From White Marble to Golden Sands: Experiencing the Contrasts of Turkmenistan

Day 1: White Marble & Living Traditions

Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, guests are met and transferred to the hotel to check in and refresh. The day begins with a visit to the Museum of Turkmen Carpet, where guests discover the country’s rich carpet heritage and traditional designs.

The journey continues to Gokdepe, where guests enjoy the atmosphere throughout. They take part in a traditional Turkmen horse experience at a local farm known for its racehorses. Meet the famous Akhal Teke horses and learn about their role in Turkmen culture. A traditional workshop demonstrates how horses are decorated with handcrafted silver ornaments. The experience also includes a chorek baking masterclass, where traditional flatbread is prepared in a tamdyr, a traditional clay oven.

A traditional lunch of local Turkmen dishes follows at the horse farm. The group then visits the monumental Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque and surrounding complex before returning to Ashgabat. In the evening, guests explore Gulistan Bazaar, browsing local products, sweets, dried fruits and souvenirs. After dinner at the hotel, the day concludes with an evening walk through illuminated Ashgabat, when the city’s white marble architecture creates a striking atmosphere.

Day 2: Ancient Heritage, Culinary Traditions & Mountains

After breakfast, the group drives to Ancient Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkmenistan. During a guided exploration, guests discover the remains of the ancient Parthian settlement, its monumental structures and fortifications.

The journey continues to Shihalowjan, a peaceful and sacred site surrounded by natural landscapes. Here, guests take part in a traditional Turkmen plov masterclass, learning about its ingredients, techniques and traditions. They then enjoy the freshly prepared plov outdoors on a traditional tapchan.

In the afternoon, the group drives towards Gokdere, enjoying scenic views of the Kopetdag foothills. There is time for photography, relaxation and a walk. Dinner is served at Keyik Restaurant, located among the mountains, offering a relaxed meal amid the Gokdere scenery. The evening continues with a night drive and walk through illuminated Ashgabat, with stops at impressive landmarks and viewpoints, before returning to the hotel.

Day 3: Into the Karakum Desert

After breakfast and check out, the group drives to Ahal Ýaýlasy, a unique cultural and recreational complex featuring a monumental traditional Turkmen yurt shaped building. Guests explore the complex and enjoy time for photographs.

The journey continues towards Darvaza through the changing landscapes of the Karakum Desert. Upon arrival, guests check in at the yurt camp and have free time to relax and experience the desert surroundings. In the evening, they enjoy a BBQ dinner at the camp, followed by a visit to the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell”. The crater glows dramatically against the desert night. Guests spend the night in a traditional yurt.

Day 4: Silk Road Stories & A Traditional Farewell

The final day begins with breakfast at the yurt camp and departure towards Mary via Ashgabat. The route offers changing views of the Turkmen landscape before reaching Mary and Ancient Merv.

At Ancient Merv, guests explore one of Central Asia’s most significant historical sites, with the remains of the ancient city and impressive monuments. They learn about Merv’s role as a major Silk Road centre before continuing to a Gara Oy yurt settlement.

Here, guests experience the centuries old art of Turkmen carpet weaving as local artisans demonstrate hand weaving techniques, tools and patterns. The visit also includes a short interactive masterclass on playing the gopuz, a traditional Turkmen instrument.

The journey concludes with a farewell dinner in a traditional setting, featuring authentic Turkmen dishes. Afterwards, the group departs for Ashgabat International Airport to conclude the tour.

Included services:

LOI (Letter of Invitation)
Visa support and visa registration
Accommodation in 4-star hotels and at "Garagum Yalkymy" tent camp
Airport–hotel transfers
Transportation and off-road vehicles
Full-board meals throughout the tour
Professional guide-interpreter service
Entrance fees to all included tourist sites
1.5 liters of drinking water per person per day

Recommended travel period:

October-November, March-May, July-August

Excluded services:

Turkmenistan visa fee at the point of entry
Immigration tax at the point of entry
COVID test at the point of entry
International flights to and from Turkmenistan
Fee for photography/videography

Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours
Image source: LCC Aviara Tours