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Sample program 4: Landscapes with a Story

This 8-day tour is for those that want to be surprised by the variety of landscapes Turkmenistan has to offer.

Standard itinerary

Day 1: Ashgabat - Darwaza

Early morning departure for off-road trip to Darwaza, across the sands of the Karakum Desert, with visits of several small settlements on the way. Camp BBQ dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 2: Darwaza - Karakum West

Mainly off-road drive westwards towards the riverbed of the ancient Uzboy River. Visit Ygdykala Fortress on the way. Set up camp. Camp dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 3: Karakum West - Balkanabad

Partly off-road drive south, towards the Kopetdag and Balkan Mountains. Arrival in Balkanabad Town in the early evening. Overnight in hotel.

Day 4: Balkanabad - Yangikala

Drive across the highlands to the Yangikala Canyons, with visit of Gozli Ata and Kemal Ata pilgrim sites on the way. Set up camp in the canyons. Camp dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 5: Yangikala - Turkmenbashi

Drive towards the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashi Town. Visit the town center and take a rest at a hotel at the Caspian Sea coast.

Day 6: Turkmenbashi - Misrian Salt Plain

Drive southwards to the Misrian Salt Plains and the remains of Dehistan Silk Road town. Set up camp in the surroundings of the site. Camp dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 7: Misrian Salt Plain - Kopetdag West

Drive eastwards through the Sumbar River Valley and the lunar landscapes of the Kopetdag Mountains. Visit Nohur mountain village with its tribal cemetery, pilgrim site and silk weaving traditions. Set up camp in the mountains. Camp dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 8: Kopetdag West - Ashgabat

Return to Ashgabat with a visit of the Kowata underground lake on the way. Afternoon at leisure in Ashgabat.