In the mysterious civilisation and splendors of Turkmenistan

Embark on a captivating journey that begins with breakfast at the hotel, setting the tone for a day full of exploration and discovery. As the sun begins its ascent at around 08:00, we set off for Mary City, a distance of approximately 375 kilometers, promising a scenic drive of around 5 to 6 hours, including refreshing stops along the way.

Our first stop reveals a piece of history at the ruins of the "Seyitjemaletdin" mosque, dating back to the 15th century. About 14 km from Ashgabat, near the picturesque village of Annau, these ancient vestiges whisper stories of bygone eras and invite us to immerse ourselves in their past.

Continuing our journey, we will venture to explore the evocative ruins of the ancient settlement of Abiverd, located about 125 km from Ashgabat. Amidst the desert landscape, these vestiges stand as mute witnesses to centuries of human civilization, offering a glimpse into Turkmenistan's rich heritage.

As the day progresses, we delight in a leisurely lunch en route, savoring both the flavors of the region and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Energized and captivated by our encounters with history, we resume our journey to the vibrant city of Mary.

Nestled in a vast oasis in the middle of the Garagum Desert, Mary unfolds its charms as Turkmenistan's third largest city. Founded in 1884 as a Russian military administrative center, it is testament to the region's dynamic past. Formerly known as Merv until 1937, Mary exudes a blend of historical significance and modern vitality.

Arriving in the heart of the city, we will find rest and comfort at the esteemed 4* hotel "Mary", where warm hospitality awaits us. We will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy Mary's ambiance, perhaps strolling through its bustling streets or simply relaxing in the serene surroundings of the hotel.

In the evening, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant, sampling the flavors of Turkmen cuisine while reflecting on the day's adventures. With our hearts full and our minds enriched, we retire for the night, anticipating the wonders that tomorrow's journey will bring.
 

Day Trip Itinerary to Gonur Depe: After breakfast, set off on the road to the Gonur Depe site (70 kilometers, 2.5+ hours' drive).

Historical Background: During the Bronze Age, several villages sprang up in the Margiana oasis along the Murghab River. "Margiana", along the Murghab River. The oldest villages are still being excavated at Gonur Depe.

Archaeological Findings at Gonur Depe: Excavations have uncovered remains dating back to 3,000 BC. The ruins of the royal palace are the most interesting.

• Picnic lunch on site (or box lunch)
• Return to Mary
• Continuation of the tour of Mary
• Dinner in a local restaurant.

Additional Attractions in Mary

• Old Russian Orthodox Church (built in 1900)
• Short city tour (stops at local parks and bazaars)

Early morning drive to Bayram Ali.
- Ancient Merv National Historical and Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999) (~35 km. from the city, ~25 min. drive).
(UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999) (~35 km. from the city, ~25 minutes by car).
(~35 km. from the city, ~25 minutes by car). Visit to the ruins of the ancient city of "Merv" and its archaeological monuments.
Archaeological monuments.
Ruins of ancient Merv - one of the most important cities on the Silk Road since the time of Alexander the Great.
Ruins of Merv - one of the most important cities on the Silk Road from the time of Alexander the Great to the 13th century A.D. Visit to Great Kiz-Kala and Oglan-Gala (VI-VII), Askhab complex (VIII- XIV), Gyaur-Gala (VIII- XIV) and Oglan-Gala (VI-VII).
XIV), Gyaur-gala (IV BC), Erk-gala (VI BC), Soltan-gala (XI), Soltan-Sanjar mausoleum (XII),
After lunch, transfer to Turkmenabad: (239 km, ~4 hours by car).
- Second city of Turkmenistan and capital of Lebap province.
In ancient times it was known as Amul (to distinguish it from the Iranian city of Amol).
Iranian city of Amol).
Dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast - long drive to the Kugitang Mountains in the far east of Turkmenistan.
(~8-9 hours drive).
- On the way visit to the mausoleum complex of Astana Baba - architectural monument of 11-12 cc.
XII. The mausoleum is part of a memorial complex consisting of a mosque and a church.
The mausoleum is part of a memorial complex consisting of a mosque and a tomb. No one knows for sure
who Astana Baba was. But the location of the mausoleum is considered sacred and auspicious.
It is considered sacred and conducive for healing.
We will cross the Amudarya River near the town of Atamyrat (Kerki).
The name of the town - "Kerki" - is a Turkified pronunciation of the Persian name "Karkuh", meaning "From".
"Karkuh", meaning "Deaf Mountain". In 1999, the city was renamed
Atamyrat. Near the end of the road mountains appear.
- You can see the highest peak of Turkmenistan - Airy-Baba (3139 meters above sea level).
The highest peak of Turkmenistan - "Airy-Baba" (3139 meters above sea level). It is located in the Koytendag mountain massif of the Pamir-Alai range, on the border with Uzbekistan.
On the border with Uzbekistan.
Arrival in the picturesque village of Koytendag. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse
just a stone's throw from the "Koyten Lake".

Spend a day exploring the country's most picturesque mountains, the Kugitangtau (also called Koytendag) (also called "Koytendag"). - This name translates into Turkmen as "mountains with deep canyons". In fact, this ridge is cut by numerous deep canyons with steep cliffs, which means that sometimes we only see the sky in a narrow strip of land. Sometimes the sky is only visible as a narrow strip overhead. - The deepest lakes, the longest caves and even the "dinosaur plateau" retain traces of these prehistoric reptiles. - In addition, the Koytendag Mountains are home to the deepest lake in the country: Kattakol. - Kattakol - Pass through the Umbar Dere Gorge to the local waterfall and follow the pilgrims to the holy church of Umbar Dere. Follow the pilgrims to the sacred cave "Kyrk Giz". Inside the cave there is something familiar, but slowly revealing itself. something that looks familiar but gradually becomes strange. The ceilings of the cave are decorated with a large number of stalactites. However, upon closer inspection, we see that the stalactites are not made of stone, but of cloth. but cloth. Local legend says that anyone who can throw a clay cake with material attached to the cave ceiling will be rewarded. made of clay with material attached to the cave ceiling and holding it - comes away with the fulfillment of a wish. wish fulfilled. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse.

After breakfast, we'll journey back to Turkmenabat. En route, we'll make a stop to visit the "Kaynar Baba" sulfur spring. Nestled in the "Karlyuk" steppe, this unique lake is one of the country's most remarkable natural wonders. Despite its small size – only 25 meters in diameter – the "Kaynar Baba" lake boasts crystal-clear water, revealing a bed adorned with small stones that create a picturesque scene. Upon arrival in Atamyrat, we'll pause for lunch before continuing our journey alongside the Amu Daria river. We'll reach Turkmenabad in the afternoon. In the evening, we'll board the night train bound for Ashgabat city.

Please note that check into a hotel will be possible after 12:00 afternoon.
After breakfast on the train, full day SS of Ashgabat city. Will include:
Entrance fee requiring objects:
• National Museum of History and Ethnography of Turkmenistan (Works
every day except Tuesdays and days of national holidays)
Free of entrance fee objects:
• Monument of Constitution
• Monument to “Arkadag” (Turkmen arka "behind" + dag "mountain",
connoting "protector")
• “Halk Hakydasy” Memorial complex (Is a memorial complex to the honor
of those killed in the Battle of “Geok Tepe” in 1881, in World War II, and in
the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake)
• Monument to Lenin (Better known as Vladimir Lenin, was a Russian
revolutionary and politician)
• “The Central Square” of Ashgabat near “The Presidential Palace”,
Monument of “Ahalteke” horses (Dedicated to 10 years of Independence)
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight.                                                                                                                                                 TURKMENBASHI RUHY ASTANA BABA MAUSOLEUM AYRY BABA PEAK 3139 M. BEATY OF NATURE IN KOYTENDAG DINOSAUR’S FOOTPRINTS RUINS OF NISSA INDEPENDENCE MON.

Breakfast and leisurely morning. Starting a program in the afternoon,
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch in a local restaurant.
Drive to “Darvaza” (285 km., ~6-hour drive by 4x4)
Arrival to “Darvaza”. Enjoying the spectacular and fascinating view of burning
“Hell’s Gate” crater.
• More than four decades ago, a gaping, fiery crater opened up in the desert
of northern Turkmenistan, the result of a drilling mishap. The Darvaza
Crater, more commonly known as the Door to Hell, still burns today, a
surreal feature in an otherwise barren landscape. Details on the origin of
the sinkhole are sketchy, but the story goes that Soviet scientists set it on
fire to burn off noxious gases after the ground under a drilling rig gave
way. Perhaps the scientists underestimated the amount of fuel that lay
below—Turkmenistan has the sixth largest natural gas reserves in the
world.
BBQ dinner near the crater, next to Yurt (Turkmen semi-nomadic house).
Accommodation and overnight in a specially organized Camp area. (Tents)
*(Tents, sleeping bags, mattress and other camping gears will be provided by
our company)

After breakfast on the spot, drive to Ashgabat city; on the way, visit two other craters (Turquoise Lake Crater and Mud crater) Lunch in a local restaurant upon arrival. Half day in Ashgabat:                                           Visit the fruit and vegetable market, also called the “Russian bazaar”                                                                                                       Spending the rest of the day relaxing, buying souvenirs, and preparing for the next day's departure.                             Dinner in a local restaurant.                                                                                                                                                                     Return to a hotel.

FREE DAY. Packing up, and preparation for a transfer after midnight Checking out from the hotel in afternoon (~12:00)                       Free time till midnight. No guide, no driver. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Meeting with your guide and your driver in the lobby of the hotel. Then 20 minutes transfer by car to the Ashgabat International Airport.