Crossroads of Fire & Faith: Turkmenistan in 7 days

Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat

Meet your friend upon arrival. Begin exploring the capital with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa archaeological site and the National Museum of History.
Evening city tour with stops at:
Monument of Neutrality
Independence Park
Ferris Wheel
Wedding Palace
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat

Day 2: Ashgabat – Turkmenbashy – Yangykala Canyon – Gozli Ata

✈️ Morning flight to Turkmenbashy. City tour including the Caspian seaside and local bazaar.
Drive to Yangykala Canyons – surreal landscapes of colorful cliffs.
🚗 2 hrs paved road + 2 hrs gravel/potholed track.
Arrive before sunset.
Dinner and overnight: Pilgrimage guesthouse at Gozli Ata

Day 3: Gozli Ata – Kov Ata – Nohur – Ashgabat

Drive through the Kopet Dag Mountains.
Stop at the Kow-Ata Underground Lake, where you can take a dip in the warm sulfur-rich waters.
Visit Nohur village, its tribal cemetery, and sacred places.
Return to Ashgabat.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat

Day 4: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Ashgabat

🚐 Early morning drive to Mary and Merv – an ancient Silk Road metropolis and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore:
Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
Gyz Gala (Large and Small)
Erk Gala
Gyaur Gala
Keshk Fortress
Visit local church in Mary.
Return to Ashgabat in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat

Day 5: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater

Morning tour of Ashgabat:
White marble buildings (Guinness World Record!)
Russian Bazaar
Altyn Asyr Shopping Center
Afternoon drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert (4 hrs).
⛺ Camp near the burning crater under the stars.
Dinner: Cooked on open fire
Overnight: Yurt or tent (your choice)

Day 6: Darvaza – Dashoguz – Kunya Urgench

After breakfast, drive to Dashoguz (4.5 hrs).
Visit the local bazaar – one of the most traditional in Turkmenistan.
After lunch, continue to Kunya Urgench, ancient capital of Khorezm:
Turabek-Khanym Mausoleum
Sultan Tekesh & Sultan Il Arslan Mausoleums
Kutlug Timur Minaret
Kyrk Molla Hill
Overnight: Hotel in Dashoguz
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Dashoguz – Hojayli (Border Crossing)

In the morning, transfer to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border at Hojayli.
End of the tour with unforgettable memories!