Turkmenistan Classic Golden Triangle

Welcome to Ashgabat, the enchanting capital of Turkmenistan! After landing, our guide and the driver will warmly greet you at the airport, followed by a private transfer to the hotel.

Once you have settled and recharged, let’s begin our exploration, first with a visit to the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, established by the Parthians in the 3rd century BC, which comprises two areas situated 1.5 kilometers apart. Old Nisa was an independent fortress and historically the royal residence, where you can appreciate many mud sculptures and murals depicting battle scenes within square houses. In contrast, New Nisa once served as a thriving city with large estates and a robust pottery-making industry. Both locations now appear as vast sand mounds lacking interpretive signage, but our expert guide will vividly recount Nisa’s past, enhancing your understanding of the region’s history.

Then, immerse yourself in the serenity of Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque), built to commemorate former President Niyazov. Stepping inside, you can marvel at the wall inscribed with verses of the Quran and excerpts of the Ruhnama, a spiritual guide for Turkmens written by the president himself. He believed reading it three times opens a path to heaven after death. The nearby structure, looking like a miniature mosque, is the mausoleum of Niyazov. Afterward, meander through the Earthquake Memorial Complex while hearing the tragic story of the devastating earthquake that struck Ashgabat in 1948, and pay tribute to great Turkmen poets in Makhtumkuli Park. As we drive toward your hotel to stay overnight, you can take in Ashgabat’s surreal white cityscape lit up by neon lights. 

► Internet Tips:
Internet in Turkmenistan is under strict regulations, and thus, popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram are blocked, so consider purchasing a local VPN if needed. Some public venues may provide free WiFi, but the speeds can be painfully slow and unreliable. To stay connected, you can apply for a TM Cell SIM card to communicate with your family through Gmail or MS Teams, although it may be a little pricey. For reference, a SIM card costs around USD 38, and a 2GB data package is priced around USD 22.

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, our guide will lead you to the National History Museum, home to many artifacts from the ancient Silk Road. A variety of pottery items are predominant, including gilded pots and tableware with exquisite designs. The museum also exhibits over 40 rhytons, trumpet-shaped wine vessels made of ivory, some of which were used in sacrificial rites. You’ll be captivated by the reliefs illustrating the Twelve Greek Gods on them, reflecting the ancient Nissans’ pursuit of art and opulence. Then prepare to marvel at the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel at the Alem Center and ascend to the Wedding Palace Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of Ashgabat against the backdrop of the Kopet Dag Mountain. 

Our next stop is Independence Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll and marvel at the massive Ruhnama monument. Continue to visit the Arch of Neutrality, a 75-meter (246-foot) tall tripod structure celebrating Turkmenistan’s UN-recognized permanent neutrality. Then, we’ll head to a horse stable to meet the Akhal-Teke horses, cherished national treasures of the country known for their beauty and speed. Touch their satin-looking hair, and chat with the owner to discover whether these horses sweat blood when running, as the legend says. If interested, you can pay the stable owner for an on-site riding experience based on the desired duration. The last Sunday of April hosts the thrilling Horse Racing Festival, where the scene of locals passionately betting and cheering for their favorite horses awaits if you happen to visit during this period!

After that, return to the downtown to visit the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, where exquisite murals, stained glass windows, and gilded handwritten verses of the Quran, seamlessly blending Byzantine and Islamic styles, will wash over you. Please remove your shoes before entering, and women need to wear a headscarf. Before exploring local life at Gulistan Bazaar, our guide will walk you through Inspiration Park to appreciate statues of some famous Turkmen poets. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel with memories of this fulfilling day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

Bid farewell to Ashgabat and take a 1-hour flight to Turkmenbashi. Upon arrival, we’ll drive 3.5 hours to Yangykala Canyon, stopping by the Gozli Ata Mausoleum. This sacred site is the resting place of a revered Sufi spiritual leader, who is thought to have the magical ability to see human souls. Then, we’ll drive through sand dunes to the canyon, and on the way, you may spot flocks of goats and camels. Once submerged under the Caspian Sea, Yangykala Canyon now turns into a rugged landscape like the surface of Mars due to declining sea levels and erosion caused by rain and wind, with layers of red, pink, and yellow cliffs stretching expansively across the desert. Our guide will accompany you to hike the canyon, and you can climb to the cliff’s top to admire ancient coral reefs. The soft and fragile rocks require your utmost attention when walking.

► Good to Know: 
1. While the road to Yangykala Canyon is bumpy, our skilled driver knows the terrain well, so just soak up the desert’s desolate beauty in the air-conditioned 4WD vehicle! Given the long journey, preparing motion sickness medication will be useful.
2. Don’t forget to gear up for hiking! Wear windproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes, and pack a mask and sunglasses to prevent wind and dust.

After enjoying a picnic lunch around the canyon at a spectacular viewpoint, let’s hop in the car to capture the canyon’s stunning views at more observation decks. Then we’ll drive back to Turkmenbashi and check into a local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Beyik Yupel Yoly Hotel Turkmenbashi (4 stars) or similar

After a revitalizing breakfast, kick off the day with excursions to Turkmenbashi, the westernmost city in Turkmenistan that hugs the azure shores of the Caspian Sea. Our first stop will be the Awaza Resort, a beloved summer escape since the Soviet era (1925-1991), which boasts the clearest waters of the Caspian Sea, making it a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. The local government plans to develop Awaza into the Las Vegas of Turkmenistan, so you’ll be dazzled by modern skyscrapers and luxurious five-star hotels that outshine those in Ashgabat. After observing cargo ships busily navigating through the seaport, we’ll head to the fish bazaar to explore local specialties like sturgeon and caviar.

In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to the airport to take a 1-hour flight to Dashoguz. Upon arrival, the guide will show you around the city center. Let’s visit the Dashoguz Mosque, the spiritual hub in the local area, which has a white marble façade and walls and ceilings featuring Islamic elements, adorned with ornate decor and calligraphy works, inviting you to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere.

If interested, you can also discover local cuisines on your own and our guide would like to offer some good dining choices. For Turkmens, bread is the head of everything, and Chorek is one of the most sacred breads, baked in clay ovens and broken apart with both hands as a ritual during meals, pairing perfectly with a cup of salty yogurt, Ayran.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dashoguz Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today’s sightseeing starts at the Kunya Urgench Historical Park, a 1.5-hour drive away. Since the site is vast and has few shades, we suggest you drink enough water. Upon arrival, our guide will lead you through a series of monuments of ancient Kunya Urgench dating from the 11th to 16th centuries, such as the Kyrkmolla Mausoleum, Il Arslan Mausoleum, and Kutlug Timur Minaret, which had also inspired the architectural styles in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and India. Along the way, you’ll notably observe the evolution of building materials: some structures were only constructed of clay and bricks, while others feature colorful mosaics adorning their domes. Among them, the most eye-catching one may be the 60-meter (197-foot) high Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest of its kind in Central Asia, standing from the 14th century to now, which has witnessed the city’s former heyday.

★ Adventure to Hellish Darvaza Crater on Fire

Next, let’s embark on a 5-hour drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater for an unplugged journey! On the way, you may spot some camels trudging through the desert! Upon arrival, witness roaring flames in the crater, which has a diameter of 70 meters (230 feet), resembling the hellish lake of fire described in the Bible and hence the nickname “Door to Hell”. As you approach its edge from a safe distance, you’ll hear the crackling and feel the intense heat warming your skin. It is estimated to burn $80,000 worth of gas daily, so the Turkmen government has been planning to close it for a long time, concerned about the environment and natural resources. Maybe, in the near future, the gas crater will vanish, so just seize the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of the accidental natural wonder.

After that, we’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars and spend the night in a yurt camp, creating long-lasting memories surrounded by flames. While we provide sleeping bags, please bring extra clothing to stay warm at night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp in Darvaza

After a picnic breakfast at camp, consider witnessing the burning fire again before taking a 4-hour private transfer back to Ashgabat, with a stop at the lesser-known Water and Mud Crater in Darvaza. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be guided to dive into the historical tradition of carpet weaving at the Turkmen Carpet Museum, which has a collection of more than 2,000 carpets. Some serve as wall decorations while some depict events from festive celebrations to epic battles, reminiscent of vibrant oil paintings. Maybe one of the most interesting experiences lies in imagining locals’ nomadic lives as you stand in the yurt filled with carpet decorations. If you visit during the last Sunday of May, Carpet Day, see how Turkmen women skillfully weave carpets on-site and indulge in various celebrations like creative competitions and music and dance performances. Your exploration continues to the Teke Bazaar, where fresh local produce and baked food are well-organized in stalls at the entrance, as well as clothing, meat, and fruits traded inside. Finally, you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a 4-hour ride to Mary and visit Seyit Jemaladdin Mosque Ruins in Annau on the way, one of the few remaining Timurid period (1370-1507) monuments in Turkmenistan. There used to be luxurious mosaic decorations above its arch, with two 8-meter (26-foot) high dragons facing each other, but unfortunately, they were destroyed by the 1948 Ashgabat Earthquake; today only the mosque’s base and some blue mosaic fragments remain visible. Continue our journey to Ancient Merv, a famous Silk Road oasis claimed as the world’s largest city in the 12th century. At that time, grand mosques, libraries, and lavish mansions dotted the city’s every corner, bustling with merchants and scholars from other Asian countries. Yet, with the thunderous sounds of hooves brought by Genghis Khan and his Mongol army, Merv’s glory came to an abrupt end by a brutal massacre, with only a group of craftsmen and children surviving. In mere days, Merv transformed from a metropolis into a ruin, where architectural arts were destroyed and civilization was lost.

After arriving in Mary, we will visit the Mary Regional Museum, which exhibits the city model of ancient Merv to illustrate its past grandeur, and take some time to explore extensive collections of ancient pottery, coins, and textiles. Also, you can see tents from 3,000 BC, highlighting the country’s rich nomadic traditions. Then head to Pokrovskaya Church, a Russian Orthodox church adorned with icons and religious artistry on its pink and blue walls. Our next stop is the Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque (Juma Mosque), characterized by a domed hall and four minarets, where you can admire painted walls and ceilings, along with exquisite chandeliers. After wandering through the local bazaar, the guide and driver will whisk you away to the hotel for rest.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mary Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, our exploration of Ancient Merv continues! The city had witnessed the rise and fall of Persia, Mongolia, and Arab empires, while still retaining its original character, as subsequent powers usually built new fortresses nearby.

You’ll be guided to the State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv, visiting the remains of mausoleums, shrines, galleries, towers, and citadels in different styles, showcasing the blending of great civilizations. The most remarkable buildings are the four walled cities that reveal Merv’s importance as a major crossroad on the ancient Silk Road. Among them, the oldest and smallest Erk Kala, built in the 6th century BC, was once the residence of the Achaemenid-era ruler, including a large office building, warehouses, and barracks for servants. Sultan Kala is the largest one, featuring 200 semicircular towers and several secret staircases. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological sites beyond. Additionally, set your eyes on the three unique ice houses from the Timurid era, which were built with bricks and topped with conical roofs, igniting your imagination about how ancient people preserved their cherished meats beneath the wooden beams.

Next, we’ll drive back to Ashgabat, and you can spend the rest of the day on your own after settling into the hotel. Consider taking the last chance to savor local snacks! As a signature Turkmen dish, Dograma is one you cannot miss, featuring bite-sized pancake pieces stewed with tender lamb and onions, along with pouring fragrant meat broth to mix well.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (4 stars) or similar

Here comes the end of your 9-day Turkmenistan private tour. We will escort you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Thanks for traveling with us, and we wish you a pleasant journey home!

If you want to extend your trip to the other four ‘stan’ countries in Central Asia, please feel free to contact our travel consultants to tailor your itinerary, and we will respond within 12 hours!

Meals: Breakfast