Classic tour of Turkmenistan
Tour 17: Classic tour of Turkmenistan
Duration: 6 days
Places to visit: Ashgabat - Turkmenabad - Astana-baba - Kerki village - Ashgabat - Darwaza - Ashgabat
Day 1: Ashgabat
After arrival, your guide will welcome you and drive to Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan to begin your tour. You will travel to Nissa Fort, which is 15 minutes' drive from the city. It is one of the heritage of UNESCO and ancient capital of Parthia. Then you will visit famous Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, which is twin of the popular Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Another fascinating Mosque is Azadi Mosque. It is pure masterpiece of old Islamic and Byzantine design and stands out with its majesty and beauty. Further, go to *Gypjak, Ruhy mosque, which is located in the native village of Turkmenbashi. By the way, the name translated as a "the mosque of spirit of Turkmenbashi". The construction of the mosque is one-domed with four minarets and the size was chosen for the honor of independence year 1991- the height of minaret 91m. It is available to visit by nine arches. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat - Turkmenabad
After breakfast, we start travel by exploring mosques like Seyit Jemaletdin mosque, dating back to XV century. In the result of Ashgabat earthquake, the mosque was destroyed, but later it was reconstructed. Nowadays, on the front of the building except the fantastic dragon images you can also see the writing telling that this monument was erected under Abul-Kasim Babur, Temurid prince who lead Khorasan during 1447- 1457 in Turkmenistan. On the way, you will visit Abiverd fortress. This historical heritage has the same importance like other remarkable sites: Kunya-Urgench, Nissa, Merv, Dakhistan. The fort has a significant defensive role for people and there was only one door from south side. Moreover, there were a mosque of early 15th century near the central square. Later visit Mevr, the first city implemented irrigation system, which lead it to be the largest city of ancient time in Central Asia. History researchers commonly say about Mevr that it is "a soul of a king, a mother of Khurasan cities, and, the city that helds the Universe". The great thinkers of Turkic world lived here: Omar Khayyam, As - Samani, Imamaddin-Isphakhani about who you will learn during your tour. Continue to Turkmenadab and night in a hotel.
Day 3: Turkmenabad - Astana-baba - Kerki village - Turkmenabad
Today you will travel by discovering the surrounding of the Turkmenabad. First, Biospheric Reserve of Repetek, where you will visit museum in Turkmenistan. Moreover, you can see a part of memorial complex: mausoleum of Astana and tomb. Here the constructions belongs to different epochs and located very close to each other, which makes it hard to determine the initial design. Mausoleum Astana-baba is dating back to 11th-12th century and the popular place of pilgrim, which you will visit during the tour. However, there no information who was Astana-baba, but many believe in its sacred and healing power. Every year worshippers come and wait for a long queue to believe to recover from illness. Drive back to Turkmenabad and rest in a hotel.
Day 4: Turkmenabad - Ashgabat - Darwaza
Take a morning flight to Ashgabat and further continue your tour to Darwaza Gas Crater, which is known as ‘The Gates of Hell" in Turkmenistan. It is a popular name among locals, because its flames can be seen in long distance during your travel. The history of the Gates of Hell goes back to 1971, when the soviet authorities accidentally caved the earth, which collapsed into the natural gas underground. Later having punctured a pocket of gas, poisonous fumes began leaking at an alarming rate. Despite this fact and frightening name, people continue to trek to Darwaza as an amazing destination for travelling. Government also makes efforts to make it popular among travelers. Furthermore, another highlight of the place is wild camels and sand dunes of desert. Night in a tent.
Day 5: Darwaza - Ashgabat
In the morning, return to Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan. En route, travel further and visit water and mud crater. Another stop at Yerbent village. In the evening, enjoy a city tour in Ashgabat.
Day 6: Flight
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport.
Note: Every traveler must have 2 photos (5×6) to present at the points of entry.
