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Ashgabat · Ahal · Turkmenistan
10-Day Along the Dinosaurs' Tracks
Starting From
From $4,425.11 per person
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
The journey begins with an arrival in Ashgabat, where guests are transferred to the Archabil Hotel for their stay. A city tour highlights the State Museum of Turkmenistan, followed by visits to the Nissa Fortress and the Carpet Museum. A morning flight takes travelers to Turkmenabat, followed by a scenic drive to Koiten village, with stops at the Texas Mountains and Kaynar Baba sulfur springs. In Koiten, guests explore the Dinosaurs Plateau and Umbar Dere Canyon before heading back to Turkmenabat and then to Mary, with a visit to the ancient site of Merv en route. The exploration continues with a trip to the Gonur Depe archaeological site, showcasing Margush's historical significance. The journey wraps up with a return to Ashgabat, including visits to the Mausoleum of Abu Said Abul Hayr Mekhnei and Abiverd fortress, before a scenic drive to Bakharden Underground Lake. After a leisurely morning, guests conclude their trip with a transfer to the airport for departure.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Explore the capital with a guided city tour
- Visit Nissa Fortress, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site
- Discover the Carpet Museum, home to unique Turkmen carpets
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 01 - Welcome to Turkmenistan! Arrive in Ashgabat in the morning and transfer to the 4-star Archabil Hotel.
Continued
Ashgabat
Local Flavor at The State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. Day 01 - Ashgabat: Enjoy a late morning city tour of Ashgabat, including a visit to the State Museum of Turkmenistan.
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Ashgabat
Day 01 - Accommodation: Overnight in hotel
Day 2
Ashgabat
Local Flavor at Turkmen Carpet Museum. Day 02 - Carpet Museum: Continue exploring Ashgabat with visits to Nissa Fortress and the Carpet Museum, which houses a unique collection of famous Turkmen carpets, including the world's largest carpet, the Giant Carpet.
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Ashgabat
Day 02 - Accommodation: Overnight in Archabil Hotel 4*
Day 3
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 03 - Ashgabat to Turkmenabat: Take a morning flight to Turkmenabat, then drive to Koiten village (7-8 hours or 450 km) via Kerki, crossing the Amuderya (Oxus) bridge. Stop at the scenic 'Texas Mountains' for photos, and visit the Kaynar Baba sulphur springs (31°C), located 9 km off the main road. Arrive in Koiten village late in the evening.
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Ashgabat
Day 03 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 03 - Accommodation: Rest in the g/h
Day 4
Ashgabat
ATV/UTV & Off Road Tours at Dinosaur Plateau. Day 04 - Dinosaur Plateau: Have an early breakfast, then get to the Koyten Dag Mountains in a 4x4 vehicle to the Dinosaurs Plateau. Walk to the plateau, then continue to Kyrk Gyz (40 Girls) Valley and Cave. Visit Umbar Dere Canyon, known for its stunning waterfall.
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Ashgabat
Day 04 - Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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Ashgabat
Day 04 - Accommodation: Overnight in the g/h
Day 5
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 05 - Koiten Dag to Turkmenabat: Early Breakfast Drive to Turkmenabat City (450 km)
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Ashgabat
Day 05 - Meals included: Lunch
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Ashgabat
Day 05 - Accommodation: Overnight in the hotel
Day 6
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 06 - Turkmenabat to Mary: Have an early breakfast, then drive to Turkmenabat City (450 km).
Continued
Ashgabat
Archaeological Exploration at Merv. Day 06 - Merv: En route, visit the ancient city of Merv, one of the most important historical sites in Turkmenistan and Central Asia. Merv is a series of towns that succeeded one another over the centuries. Explore Erk Gala (6th century BC), Gyaur Gala (3rd century BC), Sultan Gala (8th/11th centuries BC), Abdullah Khan Gala and Bairamali Khan Gala (15th century AD), the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar – the last ruler of the Seljuk Empire (12th century AD), the Great and Little Gyz Galas (6th/7th centuries AD), and the Mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zaid (12th century AD).
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Ashgabat
Day 06 - Accommodation: Overnight in Mary Hotel
Day 7
Ashgabat
Archaeological Exploration at Gonur Depe. Day 07 - Gonur Depe: Have an early breakfast, then take 4x4 vehicles to the Gonur Depe Bronze Age archaeological site (230 km or a 3-hour drive). Margush is a fascinating area, requiring a full day to explore the excavations. Your guide will provide detailed information, and you may have the option to meet Professor Sarianidi's team, who considers Margush to be the 5th center of civilization, alongside China, India, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.
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Ashgabat
Day 07 - Meals included: Lunch
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Ashgabat
Day 07 - Accommodation: Overnight in Mary Hotel
Day 8
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 08 - Mary to Ashgabat: Have an early breakfast, then drive to Ashgabat (350 km). Along the way, visit the Mausoleum of Abu Said Abul Hayr Mekhnei, a renowned 11th-century Sufi saint (80 km), and the Abiverd Fortress, which served as a regional center during the Middle Ages.
Continued
Ashgabat
Day 08 - Accommodation: Overnight in Archabil Hotel
Day 9
Ashgabat
Leisure at Kow Ata. Day 09 - Kow Ata: Have an early breakfast, then drive to the Bakharden Underground Lake (110 km or a 2-hour drive), where the water maintains a constant temperature of 37°C. Along the way, visit Gokdepe Mosque and Kipchak Mosque, the largest in Turkmenistan.
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Ashgabat
Day 09 - Meals included: Lunch
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Ashgabat
Day 09 - Accommodation: Overnight in Archabil Hotel
Day 10
Ashgabat
Transportation. Day 10 - We hope you enjoyed your time with us! After some leisure time to hit the town on your own, we'll transfer you in the afternoon to the airport for your flight back home.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Accommodation ESG A/C transport Entrance fees to the sites mentioned Visa support and travel pass Camping gear Plane ticket Ashgabat-Turkmenabat Food and Drink
Not Included
Tips and gratuity Visa fee Insurance Immigration card
What to Bring
Camera Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat Bag for Essentials Comfortable clothing and footwear
Meeting & Pickup
Pick up at Ashgabat International Airport
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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