Turkmenistan II
Tuesday 25 Jul 2023 – Sunday 30 Jul 2023
6 days · 5 nights
Wander Expeditions
5+ years group traveling
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat, City Tour, and Darwaza Gas Craters
Upon your arrival at the Ashgabat airport, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. After check-in, we will begin our city tour by visiting Independence Park, Tower of Neutrality, and the Alem Center Ferris Wheel. We will then head to the Berkarar Shopping Center for some shopping. In the afternoon, we will change our transport to 4WD cars and depart for the Karakum desert, where we will explore the Central Karakum sands and stop for photos. We will then arrive at the ancient Unguz line of the desert and visit the old gas craters. Afterward, we will enter the sands of the desert, follow the tracks, and arrive at the Fiery Gas Crater, where we will see the gas crater at sunset and nighttime. We will camp in the area and have a picnic dinner.
Day 2: Nisa and Return to Ashgabat
We will return to Ashgabat via Nisa archaeological site, which was the 3rd capital of Parthians. We will explore the Old Nisa Fortress, The Religious and Royal complex of Parthian Kings, known also as Mithridatkert, and continue to the Turkmenbashy mosque. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Ashgabat, where you can enjoy some free time before a night drive to see the town in lights and take panoramic photos.
Day 3: Turkmenbashy and Yangy Kala Canyon
After breakfast, we will take a flight to Turkmenbashy and visit the bazaar. Then, we will take 4WD cars to the Yangy Kala canyon, which means "Fiery Fortress" in Turkmen language due to its spectacular view of red, orange, white, and gray color combinations. We will explore the canyon and enjoy the place before stopping for photos while crossing the Big Balkan Mountains.
Overnight in Balkanabat.
Day 4: Nohur Village
We will drive to Nohur village in the Kopet Dag Mountains and stop at Parau Bibi mausoleum, a holy place hidden in the middle of the rock. We will then continue our drive to the village and explore its sights before having dinner and an overnight stay at a local house.
Day 5: Kow Ata and Return to Ashgabat
After breakfast, we will return to the highway and drive to Kow Ata cave. We will descend a long staircase until we reach the underground lake and swim in it as per personal choice. We will then drive to Ashgabat, stopping at Akhal Teke horse farm for sightseeing. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, you will have some free time to enjoy the city.
Day 6: Ashgabat
You will have a free day to explore the city on your own and experience its quirkiness.
Day 7: Fly out
We will transfer you to the airport as per your flight time.
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