Title of tour: Underground miracle
Sites to visit: Ashgabat, Kow-Ata, Darwaza, Merv, Mary
Day 1: Ashgabat
At the airport, your guide will welcome you and transfer to city Ashgabat. Today you will have full day city tour of capital city. The city was established in 1881. It lies on the slopes of Kopet Dag and about 25 km from Iran border. In translation from Persian language, Ashgabat means "eshg" - love and "abad" - populated area. The city tour will include Square of Lenin, Park of Independence, Arch of Neutrality and other public and administrative buildings. In the afternoon, take an exciting excursion in Museum of Ethnography and Museum of Fine Arts. You stay in a hotel.
Day 2: Ashgabat - Kow-Ata
Today continue your tour to mysterious Lake of Kow-Ata. We will drive about 107 km from the capital. From the Turkmen language, Kow-Ata translated as "Father of Caves". First, when you will see underground place, you will find yourself in a huge auditorium. The size is 230 meters in length, 20m in height and about 57 m in width. The ground of the cave is covered of dissolved limestone. The water of lake is transparent and taking blue color. It also very warm, average 33-37 C. Nice to have a swim.
Day 3: Kow-Ata - Darwaza
After breakfast, carry on to another amazing monument of nature. It will be Darwaza Gas Crater. You will enjoy the magnificent view in nice camp with perfect catering for lunch. Majestic flames are known as the gate of hell. On the one hand, it is scaring; on the other hand, you will admire the beauty of huge flame ovens. Night and dinner at the tent camp near gas deposit.
Day 4: Darwaza - Ashgabat - Merv - Mary
In the morning, drive to Ashgabat and continue to the east of the country. On the way to Old Merv, visit Abiverd Fort. Abiverd is one of the important ancient settlements along with other historical hertages: Kunya-Urgench, Nissa, Merv, Dakhistan. It lies between the capital and Mary. Except fortress ruins, you can see the remains of Seyit Jamal-Ad-Din Mosque dating back to 15th century. It 1457, the Mohammad Khudaiot financed the contruction of this mosque. Next point is famous Merv, which was the significant center on the Silk Road. Except being largest city on the trade road in this area, Merv was also the major Islam center together with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. In Merv, have guided city tour to Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum and Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After excursion, drive to Mary and check in to hotel.
Day 5: Mary - Ashgabat - Nissa - Horse farm - Ashgabat
In the morning, take a flight back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival carry on driving to Nissa Fortres to discover the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. The site was included to UNESCO World Heritage in 2007. Later transfer to Gokdepe region for seeing legendary Turkmen horses- Akhal-Teke. Turkmen people proud of breeding these beautiful horses. After demonstration, drive back to city and rest in a hotel.
Day 6: Flight
In the morning is transfer to airport.