Discover Ashgabat in all its layers-from ancient fortresses and Soviet-era landmarks to world-class museums, national cuisine, and the city’s futuristic marble skyline. This short but rich journey offers a deep sense of Place, culture and contrast.
Itinerary
Day 1 Museums, Ancient Ruins and Old Ashgabat
Arrival and Orientation
Meet your guide at Ashgabat International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
National Museum of Turkmenistan: Begin your exploration with the country’s most important museum, featuring artifacts from Merv, Nisa and Gonurdepe. Discover ancient jewelry, royal relics, and archaeological treasures that trace the region’s deep past.
Carpet Museum: Visit the renowned Carpet Museum, home to rare regional designs and the world-famous largest hand-woven carpet: a highlight of Turkmen craftsmanship.
Old Ashgabat and Soviet-Era Architecture: Walk through districts shaped by Soviet-era planning, with low-rise neighborhoods, classic apartment blocks, and public squares that survived the 1948 earthquake. Learn how the city evolved through reconstruction, Soviet influence, and the dramatic marble transformation.
Parthian Fortresses of Nisa: Continue to Nisa, the ancient Parthian capital. Explore its fortress walls, palace remains, and mountain views: a rare site tying Ashgabat to one of the region’s early empires.
Gypjak Mosque: Visit one of Central Asia’s largest mosques, known for its golden dome, striking marble stricture and serene surroundings.
Traditional Turkmen Dinner: Taste signature dishes such as palaw, ichlekli, chorek and herb-infused tea in a local family-run restaurant.
Ashgabat Night Tour: Experience the city after dark, when monuments, boulevards, and marble buildings glow in dramatic illumination. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 Horses, Mosques and Modern Ashgabat
Ahal-Teke Horse Farm: Meet the legendary Ahal-Teke horses, world-renowned for their golden sheen and desert endurance. Learn about their breeding, observe training, and enjoy an optional riding experience.
Ertugrul Gazi Mosque: Stop at this stunning Ottoman-inspired mosque, known for its sweeping marble facades and tranquil interior.
Modern Ashgabat Landmarks: Explore the city’s monumental white-marble architecture, including:
Arch of Neutrality, Independence Monument, The Wedding Palace, Alem Cultural Center and Guinness-record Indoor Ferris Wheel
Departure:
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your onward flight. End of service.
