6-Day Tour through Wonders of Ashgabat and Darvaza
Highlights
Ashgabat, Darvaza
nature, architectural, cultural, historical
Tour Type
nature, architectural, cultural, historical
Private Tour
6 Days
Easy
Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish
Languages
Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish
Description
Experience Turkmenistan's rich history and natural wonders, from the ancient Silk Road hub of Merv to the modern wonders of Ashgabat. Marvel at the fiery canyons of Yangi Kala and pay your respects to the sacred Mausoleum of the Eyed Ancestor. Explore the journey to the Karakum Desert to witness the fascinating Darvaza burning crater. Explore the UNESCO-listed Kone-Urgench and its historical treasures before completing your adventure.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Ashgabat International Airport
- Landing in Ashgabat International Airport. Obtaining a visa at the Airport and paying in cash in American dollars there
- After receiving your visa at the Airport, you will take the COVID test there (at the Airport), which costs $35$. Pay in cash in American dollars. Claim baggage. Be prepared that all these procedures will take you about 2 hours. The tour guide will meet you with the ASMAN TRAVEL signboard in the meeting area.
- Transfer to the Sport (4*)hotel, check-in, and short rest. The Ashgabat City Tour starts with the historical monument, the “Old Nisa” fortress, the capital of the Parthians—empire (since 2007, under the protection of UNESCO). The tour with a professional guide is one hour long after excursions in Old Nisa fortress, a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, a «Health” trail in the mountains, a monument to Neutrality and a monument to Independence, a Ferris wheel, Wedding palace, TV tower and other attractions of the city. The whole city is dressed in expensive white marble.
- Visit the State Museum of History
- 20:00 – Evening visit to one of the city's shopping and entertainment centres – Berkarar, Arkach etc.
- 23:00 - on the way to the hotel, a trip through the city at night to see the colour illumination. Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 2: Ashgabat to Darwaza
- 08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 – Visit Turkmen Carpet Museum.
- 11:00 – Visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy mausoleum and mosque.
- 13:00—Drive to the oriental (and exotic) bazaar “Altyn Asyr” to shop and buy souvenirs.
- If you're looking for a truly authentic shopping experience in Ashgabat, look no further than Altyn Asyr Bazaar. Located in the outskirts of the city, this bustling market is the largest in Turkmenistan and the fifth-largest in Central Asia. With its vibrant atmosphere, historical significance, and unique architectural features, Altyn Asyr Bazaar is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. The market is particularly busy selling a large number of goods including handicrafts, jewelry, animals, food, and other products.
- In addition, you can buy traditional Turkmen clothes. Local ateliers create unique men's and women's clothing in a single copy, which has no analogues.
- 15:00 – Trip to Darvaza – Gas Crater, a huge flaming crater located 270 km (5 hours) north of Ashgabat. On the way to Darwaza, visit the village of Erbent or Bahardok to observe the rural life of Turkmen people. The word "oasis" becomes less and less appropriate as the village is taken over by the sands of the Karakum Desert. Soon, it will be swallowed whole. Continue with moving to the Water, Clay, and Gas Crater.
- In the evening, enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater. Visit the Gas Crater. In order to truly enjoy this end of the world, it is best to arrive at the Gate before the sunset. Only in the dark is the full beauty of this phenomenon revealed. Powerful gas exhausts at various intervals emit huge tongues of red-blue flame, several meters upward, creating the illusion of something unreal, otherworldly. People have always been attracted by the light of fire and everything unusual, but this action gives rise to new feelings of something supernatural.
- Staying in a camp with tasty catering—dinner at a picnic style—is the perfect way to enjoy this highlight.
- Observe the fantastic view of the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound that this giant oven creates.
- Overnight at the camp.
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Day 3: Darvaza to Ashgabat
- 06:00 – Breakfast at the camp.
- 07:00 – Return to Ashgabat (4 hours).
- 11:00 – Arrival in Ashgabat.
- 11:00 - 14:00 – Drive to Gökdepe to visit a private Akhal-Teke horse farm. Watch a short horse show, have a tea party, and take photos and videos.
- 16:00 – Excursion to the Arkadag city.
- 18:00 – Return to Ashgabat, passing through Gypjak Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque and mausoleum.
- 20:00 – Evening tour of Ashgabat, visit the night illumination and one of the shopping and entertainment centres.
- 23:00 – Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 4: Ashgabat – Kow-Ata – Nokhur – Ashgabat
- 08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 – Drive to the underground lake “Kow-Ata” (90 km west of Ashgabat - 1.5 hours). In the depths, 60 meters from the entrance to the cave of Kopetdag mountains, there is a lake with healing water that emits warm steam. Swimming in this water has a beneficial effect on the body and can help cure many diseases.
- 12:00 – Drive to Nohur, a mountain village (90 km from the cave - 1.5 hours).
- High in the Kopet-dag mountains, the village of Nohur and neighbouring towns are located on the steep sides of the mountain valleys and are different from other Turkmenistan regions. Surrounded by mountains, the village provides a unique opportunity to walk in nature and discover a deep rural lifestyle. Explore the place.
- 17:00 – Return to Ashgabat.
- 20:00—Evening visit to one of the city's shopping and entertainment centres, such as Berkarar or Arkach.
- Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 5: Ashgabat to Mary – Ashgabat
- 08.00 – Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit the historical monuments of the Old Merv fortresses (UNESCO WORLD HERİTAGE). Guided tour: Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, İbn Zeid Mausoleum etc.
- Visit the State Museum of history and ethnography of Mary province and Mary city regional mosque.
- Return to Ashgabat by car on the highway.
- 23.00 – Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 6: Ashgabat International Airport
- Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
- End of the tour.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
Adult | |
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1 to 1 | /person |
2 to 2 | /person |
3 to 3 | /person |
4 to 4 | /person |
5 to 10 | /person |
11 to 20 | /person |
Child | |
1 to 1 | /person |
2 to 2 | /person |
3 to 3 | /person |
4 to 4 | /person |
5 to 10 | /person |
11 to 20 | /person |
This is a private tour |