Program #5 (Turkmen Part)

Day 1. Flight Tashkent - Ashgabat by Uzbekistan Airways

At 22:40, leave Tashkent to Ashgabat by HY771. (arranged by us)

At 00:50, arrive in Ashgabat-the capital of Turkmenistan has borne this name since 1881. In the Turkmen folklore the name of the city is linked with the meaning “a city of love”. Love is not only an integral part of the name of the city, but also a feeling familiar to all generations of the citizens of Ashgabat. The present Ashgabat distinguishes itself with its own style, harmoniously combining the best traditions of its own national architecture and the achievements of the modern town-building.

Meeting at airport and transfer to hotel.
Hotel accommodation in Ashgabat.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Full Day city sightseeing tour in Ashgabat

Morning visit Tolkuchka Bazaar (open on Thursdays,Saturdays & Sundays). The Eastern bazaar is one of the pillars of Oriental traditions.

Jewelry! You can't miss them. It is a discovery for those who have never seen Turkmen jewelry before. Centuries-old refined simplicity, unmatched techniques, incomparable forms... Jewelry made of silver laid out with carnelian stone are on sale.

What a national clothes, craftworks! Everything is unique and original.

...Here are the section of masterpieces of the national craftsmen, ornaments and hand-woven colourful silk-textiles. Snacks, fruits, vegetables and many, many more…

Afternoon continue sightseeing in Ashgabat with visiting:

• Arch of Neutrality
• Presidental Square
• Monument of Independence

Visiting “Turkmenbashy Ruhy” mausoleum & mosque-one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia located at Kipchak . Ruhy Mosque is the biggest mosque in Central Asia. Twenty thousand men and woman can pray at the same time. The floor of the mosque is covered by handmade Turkmen praying mats and eight-sided carpet decorates the very centre of the mosque. It has four minarets and golden dome located in the central upper part of the mosque. The height of each minaret is 91m. The mosque is surrounded with big beautiful fountains and gardens. Return to Ashgabat.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. Flight Ashgabat-Turkmenbashy

Transfer to domestic airport with ESG.
At 10:00, fly to Turkmenbashy with ESG, by T5-241 (Time of departure can vary).
At 11:00, arrive in Turkmenbashy.
Transfer to a hotel .
Hotel accommodation in Turkmenbashy.
Then sightseeing in Turkmenbashy with ESG.

• Local History Museum.

Day 4. Full Day in Turkmenbashy.Evening flight to Ashgabat

Sightseeing in Turkmenbashy until departure.

• Cruising on Caspian Sea, Local fish & fruits bazaar/ the place where they can buy caviar.

After sightseeing, transfer to airport with ESG.

• En route, visit to former cemetery of Japanese soldiers in World War II.

At 19:20, fly to Ashgabat with ESG, by T5-246 (Time of departure can vary).
At 20:20, arrive in Ashgabat.
Transfer to a hotel in Ashgabat with ESG.
Hotel accommodation in Ashgabat.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5. Full Day in Ashgabat. Visit Cable Car Road

Full day sightseeing in/around Ashgabat.

• Ruins of Nisa
• National Museum. It contains the major treasures discovered from all over the country. The most interesting expositions are represented in archeology and ethnography departments. Archeological collection contains very rare works of art of ancient times and middle ages which were found on the territory of Turkmenistan. About 500.000 exhibits are displayed in this museum. It boasts a full collection of Turkmenistan’s most significant architectural finds of the XX century; a large number of ancient Turkmen carpets and rugs; examples of national dress and fabrics; traditional household equipment; musical instruments; weapons; jewelry; medals, historical documents, horn-shaped vessels made of ivory, statuettes of Parthian goddess and Rodoguna, colourful Buddhist vase representing life and death…
• Proceed to cable railway station (New excursion site).Sightseeing of Ashgabat bird’s eye view.
• Visiting ruins of Seitjemal-et Din mosque located at Anau.

Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6. Visit Kow-Ata & Geok Tepe fortrees

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day excursion to Kov-Ata Undergrand Lake located in Baharly (former Bakharden) at the foothills of the Kopet-Dag Mountains (107km to the west of Ashgabat). The Turkmen name Kov-Ata means “father of caves”. At a first glance this underground area looks like magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its height goes up to 20m, and its width is at some points 57m.

The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of lime. Its warm and running water is clear and emerald coloured. Even in artificial lightning tiny stones on the bottom can be seen. As you approach the lake you will feel the air becoming damper and warmer. You can hear sounds like sighs or whispers above your head. These are pigeons which inhabit the cave in great abundance.

The water has a constant temperature 33-37°C. Chemical analysis has shown that water contains a complex combination of chemical elements-30 have been found to date.

• Bathing spa in the Kov-Ata Undergrand Lake.
• En route visit Geok-Depe fortress.

Back to the hotel in Ashgabat.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7. Flight to Mary.Visit Old Merv ruins

Early morning drive to the airport.
At 07:00, fly to Mary
At 07:50, arrive in Mary.
Am: Excursion to Ruins of Old Merv upon arrival.

Visits:

• Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum,
• Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala,
• Big Gyz Kala & Small Gyz Kala.
• Ibn Zeid Mausoleum

Pm: Visit to Mary Regional Museum.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8. Road to Turkmen-Uzbek border

In the morning drive to Farab border via Turkmenabat.
Crossing the border and meeting with guide in Uzbekistan.
Change the coach, and drive to Bukhara.