Turkmenistan
Discover Crossroads of the Silk Road
8 Days & 7 Nights
Can be travelled all year round but our favorite time of the year is
from March through May & September through October.
Tour is
escorted by
Licensed
Local English Speaking Guide
Tour Introduction:
The Republic of Turkmenistan is a post-Soviet state that has maintained its independence and neutrality since Soviet Union collapsed. Because of its proximity to the Caspian Sea, the Republic enjoys a geographical location that is more favorable than that of its immediate neighbors. The record for the largest density of buildings encased in white marble can be found in Ashgabat, the country's capital city. Turkmenistan is undeniably a land of contrasts, and this is especially true in modern times, when the republic's major towns have undergone remarkable transformations and begun to resemble the megacities of Europe more closely. Nevertheless, despite all of the changes that have taken place, their uniquely Oriental identity has been kept in the distinctive architecture, building decoration, countless mosques, and old monuments. It is the country located on the crossroads of the Silk. Join us on this fascinating journey of discovery and adventure to explore the authentic nomad culture, Turkmen hospitality, and World famed archeological UNESCO sites.
Tour Itinerary:
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Welcome to Turkmenistan! Arrive in Ashgabat and proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After baggage collection, walk towards the arrival lounge where you shall be met by our representative who will assist you while transferring to Divan 5-star Hotel or a similar for check-in. Take a little bit of rest after the Trans-Atlantic flight. Our day starts late, but we're off to the legendary Sunday Bazaar (Open Thu, Sat, and Sun). Also known as Tolkuchka it is one of the largest open marketplaces in Central Asia, and it attracts people from all over the country who are selling or buying camels, cattle, poultry, amulets, carpets, jewelry, and countless other goods. Next, we will visit the National Carpet Museum, which houses thousands of carpets (including the big ones) and carpet products of exceptional quality and value. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight at Divan 5-star Hotel or a similar.
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The first stop of the day is at the UNESCO World Heritage Site fortress of Old Nisa, the original capital of the Parthian Empire. The remains of ancient ceramic pipes and amphora-type pots can be found in the "kitchen" or "vineyard" of the fortified citadel, which was once the Arsakids' home and the earliest of the Parthian Empire's capitals. Other remnants include the Square Throne Hall and the Round temple, which together made up the palace complex; the Treasury, which had stored ivory rhytons (horn-like vessels); and the remains of the palace's walls. Then we head back to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan and the "Pearl of Central Asia." We also stop by the Earthquake Memorial, which honors those who lost their lives in the 1948 quake, the Park of Independence with its Independence Monument, and Neutrality Square, which is well-known for its Arch of Neutrality, which is topped by a rotating gold-plated statue of the first President of Turkmenistan. The next stop is the National Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses over 327,00 artifacts from the country's many historical and archeological sites. Overnight at Divan 5-star Hotel or a similar.
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Take a flight from Ashgabat to Mary in the morning. Upon arrival, we will drive from Mary to the archeological site of Margush/Gonur Depe in the northeastern direction (30 miles Off-Road). As early as 3000 B.C., people began settling in the Murgab River delta to cultivate the land. The progress of the old economy was maintained over several centuries thanks to the fertile silt from the area, the quantity of water, and the temperate climate. There is a debate among historians that the archeological site of Gonur Depe quite possibly was a fifth center of civilization in addition to the four previously known (Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China). We will enjoy our picnic-type lunch in the desert under the shade. After sightseeing, we will drive back to Mary city. Enjoy the beautiful afternoon at your leisure. Have dinner at a downtown restaurant and stay the night at Mary 4-star hotel or a similar.
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Following our breakfast, we go 25 kilometers east of Mary to Bayram-Ali, the modern reincarnation and humble suburb of the once-glorious Ancient Merv which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a major Central Asian archaeological site. For over two thousand years, Merv was an integral town on the Silk Road Road. Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Sultan Kala, Sultan Kala's suburbs, Abdulla-Khan Kala, and Bayram-Alikhan kala, all appeared as the city developed from its earliest days into its modern incarnation. In addition to the ruins, we'll also see the magnificent XII-century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd, which showcase the fine Seljuk period brickwork and architectural décor of the time. We will return to Mary after our tour. Once in Mary, we visit the local History Museum, which houses artifacts from the Bronze Age and Ancient Merv eras in the Margush region (going back to the 3rd millennium BC). Transfer to Mary airport so you can catch your flight back to Ashgabat in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, we will have a transfer to the restaurant in Ashgabat and discuss details of the sites we saw in Mary region. Overnight at Divan 5-star Hotel or a similar.
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After breakfast, we will begin our journey to the underground Kov-Ata cave, which contains a unique hot-water sulfur lake (95-98 degrees Fahrenheit all year round). After swimming in the lake, we travel back to Ashgabat. On the way to Ashgabat, we stop at a stud farm nearby Geok Depe town. It is a former stronghold of the Tekke tribe and the location of the greatest battle for Russian dominance in Central Asia in the late 19th century. After arriving at the farm, you will be guided through the stud farm and given a display and introduction to Akhal Teke horses. Visit the Spirituality Mosque complex, the largest in Turkmenistan, and the family mausoleum of the first President in Kipchak on way. Overnight at Divan 5-star Hotel or a similar.
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This morning, we fly to the northern region of Turkmenistan, Dashoguz, to view the remarkable monuments of the Khorezm Empire. As soon as we arrive, we drive to the former capital of the Khorezmshah Empire, Kunya-Urgench (Old Urgench). The World Heritage Site of UNESCO Kunya Urgench welcomes you with the mausoleum of Turabeg Khanum (15 c.), one of the best architectural examples of its time; the minaret of Kutlug Temur (11-14 cc. ), the tallest medieval minaret in Central Asia; the mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh (late 12 c.), with a turquoise cone as its dome; and the mausoleum of Il-Ar Arslan. If time permits, we will stop at the Sufi pilgrimage site known as Nijmeddin Kubra. Enjoy traditional Uzbek/Turkmen lunch in Kone Urgench. Drive from Kone Urgench to Darvaza, the legendary Fire Crater. When we arrive, the blazing crater will be a few hundred meters apart. Enjoy the photo session near the Fire crater. Dinner and overnight in yurts or tents near the flaming gas crater.
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In the morning, after a hearty camp breakfast, head back to Ashgabat. We'll stop briefly at two more craters along the route, both of which include bubbling mud and water that are likely caused by subsurface gas. Continue to Yerbent, a town in the desert that can provide us a glimpse into what it's like to live in the desert. Yerbent is the largest and most important settlement in Central Karakum, and its mixture of traditional homes, satellite dishes, and incidental oasis-type vegetation stand out in stark contrast to the surrounding yellow desert. Upon arrival to Ashgabat check-in into a hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy your farewell dinner. Overnight at Divan 5-star Hotel or a similar.
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After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight returning to the USA. End of the service.
Land Tour Price Only: (International Airfare, Taxes & Fuel surcharges are not included)
2 Travelers:
USD 3,950 Per Person
Based on double room
occupancy
3 Travelers:
USD 3,750 Per Person
Based on double room
occupancy
4 Travelers:
USD 3,550 Per Person
Based on double room
occupancy
Single Room Supplement:
USD 370 Per Person (For all nights of the tour if you wish to stay in a single room).
Note: Customized private journey rates are based on a min of 2 participants & a max of 4 participants. The tour rates are valid for 2024 & are subject to change as per the travel dates requested. The rates for solo travelers or larger private groups can be provided upon request. The tour itineraries can be easily modified & customized based on interests & budgets. Check with your travel consultant for more details.
Tour Fitness Level
Moderate: Fits all age groups with good health, some fitness level, and a sense of adventure. There will be some long walking days and a bit of standing while touring. Access to some of the sites and attractions will require walking on uneven terrain or steep staircases. Few elevations, a pleasant but busy schedule, and several long overland drives during the tour. Feel free to discuss the details of the trip with us.
Lodging Level
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Lodges and hotels that provide a decent size room & an ensuite bathroom. A limited range of enhanced services, some of the onsite amenities, and a level of service that is acceptable by international standards.
Luxurious (4/5-stars): Typical International-style hotels that offer a personalized service, premium location, spacious rooms with ensuite luxurious bathrooms, a good array of room services, and on-site amenities that you would expect from a hotel.
Visa & Passport
U.S. passport holders don’t require a Schengen visa to enter Spain. Further details related to the visa will be sent out sixty (60) days prior to the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for the visas.
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing before the trip.
The final documents packet will be mailed before the trip.
Transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants arriving & departing with the group.
Eight (8) nights of accommodation at 5* and 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
ASB – MRY – ASB, ASB – DAS Domestic flights.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Letter of invitation for TKM visa.
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tour Does Not Include:
International air USA – Ashgabat - USA.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Visa and immigration fees on arrival.
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Departure/Arrival transfers between home city & Airport, USA.
Baggage handling at airports in the US and overseas.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Portage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, chambermaids, and waiters.
Useful Details to Know & Tour Map:
This trip will require long driving distances overland. The roads are paved and in a good condition. For the comfort of the travelers, air-conditioned transportation will be provided throughout the trip. We will be making several restroom stops, stretching our legs, and enjoying the scenic views on the way. During the sightseeing days, travelers must be able to walk a minimum of two to three miles to keep up with fellow travelers. Walking to and from sites could be on uneven surfaces or unpaved paths. Please note that elevators are not available at tour sites. We may have a few drives on poor-quality roads which are required to access the historical and archeological gems of the country. Please make sure to have a comfy outfit and shoes for the sightseeing days. By signing up for this tour, participants agree that they have read and understood all the terms and conditions and that they are in good physical and mental health and have an open mind, a sense of adventure, and the ability to be tolerant and patient for the entire period of the tour. To ensure that the itinerary runs efficiently and for the comfort and/or safety of travelers, Undiscovered Frontiers reserves the right to modify the order of the sightseeing activities at any time before departure or after the tour begins or cancel the tour if the planned itinerary is not possible to operate in the event of Force Majeure.
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