Print Dossier - Wild Frontiers

Turkmenistan Explorer
Home to ancient ruins, marble clad cities and a rich mix of traditional and modern cultures, this undiscovered
gem is also blessed with a wealth of natural attractions including the colourful Yangikala Canyons, the
Kopetag Mountains and the desert landscapes around Darvaza.
Staying in a mix of guesthouses and pilgrim rest stops, this remarkable journey scratches beneath the surface
of one of the world’s most enigmatic destinations. You’ll start in Ashgabat, home to the world’s highest
concentration of marble buildings, before going on to explore the mountains and valleys of Karakala. A visit to
the once important Silk Road city of Dehistan is then followed by walks amongst the beautiful sandstone
landscapes of the Yangikala Canyons.
After visiting the thriving port of Turkmenbashi and the ancient ruins of Konye Urgench you then head out into
the Karakum Desert, to camp close to the site of the Darvaze Crater, the remarkable “Door to Hell” that was
created by a collapsing gas rig in 1971. From here you head back to Ashgabat via the stunning UNESCO
ruins at Merv, once one of the greatest cities on earth.
Highlights
Take in the modern monuments of Ashgabat
Spend a night in the desert
Trek in the coloured canyons of the east
Explore various ancient and deserted cities
Observe the various architectural styles at ancient Merv
Tour Includes:
7 nights three and four star hotel, 1 night wild camping, 2 nights guest houses
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Private guided sightseeing
Private driver and vehicle
Entrance fees included as per itinerary
Private guided transfers to and from all airports
Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat
Arrive in to the capital city and transfer to your hotel. Take a guided tour
of the city's main sights including Independence Park, the National
History and Ethnography Museum, the Turkish Ertogrul Grazi Mosque,
the Arch of Neutrality and the bazaar. In the afternoon drive out to Old
Nissa to see this ancient Parthian city and also visit the Turkmenbashy
Mosque and Mausoleum.
Day 2: Ashgabat - Nohur - Karakala
Leave Ashgabat and stop first at the Kowata underground lake, where you can swim in the warm waters
known locally for their healing properties. Continue on to the Kopetdag Mountains and the tribal village of
Nohur, for lunch before arriving to the Karakala Nature Reserve. There is the opportunity for some short walks
before spending the night with a local family. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Karakala - Dehistan - Balkanabat
The mountains and valleys of Karakala and their rocky appearance make for a beautiful drive as you head to
Dehistan to visit the ancient silk road city. Once connecting Khorezm with Iran the city was as important as
Merv and Konye Urgench, the remains of mosques and minarets from the 9th to 13th centuries along with
mausoleums give an insight to the scale of the city and its importance. Continue on to Balkanabat for the
night. (B)
Day 4: Balkanabat - Yangikala Canyons
This morning drive north to the canyons of Yangikala and Yangisuw. The ravine dissected Yangikala canyon
was once an ancient sea bed and you can now see the layers of sandstone with their pink, green and white
hues. There is time for a walk in the canyon and to visit the white canyon of Yangisuw before travelling on to
the pilgrim rest house at Gozli Ata for the overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Yangikala Canyons - Turkmenbashi
The shrine of Gozli-Ata lies in a natural bowl surrounded by layers of
pink and white rock. This morning visit the mausoleum of the renowned
14th century sufi Gozli-Ata before driving through this spectacular
landscape to the city of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea. (B)
Day 6: Turkmenbashi - Dashoguz
Lying on a natural harbour, Turkmenbashi is surrounded by cliffs and is a thriving port. Some free time this
morning gives you time to explore this coastal city, perhaps visit the port area or the Museum of Regional
History and the bazaar before taking an evening flight to Dashoguz in the very north of Turkmenistan. (B)
Day 7: Dashoguz - Konye Urgench - Darvaza
The ruins of Konye Urgench date from the 11th Century when this was
one of the most important Turkmen Silk Road cities. The Monguls and
Tamerlane passed through devastating the area, but the ruins remain
impressive, and the tallest medieval minaret in Central Asia still stands.
In the afternoon drive south in to the desert to the Darvaza region to see
the gas crater at night. Camp close to the crater tonight. (B,D)
Day 8: Darvaza - Ashgabat - Mary
After breakfast at your campsite drive through the stunning desert
landscape via a mud crater to Ashgabat. Here you will leave your 4WD
and board a plane for the smaller city of Mary. (B)
Day 9: Mary - Gonor Depe - Mary
Today takes you off road again and in to the desert to the plateau on which lies the Bronze Age site of Gonor
Depe. Resembling an ongoing archaeological dig as much as a visitor site, the low mud walls show you the
layout of the former city, with some parts partially rebuilt. The graves of animals have been uncovered and the
pottery surviving the 4500 years is quite remarkable. On your return to Mary there may be time to visit the
regional museum to see many artefacts from Gonor Depe and Merv. (B,L)
Day 10: Mary - Merv - Ashgabat
The UNESCO site of Merv is home to the remains of five separate cities which were all built on the same area
over a period of 2500 years. The ruins range from mud walls, mausoleums, mosques and two castles with
corrugated walls. Explore the area and scale some of the hills to see the extent of the site. Return later in the
afternoon to Mary to take a flight back to Ashgabat. (B)
Day 11: Ashgabat
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Accommodation
Dashoguz
Uzboy Hotel
Ashgabat
Grand Turkmen Hotel
Mary
Mary Hotel