Tour from the West to the East

Program’s name: Tour from the West to the East

Quantity of days: 6

Day 1: Ashgabat
Your local guide will welcome you at Ashgabat International airport and take you to sightseeing travelling in Ashgabat. It is the capital city of Turkmenistan located near the border with Iran (only 25 km), on the foothills of Kopet Dag Mountain. The history of establishment goes back to 1881. The name of the city from Persian language means “eshg” – love and “abad” - suffix for populated places. Moreover, Ashgabat is famous for its marble-faced public buildings. City tour will include Lenin’s square, Park of Independence and Arch of Neutrality. Afternoon, deep excursion in Museum of Ethnography and Museum of Fine Arts will be the highlight of the day. These museums are treasure of Turkmen culture and art. Spend nigh in a hotel.

Day 2: Ashgabat – Merv – Mary
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to eastern part of Turkmenistan. The first stop is Abiverd fortress. This historical heritage has the same significance as other eight remarkable sites like Kunya-Urgench, Nissa, Merv, Dakhistan some of which you will see during your tour. It was located between Ashgabat and Mary. Furthermore, you can see ruins of old Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque (15^th century). According to historical information, the Mohammed Khudaiot helped to finance it in 1456. Further, continue to Mevr. It was one of the most important and flourished cities on the Silk Road in this area. Mevr had significant role in Islam World together with other cities like Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. In ancient time, it rapidly became the largest and important city. In Mevr you will have excursion to Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum and Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After excursion, carry on to Mary and check in to hotel.

Day 3: Mary – Margiana (Margush) – Mary
In the morning, depart to Margush to continue your tour, the center of early development in 5^th century to Turkmenistan. This site was the oldest human populated area even much before than Achaemenian period. According to archeological excavations, it is the Bronze Age civilization. It also known by various name: Margush, which means “lowland” of Margiana, the Greek name. There were no information about this site until 1970s. It was discovered by Margiana Archaeological Expedition lead by Professor Viktor Sarianidi. Most of the Bronze Age settlements were located in the north part of today’s oasis, which is turned into a desert. Due to the fact that climate change deeply cause abundance of some areas, the ruins of ancient settlements are preserved better because there is no human activities in those territories. Like in Margush case. There were found many similarities of Margush with Bactria in nowadays northern Afghanistan. In accordance with Sarianidi, Bactria and Margush was the center of ancient civilization. There is suggestion that Margush was the birthplace of Zoroastrianism. Drive back to Mary and night in a hotel.

Day 4: Mary – Ashgabat – Darwaza
Morning flight will take to capital city. After arrival, you continue your journey to “Bahardok” village. It is located in the Northern Turkmenistan. Here you will have a chance to immerse the life Turkmen people in countryside. Afternoon, you will leave to the north of Ashgabat to famous Gas Crater – Darwaza. The best time for exploring this place is evening. The stunning beauty of flames will charm you. Night in a tent near the crater.

Day 5: Darwaza – Ashgabat – Nisa – Horse farm – Ashgabat
In the morning, return to Ashgabat. Upon arrival drive to UNESCO World Heritage Site- Nissa Fortress. It was the Sanctum of Parthian Kings. In this region, it would be a shame to miss farm of legendary horses. Akhal-Teke horse is an honor of Turkmen people. These beautiful horses are outstanding for their graceful appearance. In this farm, you can see short ride demonstration of riders. Moreover; take part in Traditional Tea party. Return to the capital and rest in a hotel.

Day 6: Flight
In the morning, drive to airport of Ashgabat.