Central Asia

Itinerary

• Days 1-3: Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Nisa, Nohur, Serdar

  In Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, explore the flamboyant gilded architecture that has sprung from the rubble of a massive 1948 earthquake, and gain insight into the country’s history and culture at the beautifully situated National Museum. A trip outside of town takes you to the ruins of the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the center of the Parthian Kingdom. The following day, journey up into the Kopet Dag Mountains to visit the isolated Nohur people, whose longstanding cultural traditions have felt little influence from the outside world. Overnight in the small city of Serdar.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • The opulent modern architecture of Ashgabat, which holds a Guinness record for the highest density of white marble buildings in the world
  • Learning the story of Turkmenistan at the National Museum, where the collection includes Stone Age tools, drinking horns used in Zoroastrian rituals, and beautifully crafted amulets
  • The ruins of Nisa’s two fortresses, which show influences of ancient Greek and Roman culture
  • A visit to a silk-weaving workshop in a Nohur tribal village
• Days 4-6: Turkmenbashi, Yangykala

  Pass through the fertile Sumbar River Valley, dotted with pomegranate orchards and small farms, making a stop at the archaeological site of Dehistan. After a night in the country’s only seaport, Turkmenbashi, drive to picturesque Yangykala Canyon, where striated limestone cliffs unfold before you in a strange, strikingly beautiful panorama. Within the canyon, visit the shrine of 14th century Sufi holy man Gozli Ata. Return to Turkmenbashi and take a short flight back to Ashgabat.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Excavated houses, mosques, and caravanserais at the site of Dehistan, once a prominent market town
  • The bustling port city of Turkmenbashi
  • The brilliantly colored limestone cliffs of unusual, and unusually photogenic, Yangykala Canyon
  • The twin domes of beautifully situated Gozli Ata Mausoleum, Turkmenistan’s most remote pilgrimage site
• Days 7-8: Mary, Merv

  Depart Ashgabat for the modern town of Mary, a base for exploring the nearby remains of ancient civilizations. Start by learning about the area at the Mary Museum, and then head to two archaeological sites: Gonur Depe, a Bronze Age center of Zoroastrianism; and UNESCO-listed Merv, which also has Bronze Age origins and, as an important medieval Silk Road way station, grew to be one of the world’s largest cities before a brutal sacking by the Mongols in the 13th century.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • The exceptional ethnological and archaeological exhibits at the Mary Museum
  • The palace, necropolis, and Zoroastrian temples at Gonur Depe
  • The vast archaeological site of Merv, one of the world’s great lost cities
• Days 9-12: Darvaza, Kunya Urgench, Ashgabat

  Fly to Ashgabat and from there head north into the Kara Kum Desert, pitching camp beside the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater – one of Turkmenistan’s most unusual sights, nicknamed “the Door to Hell.” Continue north to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Kunya-Urgench, a medieval agricultural center. Return again to Ashgabat and head outside of town for a private tour of a farm where renowned Akhal-Teke horses are bred. That evening, celebrate your time in Turkmenistan with a farewell dinner.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Tent camping next to the Darvaza Gas Crater as it emits its brilliant glow
  • The beautiful Kutlug-Timur Minaret at the Kunya Urgench ruins
  • An up-close look at Akhal-Teke horses, the pride of Turkmenistan