Brilliants of Turkmenistan
Name of tour: Brilliants of Turkmenistan
Length: 8 days and 7 nights
Overnight stays: Ashgabat, Balkanabat, Turkmenbashi, Darwaza, Mary
Day 1: Ashgabat
Today you will be met by your guide with signboard “HD Travel Agency” written on it. Then you will be transferred to the hotel for accommodation. Then you will travel to priceless site of Turkmenistan Old Nisa that was Parthian Empire. This outstanding site was included into the list of UNESCO Heritage. During the tour you will admire the late president’s Mausoleum and “Gypjak” Mosque. In the second part of the day you will have city tour. You will explore the fascinating attractions of the capital such as parks and monuments and other significant buildings. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Balkanabat
The next destination of the tour will be underground lake Kow-Ata. This lake translates as Father of caves. The temperature of the lake does not change throughout the year and stands at around 33-38 degrees Celsius. The lake has healing properties and has 38 chemical elements in the water. Turkmens from all over the country visit the lake. Underground lake is the largest in the world. The tour route will take you to Nokhur village that is located on the valley the mountains of the Kopet Dag Range. There are located the picturesque houses made of cement and mud. These are two-floor houses of original architecture of severe beauty, laid out on the slopes of mountain stone, among picturesque vineyards, almond and pomegranate trees. After that you will transfer to Balkanabad city.
Day 3: Balkanabat – Yangikala – Gozli Ata – Turkmenbashi
Turkmenistan charms not only with its views of lakes and rivers, but also with its colorful canyons. Today you can visit the charming views Yangikala canyons. They are located 165 km to the north from Balkanabat and 160 km to the east from Turkmenbashi. Translated from Turkmen, the phrase "Yangi Kala" means "fire fortresses". The sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ochre, purple, and red, whimsically carved by wind and rain, look very much like stone castles from some fantastic movie. The canyons are especially beautiful at sunset, when everything around turns fiery red. Today, you can walk through it like a natural sculpture Park made of compressed, crumbling soil in your hands. You will have chance to climb the colorful hills but you cannot hold buttresses. Today you will also explore one of the most remote sacred attractions in Turkmenistan as Gozli Ata. Then you will travel to Turkmenbashi.
Day 4: Turkmenbashi – Ashgabat – Darwaza
This day you will transfer to Ashgabat at 10:30/11:30 by flight. After that you will continue the tour with driving to Erbent village and to Cas Crater- Darwaza. The Darvaza gas crater offers fantastic views and landscapes. The gas crater was formed about 40 years ago by human error. And for more than 40 years, beautiful flames have been bursting out of the ground. You will have a great chance to enjoy the fabulous views at daylight and at night. Today you will admire the heat and sound of the wind. This day you will have dinner in BBQ style. The overnight will be in the tents.
Day 5: Darwaza – Kunya Urgench – Ashgabat
Today you will transfer to Kone-Urgench after breakfast at Darwaza. You will drive about 261 km and 4:35 min. Kone-Urgench is the architectural Monument and Ancient capital of Northern Khorezm, mentioned in Chinese sources as early as the first century ad, in the middle of the VIII century falls under the rule of the Arabs. During the tour you will explore mausoleums of II Arslan and SoltanTekesh, Nejmeddin Kubra, Soltan Ali, Turabek –Khanum dated back to12th c, minaret of KutlugTimur, Mamun II. After that you have the flight to Ashgabad at 16:20/17:10 (time of flight can be changed). Transfer to the capital and have free time.
Day 6: Ashgabat – Mary
In the morning in Ashgabat you will have a chance to explore Mary city where you will be inspired by highlight tour. You are going to explore Historical Museum where you will experience the ancient history. Then you will have free time.
Day 7: Mary – Merv – Ashgabat
Merv is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and around the world. The ancient city of Merv is also known for the brightest minds of the Islamic world, such as al-Khwarizmi and Omar Khayyam, who lived and worked in it. It was one of the main cities of Central Asia was included into the list of UNESKO World Heritage Site. Today you will have a chance to admire majestic Mausoleums of the Sultan of Sanjar and Muhammad Ibn-Zeid dated back to XII century, showing incredible brickwork and architectural decor. Then you will return to Ashgabat. After arrival to Ashgabat you will explore Russian bazaar. During the tour you will have a chance to walk along the striking rows and buy national souvenirs. Don’t miss the opportunity to bargain and get the discount. Afterwards you will admire one of the most charming Muslim Mosque in Turkmenistan - Ertugrul Gazi. That is one of the most beautiful mosques in Ashgabat, built in the Turkish style, is the largest in the city.
Day 8: Flight
Morning transfer to airport.
Price per person:
02 pax – 1 150 $
04 pax – 885 $
06 pax – 770 $
08 pax – 675 $
10 pax – 690 $
Single – 170 $
Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 65 $
Half board – 75 $
Full board – 150 $
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Ashgabat – “Menzil” Hotel 3*
Balkanabat – “Nebitchi” Hotel 3*
Turkmenbashi – “Turkmenbashi” Hotel 3*
Darwaza – Tents with dinner
Mary – “Merv” Hotel 3*
- Visa support
- English speaking guide
- Museums entrances
- Mineral water supply
- Domestic flights and trains (if any)
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Migration tax (12 $)
- Fee for using cameras on monuments
Note: Each Traveler should have 2 photos (5×6) to be presented at the points of entry.