Navruz tour - Turkmenistan

Transfer to the hotel.

09:00 Start city tour with visits:

- Independence Park - One of the main touristic attractions of Turkmenistan is the National Independence Park  in Ashgabat. Ashgabat Park (Turkmen: Aşgabat seýilgähi) is among the oldest public parks[clarification needed] at the center of Ashgabat in Turkmenistan;

- Neutrality Arch;

- Ferris Wheel;

- Wedding Palace Viewpoint;

- Stairs of Health Park - 33-km long concrete stairway across the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, constructed on the orders of the first president of Turkmenistan in the early nineties;

- Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum - Eleven kilometers to the west of Ashgabat there stands the largest mosque in Central Asia and main mosque of Turkmenistan – The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque;

- Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque - The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is one of the most beautiful Muslim mosques of Turkmenistan. Like any other buildings, erected in Ashgabat during the period of independence, the mosque strikes with its size and rich decoration;

18:00 Return to the hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

08:30 transfer to the airport for morning flight to Dashoguz (50 min.).

Day trip to Kunya Urgench (UNESCO).

Visiting the founder mausoleum of Sufi sects:

- "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII centuries) - (Shaykh Ab al-Jann b Ahmad ibn 'Umar) was a 13th-century Persian Sufi from Khwarezmia, the founder of the Kubrawiyya or Kibruyeh Sufi order, influential in the Ilkhanid and Timurid. His method, exemplary of a "golden age" of sufi metaphysics, was related to the Illuminism of Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi as well as to Rumi's Shams Tabrizi;

- The mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym (XII-XIV centuries);

- Minaret Mamun (X-XI centuries);

- Minaret Kutlug-Timur (XII-XIV c, the highest minaret in Central Asia - 67m height);

- Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in BC - III A.D.);

- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city - date of its bookmark is roughly estimated by XI century).

Return to Dashoguz. Evening flight to Ashgabat and transfer to city.

20:30 return to hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

08:30 Departure from hotel lobby for full morning visit of Navruz celebrations near Ashgabat.

It's unforgettable experience where you can observe Turkmen traditions, culture and shows. 

Afternoon visit of National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique  exposition from Ancient Merv and Nisa.  A trip to ancient Nisa (18 km from Ashgabat) that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of the I millennium BC - I millennium BC).

18:00 Return to the hotel.

20:00 Departure from hotel for city-by-night tour.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. 

10:00 start excursion with visiting  Sunday Bazaar "Tolkuchka" (secondhand market) which is famous for variety of goods. Stretching for a few kilometers along deserted suburbs of Ashgabat, bazaar attracts many tourists by opportunity to buy traditional Turkmen carpets. 

Early afternoon departure by jeeps for after-dark trip to Darwaza (4-hour drive one way), with stop at local desert village on the way. BBQ dinner at Darwaza.

In 1971 geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of about 50-100 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists had hoped the fire would go out in a few days but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate to Hell, and the sight of the crater at night indeed gives a somewhat spooky feel. 

The views are most impressive in the dark, and an overnight stay in tents near the crater is a unique experience, especially when accompanied by a barbecue dinner. 

Midnight return to hotel.

Overnight in hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

08:30 Transfer to the airport for morning  flight to  Mary.

Excursion to Ancient Merv (UNESCO).  Discover historical park with:

- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum,

- Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum,

- Medieval castles – “Kesk” fortresses (6-7 centuries) and others.

Return to Mary. Visit the History museum of Merv region.

Transfer to airport for  evening flight to Ashgabat.

20:30 return to the hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.