Turkmenistan 4 Days 3 Nights Group tour: Dashoguz-Farap border
About tour
Itinerary
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Meeting at the border Shavat/Dashoguz border. Then drive to the Kunya Urgench historical site (110 km, 1.5 h)
Kunya-Urgench (Keneurgench) is an ancient city, the first mention of which dates back to the III-I centuries BC. It is found even in the Avesta, the main book of the Zoroastrians. There the city is called Urva (Urga). Caravans of the Great Silk Road passed through here, and the Chinese called the city Yue-gan, although it was located on the territory of the state of Khorezm. In the VIII century, the Arabs conquered the city and renamed it Gurganj. At the same time, the Khorezm ruler settled in Gurganj, declaring the city his residence. At various times, Gurganj was conquered by the Mamunids, Anushteginids and even Genghis Khan himself. The latter conquered Gurganj in 1221, severely destroying the city. In the XIV century, the city became subordinate to the Uzbek Khan - Sultan of the Golden Horde. Then, according to the merchant-traveler Ibn Batuta, Gurganj became the largest of the Turkic cities. All the attractions of Kunya Urgench are located in the Old Town and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once the caravans of the Great Silk Road passed here. Today, several buildings of the XI-XVI centuries have been preserved in the city.
Mausoleum of Turabek-Khanym: There is also a mausoleum of the XIV century, where the daughter of Uzbek Khan - Tyurabek-khanym is buried. The mausoleum is interesting with a dome mosaic panel depicting flowers and stars. It is believed that this ornament has no analogues.
Kutlug Timur Minaret:The Kutlug-Timur minaret, erected in the XIV century, is considered the tallest in Central Asia. Its length is 60-62 meters (the figures vary slightly depending on the sources). Once the majestic minaret was part of a mosque that was destroyed.
Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh:Near the minaret of Kutlug-Timur there is the mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh - one of a few survived monuments of pre-Mongol Kunya-Urgench. The people call it Sherepbaba and Gyok-Gumbez. Together with the mausoleum of Il'-Arslan they constitute the necropolis of one of the ruling Khoresm clans.
Mausoleum of Il-Arslan:This unique architectural construction also called the mausoleum of Fakhreddin Razi has survived by a miracle. It had been constructed before the Mongol invasion to Kunya-Urgench. The form of the mausoleum is distinguished by precision and simplicity of composition: a cube with a 12-side drum prism on it and external dome in the form of 12 - side tabernacle.
The Mausoleum of Il-Arslan was manually decorated with a relief carved terracotta expressed in an intricate ornament: vegetative and geometrical patterns. While decorating, a special medieval technique was applied. Raw bricks lying on the ground were covered with clay which was used for creating the most complicated relief ornament. Then the entire composition was cut in seams between the bricks and fired to be further assembled on facade.
Minaret of Mamun: During excavation works of a hill in Kunya-Urgench near the mausoleum of Il'-Arslan the remains of the minaret which had fallen only about a hundred years ago were found. In 1900 the local residents found a foundation lead slab with a text saying that the minaret had been constructed in 1011 by the order of Mamun shakh.
Kyrk Molla The sacred hill Kyrk Molla, “40 mullahs” in Turkic, is found in Kunya Urgench. It is located to the north-east from the city, near the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum. The hill area is about 3 ha and its maximum height is 12.5m. This place is the ancient center of Gurganj (an old name of Kunya-Urgench). The excavations there revealed a vallum of the ancient period and an altar. In the Middle Ages on the site of the hill there was the famous Mamun Library.Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra The Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra is the founder of the dervish order "Kubraviya" in Islam, a Sufi sheikh - the main monument in the memorial complex "360". This place is considered holy. Pilgrims from all world pay visits there.According to the legend, Horesmshakh Mohammed II executed of one of the best Kubra's pupils after by a false denunciation. The holy man got angry and damned Khoresm. The damnation soon come true - the mighty state fell under aggressive Mongol invasion. Kubra himself and his 360 pupils fought side by side to protect their city. This battle was the last heroic deed of Nadzhimetdin for the glory Islam: a Mongolian warrior beheaded the holy man. The cemetery in Kunya Urgench, where today the Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra and the mausoleums of Sultan Ali and Piryarvali stand, was built on the site of the battle. Right beside them is the grave of young Dzhamildzhan, Nadzhimetdin Kubra 's favorite pupil.Return to Dashoguz cityNight at the hotel. -
BREAKFAST
10:00 - drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (280 km)
Gates of Hell, the Darvaza Gas Crater, is one of Central Asia’s rarest and most mesmerizing sites. These natural gas reserves have been burning incessantly since the early 1970s, and are all the more awe-inspiring in the lonely Karakum desert, where they leave an unforgettable impression upon all who see their flames under the starry desert sky.
Barbeque style dinner.
After dinner slowly drive to Ashgabat (270 km)
Upon arrival in Ashgabat and check-in hotel.
Night at the hotel
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BREAKFAST
09:00 – Ashgabat sightseeing:
Independence Park if you once find yourself in Ashgabat, the city of love, white marble and thousands of fountains, you must visit the main park in the Turkmen capital - National Independence Park. This Park is one of the city’s attractions, embodying the spirit of modern Turkmenistan.
Arch of Neutrality used to stand on the main square of the country, but in 2011, was moved to Ashgabat’s outskirts. Still worth a visit, this multi-level structure is crowned by a sculpture of the former Turkmenistan´s President, Saparmurat Niyazov. Previously, the sculpture used to rotate after the sun, making a daily full turnover.
The Hotel “Bagt Koshgi” that from Turkmen language means “The temple of Happiness” is a part of a Wedding Palace with the same name located in 5 km from the centre of Ashgabat. This unique building of an unusual shape was opened in 2011 and besides the hotel includes six luxurious halls for marriage registrations, seven banquet halls, numerous shops and other different facilities necessary for wedding arrangement such as beauty salons, wedding dress boutiques, photo booths, and many others. “Bagt Koshgi “complex is an 11-storey building consisting of solid foundation on which a cube with octagonal sides stands, and this unusual figure can hold inside a huge ball with a diameter of 32 meters.
The Ferris Wheel in Ashgabat, known as the Giant Wheel, is an iconic landmark that complements the city’s modern skyline. From a height of about 40 metres, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Ashgabat and the surrounding landscape. Located in the heart of the city centre, the Ferris wheel is part of the large ‘Independence Park’, which features beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains and various recreational facilities. The giant wheel is particularly enchanting at night when it is lit up with multi-coloured lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere. It is an ideal place for families, couples and anyone who wants to admire the breathtaking views of Ashgabat, especially at sunset. This attraction symbolizes the rapid development of Turkmenistan‘s capital city and its desire for modernity, and provides a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages.
The Constitution Monument, in Ashgabat, stands as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Unveiled in 2011, the monument celebrates the significance of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, which was adopted in 1992.Design and Features of the monument features a grand architectural design, characterized by its towering structure that represents the ideals of freedom and governance. The central element of the monument is a large, open book symbolizing the Constitution itself, with the text inscribed on its pages. Surrounding the monument are beautifully landscaped gardens, enhancing the monument’s prominence and serving as a peaceful gathering place for citizens and visitors.
The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque eleven kilometers to the west of Ashgabat there stands one of the largest mosques in Central Asia and main mosque of Turkmenistan – The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. Like all other buildings of the period of independence it differs with its immensity and grandiosity.
Old and New Nisa 18 km from the city of Ashgabat in the outskirts of Bagir village there is a unique ancient monument, the ruins of ancient settlement Nisa. It used to be the capital of Parthia which had existed from the third century B.C. to the third century A.D. The Historical complex includes two archeologic monuments - Old and New Nisa.
Akhalteke Horse Farm the horse farm is located in the countryside area, behind the Geokdepe town, 55km. Excursion at the farm to see the AkhalTeke horse and Turkmen dog Alabay. Akhal-Teke horse farm – home to the world-famous Turkmen horses. Learn about the breeding traditions and history of Akhal-Teke horses. Here, experts will tell you about Akhal-Teke horses. Next to the farm, you can take a horseback ride through the gardens.
Night at the hotel
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Transfer to the Ashgabat Airport
06:10 - flight to Turkmenabad
07:00 - Arrival in Turkmenabad
Transfer to "Farap/Alat" border (Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan)
We hope you liked our tour and you will come again
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels on DBL/TWIN sharing
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver as per the program
- English,Spanish, French, Russian and Italy speaking local guide
- Domestic air ticket: Ashgabat-Turkmenabat
- Daily 5 bottles of 0.5l water per person
- BBQ style dinner at Darvaza crater
- Entrance fees to mentioned sights per program (excluding photo and video charges at sights)
- Visa support to Turkmenistan, registration and travel pass
- Porter services
- Travel tax
- Handmade souvenir per person
Excluded
- Visa consular fees and processing expenses 80+15 USD per person, when obtained at land border (subject to change, nationality dependent)
- Turkmenistan migration tax 14 USD per person
- PCR nose test 33 USD
- Photo and video charges at sights
- Lunches and dinners
- Beverages
- International air tickets to / out of Ashgabat
- Travel Insurance
- Extras, not indicated in inclusions
Customer Support
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