Travel around Turkmenistan: Tour 5

 

Travel around Turkmenistan: Tour 5
Destination: Turkmenistan
Duration: 7 days
Places to visit: Ashgabat - Turkmenabad - Astana-baba - Kerki village - Turkmenabad - Mary - Merv - Ashgabat - Darwaza - Ashgabat

Day 1: Ashgabat
On arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and transfer to Ashgabat city. The first sight to visit will be "Nisa" that is located is18 km to the west from Ashgabat. It is a breathtaking sight that was added to UNESCO World Heritage since 2007. You will be impressed to know that it was the capital of ancient Parthia but in the III century BC New Nisa started to be the capital of Parthia while the Old Nisa was used as an imperial residence. *Ertugrul Gazi mosque that is known due to its four snow-white minarets has some similarities to Blue Mosque of Istanbul. Azadi Mosque design is made in old-time Islamic and Byzantine styles that mesmerize visitors by its greatness and refinement. Later on you will be transferred to explore the *Gypjak, Ruhy mosque. Its word-for-word translation means "the mosque of Turkmenbashi spirituality" or "the mosque of spirit of Turkmenbashi". You will find it in Gypjak that is also known as the Turkmenbashi native village. During the tour you will know that it is a one-domed building that is lays among 4 minarets. The height of the mosque is 55 m, and that of the minarets is 91 m that has a meaning of the year 1991 - when Turkmenistan gained independence. You can enter to it through the 9 entries with arches. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Ashgabat - Turkmenabad
In course of the tour you will travel to Seyit Jemaletdin of XV century. It is a medieval mosque that was practically destroyed be powerful earthquake. Nowadays you will see the reconstructed version of the mosque where on the façade you will see inscription that tells about Abul-Kasim Babur who erected it. He was a Temurid prince who was a governor of Khorasan in 1447- 1457. The main portal arch is decorated with figures of fabulous dragons. After it you will enjoy to explore the one of the ancient settlements, Abiverd. You will be impressed to know that this sight has strong walls to protect the townspeople from the attacks of nomads. The only enter was in the southwest. Inside of it you will enjoy the view of mosque of the early 15th century. Merv is next destination of the tour that one of the most ancient territories of Central Asia that introduced irrigation system among the first. Due to it was built the largest cities of ancient world - Merv (Margush, Margiana, Mary). This settlement is mentioned as "a soul of a king, a mother of Khurasan cities, and, the city that helds the Universe". Omar Khayyam, As - Samani, Imamaddin-Isphakhani and other great thinkers of the Middle Ages lived there. You will head on to Turkmenabad. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 3: Turkmenabad - Astana-baba - Kerki village - Turkmenabad
The day of the travel will start by heading on to the Repetek biospheric reserve where you are going to explore its museum and Astana mausoleum. In course of the tour you will know that memorial complex was made of a mosque and a tomb. Moreover the buildings here were built in various periods and due to it is not possible to recognize the original shape. The mausoleum of Astana-baba was made in 11th - 12th-century monument and a place where "zyuarat" - a regular ritual of worshipping of holy men observed by visiting pilgrims. Even though no one knows who Astana-baba was many people came here to receive long-awaited healing. Enjoy the great time I place tours to which are remembered for a lifetime. Night will be in the motel.

Day 4: Turkmenabad - Mary - Merv
Today you will have a great travel to the famous ancient settlement that is known as a Merv. During the tour you will learn that it was one of the first places in Central Asia where irrigation system were used. Due to it the one of the largest cities of ancient world - Merv (Margush, Margiana, Mary) was established. As the Avestian chronicles (8-6th centuries B.C) refers to it as "a soul of a king, a mother of Khurasan cities, and, the city that helds the Universe. Morepver you will be impressed to know that Omar Khayyam, As - Samani, Imamaddin-Isphakhani and other great thinkers of the Middle Ages lived there. During the toravel you will enjoy the history of such places as  Soltan Sanjar mausoleum, Erk gala, Gawur gala, Soltan gala, Kichi vs Uly gyz gala etc. Night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Mary - Ashgabat - Darwaza
Morning drive to the famous in the world sight that is known as the Darvaza gas crater or "The Gates of Hell". You will see the sight that can mesmerize anyone by its mysterious beauty. Theis prominent sight appeared at Soviet time (1971). During the drilling rig accidentally punched into a massive underground natural gas cavern and because of this ground wrecked and drilling rig fall in. The poisonous gas started to leak at an alarming rate. Even through the sight has frightening name tourist still want to see it. The country's government hopes it'll become a tourist site, and the nearby desert has already become a popular place to wild camp. Night is in tent. 

Day 6: Darwaza - Ashgabat
In course of the tour you will have a great travel on the way to the capital city. You will visit water and mud crater, and Yerbent village. In the evening you will have a city tour in Ashgabat.

Day 7: Flight
In the morning is transfer to the airport for your next adventure.

Price per person:
02 pax - 770 $
04 pax - 675 $
06 pax - 550 $
08 pax - 485 $
10 pax - 450 $

Single - 130 $

Early check-in - 30 $
Single early check-in - 45 $ 

Half board - 60 $
Full board - 120 $

 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*
Turkmenabad - Motel
Mary - "Merv" Hotel 3*
Darwaza - Tents
- Visa support
- English speaking guide
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour                                            

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.