Fall tour to Turkmenistan

16th – 24th of September 2021

Once again we are off to Turkmenistan. This time we will experience the fall season in the Karakum desert and many other special sights, which this former Soviet-republic offer.
We will come close to the local culture in terms of old silk road markets, traditional food, and meetings with the local Turkmens. On top of that we are going to sleep in traditional yurts right next to the Gate to Hell in Darwaza as well as take the night train as we know it from the old Sovjet times.

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 6
• Day 7
• Day 8
• Day 9

Day of departure. We will inform you about the specific plane chosen by the tour leader, to make it possible to travel together from Copenhagen – or you can meet up in Istanbul and travel together from there to Ashgabat. In both cases, we advise you to talk to the tour leader before booking any flights. We expect to assemble and meet with all participants late in the evening in Ashgabat. From here, we transfer to the hotel and stay the night before our first day in the whitest city in the world – Ashgabat. 

The first day in Turkmenistan takes place in the capital, Ashgabat. During the day, we will visit a number of impressive monuments, amongst these the Arc of Neutrality and the Park of Independence. Later, we drive to the ancient city of Nissa – a UNESCO site -, and the day also includes a visit to the National Museum and the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum. 

We start the programme early and attend a horse race on Ashgabat’s ‘State Hippodrome’. After the race, we will drive to the Tolkuchka bazaar. In the afternoon we continue our sightseeing in Ashgabat by seeing the Alem Ferris Wheel and the Asma yoly Cable Car – both experiences include a stunning view over the city. 

At the end of the day, we take the night train to Turkmenbashi. 

After arrival in Turkmenbashi, we embark on a long car drive into the desert towards the magnificent Yangikala Canyons. On the top of the mountain you can take a short walk and we also stop on the mountain for lunch. Afterwards, we continue to the Gozli Ata pilgrim house before we return to Turkmenbashi, where we stay the night.

This day involves a long drive back to Ashgabat. On the way, we make a deroute to the cultural authentic mountain village, Nohur, where we visit a graveyard and a local weaver. As we get closer to Ashgabat, we make a stop at an underground lake, where you have the option of taking a quick dip. Just before reaching the capital, we make a stop at the Geok Depe Mosque.

The day starts by visiting a private horse farm, where the locals will enlighten us about the Turkmen horse culture and show us the gorgeous Akhal-Teke race. We will also visit the ruins of the Anau Mosque before we return to Ashgabat and continue our city sightseeing.    

After breakfast, we continue with a bit of sightseeing in Ashgabat. We drive to the famous Stairs of Health, which is a walking path allegedly used by the former president every morning to stay fit. Here, we will have the opportunity to walk 8 km out of the total 33.
In the afternoon, we drive towards Darwasa to explore the desert and experience the unique gas crater, which has burned for almost 50 years – better known as the Gate to Hell. We stay the night in traditional Turkmen yurts.

After camping style breakfast, we drive back to Ashgabat. On the way, we stop at a few other craters, in the area close to the gas crater. As we return to the city, you have some free hours to take a nap, a walk or just chill at the hotel. In the evening, we have a last dinner together before we go to bed early and leave the hotel in the middle of the night to fly back home. 

We leave Turkmenistan. Be aware that the flight departures in the middle of the night, at 3.00 o’clock October 17. Hopefully, you return back home filled with exciting and different experiences from one of the most peculiar countries in the world. 

Due to the general tourism in Turkmenistan, the program is subject to change. Adjustments will be made before and during the trip, but we will do everything we can to update you regularly. In case something gets canceled, we will find alternative activities.

Tour leader – Adil Mirzakhanova

When you travel with Above Borders we will always send a tour leader to join the group tour. This is our guarantee to ensure:

• Unique knowledge of the destination
• Security and flexibility
• Local expertise

On this trip, your tour leader is Adil Mirzakhanova

Important information