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Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. You will be met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel (early check-in). Free time.
Breakfast at the hotel.
The cultural tour of Ashgabat begins with a visit to the Monument and Park of Independence, a sprawling space adorned with fountains and statues.
Next visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan, home to an impressive collection of nearly 500,000 artifacts showcasing the Bronze Age, Antiquity, and Middle Ages history of Turkmenistan.
Next, embark on a city tour of Ashgabat, a city renowned for its gleaming white marble architecture and modern landmarks. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Ferris Wheel before continuing to the Constitution Monument and the iconic Arch of Neutrality, both symbols of the nation’s independence and identity.
Admire the grand Wedding Palace and the futuristic design of the “Yildyz”.
Conclude your tour at the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, dedicated to honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives during WWII and the 1948 earthquake.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.
Today marks Nowruz, the cherished Turkmen New Year! We will journey to the festive village situated 15 kilometres west of Ashgabat to partake in this significant cultural celebration. Here, you will experience the rich heritage of Turkmenistan through immersive activities: exploring authentic traditional yurts, savouring exquisite national cuisine, and observing the intricate arts of carpet weaving and traditional embroidery. Local artisans and performers, adorned in vibrant traditional costumes, will demonstrate time-honoured customs and present lively folk music and dance performances featuring traditional instruments such as the dutar and gyjak. A true highlight of the day will be the spectacular equestrian show, celebrating the legendary Akhal-Teke horses and the deep-rooted horsemanship tradition of Turkmenistan. Please note: Festival programme and activities are subject to change.
Visit to Nissa Fortress, the ancient Sanctuary of the Parthian Kings. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Nissa is one of the earliest capitals of the Parthians. Founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211 BC), the site is believed to be the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings. While it is yet to be confirmed whether the fortress served as a royal residence or a mausoleum, its historic significance and architectural splendor make it a fascinating destination.
The drive to the Alabai dog Monument, located in Ashgabat, is a grand statue dedicated to the Alabai dog breed, also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Visit the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, a striking Turkish-inspired architectural masterpiece.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart in the morning for Mary, a drive through the scenic Turkmen countryside. (360km, 4 hours).
On arrival, continue north to the village of Chashgyn, where you will experience a captivating demonstration of local crafts. Watch artisans create traditional carpets, felt rugs, dyed yarns, and woven products. You’ll also see unique skills such as broom making and the crafting of national instruments. Locals will showcase camel milking and other fascinating traditions.
Return to Mary to explore its downtown area.
Visit the historic Russian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest in Turkmenistan.
You’ll see the city’s major landmarks. Stroll through the vibrant Mary Bazaar, offering a colorful array of local products.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit ancient Merv, often referred to as the “Queen of the World.” Once one of the most significant capitals of Islam, alongside Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus, Merv is steeped in history.
Explore its fascinating archaeological sites, including the imposing Greater and Lesser Kyz Gala (6th–7th centuries), the Complex of Askhabs (8th–14th centuries), and the ancient city ruins of Erk Gala (6th century BC) and Gyaur Gala (4th century BC). Visit the Hoja Yusup Hamadani Complex and the iconic Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture. Conclude your exploration at the Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum, another remarkable monument of the era.
Drive to Ashgabat (390km, 5 hours).
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Nohur (2 hours).
Visit the remote village of Nokhur, nestled in a small valley within the stunning Kopet Dag mountain range. Apart from the main street through the middle of the town, the streets are so narrow that they can only just fit a car between the high stone retaining walls on each side. The Nohkuri people who populate this remote mountain village are quite different from other Turkmen tribes. According to legends, this was the place where Noah’s Ark moored, and all animals were let out, and various seeds were planted. Indeed, the nature of Nohur differs from the surrounding places. Visit the great tree and one of the unique cemeteries, which is isolated. Nearly every grave is marked by a wooden post decorated with the horns of a mountain goat. Make your sacred wishes by visiting the wish tree named after Kyz Bibi.
Drive to Gokdepe.
Note: ‘Turkmen Hospitality’ can be organized if the number of participants is more than 5. You’ll be welcomed into the heart of Turkmen culture by a local family — we like to call it “Turkmen Hospitality” in its purest form. Here, you’ll experience a genuine connection to local traditions and daily life.
You’ll have the opportunity to try on traditional Turkmen clothing, learn the intricate art of carpet and felt mat weaving using special local wool, and take part in cooking beloved national dishes like dograma and ishlekli. You’ll also be shown the time-honoured method of baking Turkmen bread, and even try your hand at making the delicious local snack, pishme. After driving to Gokdepe fortress, which was attacked in December 1880 by the Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy), which was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat, and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue colored roof and white marble structure. Visit the Akhal-Teke horse stables, showcasing the national pride of Turkmenistan. The Akhal-Teke horses, often regarded as the most beautiful in the world, boast a lineage that dates back over 5,000 years. This unique breed, cherished by rulers such as Alexander the Great and Darius I, has remained pure without mixing with other breeds. According to local beliefs, touching an Akhal-Teke horse is said to bring healing and good fortune.
Visit the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak, the largest mosque in Central Asia. This magnificent structure, with its gleaming white marble exterior and grand domes, is a symbol of spiritual and architectural brilliance.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Carpet Museum.
Visit the renowned Carpet Museum, one of the finest in Central Asia. The museum showcases approximately 2,000 exquisite carpet exhibits, featuring intricate designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik, and Chodor tribes. Among the highlights are unique pieces such as the smallest carpet designed to hold keys and the world’s largest handwoven carpet, measuring 301 m². Woven in 2001, this masterpiece earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records in 2003.
Our vehicle will stop in front of the Magtumkuli Drama Theater, where we will begin our walking tour (total: 1.5km) toward the Lenin statue. This area represents the historic downtown of Ashgabat, shaded by century-old trees that have witnessed over a century of history.
The Lenin statue, built during the Soviet era, stands as one of the few remaining monuments from that period. Behind us, you’ll see the State Central Archive building, recognizable by its Soviet-style architectural elements still preserved on the facade. From there, we will continue walking past the Ashgabat Mayor’s Office before reaching the Russian Bazaar. This is one of the most vibrant and authentic places in the city, where you can observe daily local life and explore local products.
Our walk will then continue to the lunch place located inside Inspiration Park, which is adorned with numerous statues of Turkmen poets.
In the afternoon, you will drive to the Darvaza burning Gas Crater (276km, 4 hours), which is a top international tourist destination. The area is rich in natural gas, and the crater has been burning for over 50 years, making it shine like a pearl in the middle of the Karakum desert. You will also see water and mud craters. The trip provides an opportunity to experience the fresh air of the desert and the nomadic life. You will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and barbecue for dinner while enjoying the light of the Gas Crater in the night sky. This unique landscape will fascinate you and make you want to come back again.
Overnight at camp.
Meals: Breakfast, BBQ dinner

Picnic-style breakfast. Drive to Ashgabat (276km, 4 hours ).
Check in and free time.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight