Tour Overview
Nawrouz - one of the most joyful, light and beautiful holidays in Tajikistan. Nawrouz - orientally - is celebrated new year on March 21 - 22, in day of the vernal equinox and is directly connected with long-awaited arrival of spring. It is a huge celebration for which everybody gets one week off and it is celebrated across the country. You will explore the experience of the Nawrouz Holiday during your journey to Tajikistan. You will find out many interesting things during the tour. There are different traditional shows, games and festivals with local singers and dancers in the parks and streets. There will be a very popular traditional horse game of Buzkashi which takes part in Hissar, Panjakent and Istarawshan cities. Depending on the exact schedule we will make sure to visit it in one of these cities. Additionally during this tour you will explore Tajikistan through amazing sceneries of the capital, mountains, lakes and mosques. During the tour you will visit the ancient cities with rich history you are surprised to genuine hospitality of the Tajik people. Moreover, you will be able to be directly involved in festive action: preparation of Sumalak and pilaf - traditional dishes that are prepared since ancient times during the celebration of Nawrouz.
Highlights
- Ashgabat – Gokdepe Fortress – Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater – Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat
Itinerary
Arrival at Ashgabat airport with TK. Greetings and transfer to the hotel. After breakfast in the hotel, we will start by exploring the historical site of Old Nisa Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), located 15 km from Ashgabat city center. The earliest of Parthian Empire capitals (III c. BC – III c. AD). Located in an atmospheric area at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. Archaeological excavations in two parts of the site have revealed richly decorated architecture, illustrative of domestic, state, and religious functions. Situated at the crossroads of important commercial and strategic axes, this powerful empire formed a barrier to Roman expansion while serving as an important communication and trading center between East and West, North and South. National Museum of History where you can take a close look at exclusive ancient artifacts and treasuries from different historical and archaeological sites of Turkmenistan.
PM we will explore the “the City of Love”. Sightseeing will include the “Bagty Koshgi” hill platform with a panoramic view of the city, the Monument of Neutrality, the Park of Independence and the Book of Ruhnama. We will also visit the Ertogrul Gazi mosque. Known as a Turkish mosque (because it looks like Blue Mosque in Istanbul) it is present from Turkey to Turkmen in honor of Ertogrul Gazi, a Turkmen leader and the father of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. A short walk in the “Park of Inspiration” with statues of famous poets of Turkmen literature. Overnight in Ashgabat.
After breakfast in the hotel, we will spend the morning visiting Tolkuchka bazaar (28 km from the city), a very famous Sunday market where people come from all corners of Turkmenistan for trade. Here, locals sell goods like jewelry, Turkmen national dress, traditional accessories, carpets, handicrafts, fruits and vegetables, domestic animals, etc. Try your trading skills to negotiate for the best price on your purchases.
PM we will drive 50 km to Gokdepe village to visit Arkadash horse farm where you will have a chance to see, feed and ride the unique breed of Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses. From there will stop at Gokdepe fortress and the mosque. The village was the site of the biggest battle for Russian domination in Central Asia in the late 19 c. The fortress is also a site of a beautiful Gok-depe mosque built in 1996 in honor of the fortress defenders. Having finished our photo session with horses and mosque, we continue our drive to Ashgabat, en-route make a stop to visit an impressive complex in Kipchak village, consisting of the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the first president of Turkmenistan. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Festival day. After breakfast, we travel to Anau City to participate in the festivities. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Novruz, a national holiday celebrated with great enthusiasm in Turkmenistan. Experience the joyous event featuring contests, traditional music, and dance performances. Enjoy the opportunity to taste a variety of Turkmen dishes, especially “Semene” cooked once in a year for this festival only.
PM Drive to Darvaza gas crater (270 km, 4 hours), internationally known as “Gates of Hell”. Stop at “bubbling water” and “bubbling mud” craters on the way. Short tour at the site upon arrival while nomad-style kebabs are being prepared. Dinner at sunset and another photo session by the flaming crater .Overnight in tents, wild camping.
After breakfast in Darvaza, we drive back to Ashgabat. En-route stop at Yerbent village to see the local semi-nomadic lifestyle and take some pictures. Arrive in Ashgabat and hotel check-in. PM time for leisure. Overnight in Ashgabat.
After breakfast at the Hotel have a free day walking tour in Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for international flight. End of services.
Trip includes
Included
4 Nights Overnight in Ashgabat
1 Nihgt Overnight in tents, wild camping (Darvaza gas Crater)
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
5 Breakfast
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
All Transportations as mentioned in program
Navrouz festival
Ashgabat city tour
Guided Gokdepe Tour
Ashgabat (Novruz events)
Darvaza City tour
Excluded
International or Domestic flights
Insurance: All types
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Early check-in
Travel insurance
Visa
Availability
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