Dashoguz

Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”.

Drive to Kunya Urgench (1.5h). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive to Dashoguz (1.5h). Overnight at hotel in Dashoguz. Meals: dinner.

Dashoguz – Darwaza, 295 km, 5 h

Breakfast at hotel. Then you will have pottery making master class where you will learn the basics of this ancient art form from a master potter. Your class will begin with a brief introduction to the different types of clay and the tools and techniques used in pottery making. You will then learn how to prepare the clay and center it on the pottery wheel. Once the clay is centered, you will be able to start throwing your own pots and bowls.

Afternoon drive to Darvaza burning Gas Crater (5h, 295km) which is one of the top international tourist destinations. The area is rich in natural gas. Burning for more than 50 years, Darvaza Gas Crater shines like a pearl in the middle of Karakum desert. Besides Darvaza Gas Crater, you will also see water and mud craters. One of the most vivid and addictive features of this trip is the fresh air of the desert and experiencing the nomadic life in person. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater hits the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape in the world will fascinate you and you will want to come again.

Overnight in Yurt Camp. Meals: breakfast, dinner.

Darwaza – Ashgabat, 280 km, 4 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat (4h, 280km). Firstly, visit to Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen carpet museum is one of the cultural centers of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. For example, the museum has the smallest carpet to wear keys, as well as the world’s largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records.

Afternoon you will have Ashgabat city tour. In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of the white marble. You will see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities, the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments.

Overnight at the Hotel in Ashgabat. Meals: breakfast

Ashgabat

Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning drive to Kowata underground lake which is located 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means "father of caves". This underground area seems like a magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its height reaches 20 m, and its width is at some points 57 m. The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and its warm and gushing water is clear and emerald colored. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You should swim in the lake).

After drive to Gokdepe fortress that was attacked in December 1880 by Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Geokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy) that was built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat and is noted for its mint-turquoise blue colored roof and white marble structure.

Then visit Gokdepe museum about the battle between Russians and local tribe “Akhalteke” in 1881.

Later drive to visit Horse Stable to see a national proud of Turkmen people - Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia).

Overnight at Hotel in Ashgabat. Meals: breakfast

Departure

BF at hotel. Transfer to Ashgabat International airport at 00:30.

2nd option: Transfer to the Howdan-Bajgiran border to follow your trip to Iran