilometre trek into the heart of the desert. En route, we pause at authentic roadside teahouses (chaikhanas) to drink tea just as nomads have done for centuries.
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Taming the Elements: Check into our yurt camp on the very edge of Darvaza.
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The Gates of Hell: The day’s crescendo—sunset at the flaming crater. Watch the sky turn crimson as the abyss begins to glow with a magical light. Darvaza by night is a sight that redefines the power of nature.
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Night under the Stars: Sleep in the profound silence of the desert camp.
Day 2: From Desert Breath to White Marble
Darvaza — Ashgabat
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Desert Sunrise: Breakfast in camp under the first rays of the sun.
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Anomalous Craters: On our way to the capital, we visit the Water and Mud craters—extraordinary natural phenomena hidden in the sands.
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Entry to the ‘City of Dreams’: Arrival in Ashgabat, followed by lunch and hotel check-in.
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Soft Gold: A visit to the National Carpet Museum, home to a hand-woven masterpiece that holds a world record for its size.
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A Symphony of Grandeur: A stroll through Independence Park and an ascent of the Neutrality Arch, offering a panorama of the world’s cleanest city.
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Sunset over the Capital: Visit the futuristic Alem centre, featuring the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel.
Day 3: The Cradle of Civilisation and Celestial Horses
Ashgabat: History and Heritage
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The Breath of Parthia: The morning begins at Ancient Nisa (UNESCO), the former residence of great Parthian kings.
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Snow-White Majesty: Visit the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, staggering in its scale with its vast golden domes.
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The Nation’s Treasury: A guided tour of the National Museum, housing artefacts spanning thousands of years of history.
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Living Gold: A visit to a stud farm to meet the Akhal-Teke horses. Witness the grace and unique metallic sheen of a breed without equal.
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Oriental Colour: A walk through the famous Russian Bazaar for spices, dried fruits, and the vibrant atmosphere of local trade.
Day 4: In the Footsteps of the Silk Road
Ashgabat — Merv — Farap
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Early Start: Heading east towards the rising sun.
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Great Merv (UNESCO): The historical crown jewel of the route. Explore the ruins of the ‘Mother of the World’—from the ancient Sultan Sanjar mausoleums to the mysterious Kyz-Kala fortresses.
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Silk Road Dining: Lunch in Baýramaly in traditional style.
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Transit through the Ages: Drive to Turkmenabat for the final transfer to the Farap border.
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The Journey’s End: Departure to Uzbekistan with a heart full of Eastern legends.
