Turkmenistan Highlights Tour

After breakfast, drive east toward Mary and continue to Ancient Merv, one of the great historical centers of the Silk Road and an important city of the Islamic world. After lunch in Mary, explore the archaeological zone with sites such as Greater and Lesser Kyz Gala, the Askhabs Complex, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Hoja Yusup Hamadani Complex, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. Return to Mary for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Begin the day with a short sightseeing tour of Mary, including the city center, Mary Inspirational Palace, Mary Library, Mary Grand Mosque, Mary Bazaar and one of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in Turkmenistan. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back to Ashgabat. Dinner is served at a local restaurant, followed by overnight at the hotel.

Visit the Turkmen Carpet Museum, home to rare examples of traditional carpet designs from different Turkmen tribes and remarkable handwoven carpets, including large-scale pieces recognized internationally. Continue with a walking tour through the historic part of Ashgabat, starting near the Magtymguly Drama Theater and passing the Lenin Statue, State Central Archive building, Ashgabat Mayor’s Office and Russian Bazaar. The walk continues toward Inspiration Park, known for its statues of Turkmen poets. In the afternoon, drive across the Karakum Desert to Darvaza. Visit the water, mud and burning gas craters when conditions allow. In the evening, settle into a traditional yurt camp and enjoy a barbecue dinner near the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater.

Enjoy a simple picnic-style breakfast in the desert before driving back to Ashgabat. After lunch at a local restaurant, check in at the hotel and take time to rest and freshen up. Later in the afternoon, visit the Halk Hakydasy National Memorial Complex, which includes memorials connected with the 1948 earthquake, World War II and other important chapters of Turkmen history. In the evening, take a short night tour of Ashgabat to see the city illuminated before dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site connected with the early Parthian kingdom. Continue to Gokdepe Fortress, remembered for its role in Turkmen resistance during the Russian Empire’s advance, and visit the Saparmyrat Hajy Mosque, known for its turquoise roof and white-marble design. On the way back to Ashgabat, stop at the Turkmenbashi Ruhi Mosque and Mausoleum. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your departure schedule, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport or continue with any additional arrangements booked separately. This concludes your Turkmenistan Highlights Tour.