8-day Turkmenistan Classic tour

Upon arrival at the Ashgabat International airport, you will be greeted by our representatives and transferred to your hotel for some free time to relax. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel before embarking on a morning excursion to visit the ancient fortress of Nissa. This fortress, considered the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. Founded by Arsaces I around 250 BC, Nissa is reputed to be the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings. Afternoon city tour of Ashgabat, known as the “white marbled city” and home to the largest number of white marble structures in the world. You will visit the Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities, and the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Quick itinerary day review:

1. Arrival in Ashgabat International Airport
2. Nissa fortress – UNESCO World Heritage Site
3. Ashgabat city tour – “white marbled city”
4. Arch of Neutrality
5. Ertogrul Gazy Mosque

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Ashgabat Domestic Airport for a morning flight to Mary. Upon arrival in Mary, you’ll head to the historical site of Merv, once known as the “Queen of the World.” Merv was one of the most important capitals of Islam, alongside Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus.

Discover the ancient wonders of Merv during a guided tour that includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), the Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum.

After exploring Merv, continue to Mary city, where you’ll visit the Mary History Museum, situated in the heart of the city. The museum’s exhibits showcase the history and culture of Mary, spanning from ancient times to the present day, offering a unique and comprehensive collection.

Conclude your day with a comfortable overnight stay in Mary city, reflecting on the rich history and cultural heritage you’ve experienced.

Quick itinerary day review:

1. Morning flight to Mary
2. Ancient Merv exploration
3. Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
4. Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum
5. Mary History Museum visit

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Mary Domestic Airport for a morning flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, you’ll visit the National Museum of History & Ethnography, which houses a vast collection of over 500,000 ancient artifacts from Turkmenistan. The museum features nine halls, each dedicated to a specific period or theme, highlighting the country’s diverse landscape, flora and fauna, fossils, and rare geological finds. Explore the Hall of Independence, showcasing the modern development of Turkmenistan.

Next, you’ll visit the National Carpet Museum, home to the Giant Carpet recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, as well as carpets from five regions, each with its own unique symbol or “gol.” These gols are used in building decorations and national emblems, representing the unity of the Turkmen nation. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Quick itinerary day review:

1. Morning flight to Ashgabat
2. National Museum of History & Ethnography
3. Hall of Independence
4. National Carpet Museum
5. Giant carpet – Guinness Book of Records

Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast before setting off for Dashoguz. Upon arrival in Dashoguz city, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. Overnight in Dashoguz.

Quick itinerary day review:

1. Picnic style breakfast
2. Drive to Dashoguz
3. Arrival in Dashoguz city
4. Hotel transfer
5. Free time

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then head to Kunya Urgench for a sightseeing tour. Explore the Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, and Turabek Hanum Mausoleum. Following the tour, transfer to Dashoguz Domestic Airport for your flight back to Ashgabat. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Quick itinerary day review:

1. Drive to Kunya Urgench
2. Portal of Caravansaray
3. II Arslan Mausoleum
4. Kutlug Timur Minaret
5. Flight back to Ashgabat

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the historic Gokdepe fortress, which was besieged by the Russian Empire Army in December 1880. The 23-day siege culminated in the storming and capture of the city. Visit the Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy), built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat, notable for its mint-turquoise blue roof and white marble structure.

Next, explore the Gokdepe Museum, which details the 1881 battle between the Russians and the local Akhalteke tribe. Continue your journey with a visit to a Horse Farm, where you’ll see the Akhalteke horses, a national treasure of Turkmenistan and one of the world’s most beautiful breeds. These horses have been carefully bred for over 5,000 years and have never been mixed with other breeds. Emperors such as Alexander the Great and Darius I sought to own these magnificent creatures. The farm houses over 35 stunning horses, believed to have healing powers for those who touch them.

Lastly, visit the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Quick itinerary day review:

1. Gokdepe fortress
2. Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy)
3. Gokdepe museum
4. Akhalteke horse farm visit
5. Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak