Tour itinerary: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Ashgabat
Season: all the year round
Days: 2 | Nights: 2
Flight to Ashgabat.
Early morning arrival in Ashgabat International Airport (ETA 03:00 am).
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the driver holding a sign with your name on it. Transfer to the hotel. Arrival in hotel. Early check-in/ extra night.
Resting time after the flight.
Breakfast in the hotel.
10:00 Start Ashgabat city tour visiting
- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118m column that consider the highest building in the country),
- Neutrality Arch - a unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun;
- National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique exposition from Ancient Merv and Nissa.
-Turkmenbashi Mosque – Mausoleum. It is considered the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousands of people). There are beautiful fountains and garden near the mosque.
- A trip to ancient Nissa (18km from Ashgabad) that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of the I millennium BC).
Change the vehicles for SUV. In the afternoon transfer to Darwaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, continue 10 km deep inside.
In 1971 geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists hoped the fire would go out in a few days but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate - Darwaza. The views are impressive, especially in sunset and night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings.
BBQ dinner and overnight stay in yurt.
Breakfast in the yurt camp.
Transfer to Kunya – Urgench.
On arrival in Kunya Urgench, start sightseeing tour visiting
-the founder mausoleum of Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII centuries);
-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);
-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).
Transfer to Dashoguz Airport.
19:00 Departure flight for Ashgabat.
19:40 Arrival in Ashgabat Airport/ internal airlines.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
*Please note there is no hotel overnight tonight.
End of the tour.
- Turkmenistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);
- Accommodation in 2-3 pax shared yurt/s in Darwaza (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow) or private tents;
- Accommodation in standard twin/ double-shared rooms;
- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class transport as per road conditions including transfers to/from airports;
- English-speaking local guide/s;
- Meals: breakfasts at the hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp;
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums and natural fees as per program;
- Internal flight Dashoguz - Ashgabat (economy class);
- Tourist tax per person.
- International flights to – from Ashgabat;
- Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person, when obtained at the land border (subject to change; nationality dependent)
-Turkmenistan migration tax 10+4 USD per person, to be paid at land border (subject to change)
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- Meals: lunches and dinners except those specified in the “Tour Price Includes” section;
- Transport and guide service for free days and free time after the standard city tours;
- PCR tests at the Turkmen border/Airport, personal travel/medical insurance, portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.
Accommodation
| CITY | STANDARD | COMFORT |
| Ashgabat | Ak Altyn | Sport |
| Darwaza | Yurt camp |
