Iran and Turkmenistan Tour Program

Day 1 Arrival Tehran

You arrive in the capital of Iran and will be met on the airport by our representative, who will escort you to the hotel

Day 2 Tehran

Start your exploration with the National Museum of Iran, which houses two remarkable exhibitions: the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Art and Architecture. A visit here provides an excellent overview of the history and art you will encounter throughout your journey.

Next, step into the grandeur of the Golestan Palace, a former royal Qajar complex and one of Tehran’s oldest historic sites. Comprising 17 buildings, including palaces, museums, and halls, the palace showcases exquisite Iranian crafts and European gifts from the 18th and 19th centuries. If possible, don’t miss the Treasury of National Jewels, where glittering gemstones tell stories of Iran’s rich heritage.

No visit to Tehran is complete without wandering through the Grand Bazaar, a lively maze of corridors where each section specializes in different goods, from carpets and spices to jewelry and textiles. To experience the modern side of the city, head north to Pol-e Tabiat (Nature Bridge), a striking architectural landmark where you can relax at a café while enjoying panoramic views of Tehran.

These highlights are just a starting point — depending on your interests, Tehran offers countless museums, art galleries, parks, mountains, ski resorts, street food, hip cafés, and high-end restaurants. Ask us for a tailored guide to make the most of your time in this captivating city.

Day 3 Tehran - Semnam via Garmsar

After breakfast, begin your journey eastward from Tehran toward Semnan, the capital of Semnan Province. Shortly after leaving the city, you’ll pass the Tehran Armenian Cemetery (Borastan Cemetery), the city’s only Armenian Apostolic burial site, featuring the charming chapel of Holy Stepanos.

As you drive through a mix of small towns and industrial zones, the landscape gradually transforms into the Sar Darre Mountains, also known as the Martian Hills. These colorful rock formations on the edge of Dasht-e Kavir, Iran’s largest desert, hide salt mines and attract many domestic tourists throughout the year.

Next, pass through Garmsar, an area rich in history. Visit the ancient Stonavand Castle, estimated to be over 3,500 years old, and explore the historic road connecting Garmsar to Qasr Bahram Caravanserai, a remarkable remnant of the Safavid period. Near Garmsar you can visit a working salt mine and wonder through amazing salt caves, a goldmine for photography lovers. The surrounding desert plains are not only visually striking but also historically significant as one of the first habitats of the Iranian cheetah. Nearby villages such as Padeh offer charming glimpses into the past, with ancient water reservoirs and traditional hammams. Garmsar is also famous across Iran for its sweet yellow melons, local figs, and a regional specialty of Tahchin — and we can arrange a traditional home-cooked lunch if you wish.

Arriving in Semnan, a city known for daffodils, Shirmal pastry (saffron-flavored flatbread), and traditional kilim rugs, you’ll discover a historically significant city that played a role in the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanid eras, later flourishing during the Qajar period. Key highlights include the Semnan Jame Mosque, over 1,000 years old, the elegant Imam Mosque (Soltani Mosque), the Shrine of Sheikh Ala’ed-dowleh Semnani from the Safavid era, the Gate of Semnan Fortress, as well as the bustling Semnan Bazaar and Pehne Bazaar. Don’t miss a visit to Taddayon House, a fine example of traditional Semnani architecture.

This journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, local culture, and historical discovery, making it an unforgettable start to your Silk Road adventure.

Day 4 Semnam - Damghan via Badab-e Surt

Today, leave Semnan and head toward Damghan, another historic city in Semnan Province. Before arriving in Damghan, your journey takes you briefly into Mazandaran Province to witness one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena: the Badab-e Surt Springs.

Passing through Mehdi Shahr and Shahmirzad, popular summer retreats for locals, you continue directly to Qale-Sar village. From here, a short transfer on foot or by local transport is needed for the final stretch to the springs. Badab-e Surt is a stunning stepped travertine terrace formed by mineral-rich hot springs depositing carbonate minerals over centuries. Globally, this phenomenon is rare — comparable only to Mammoth Hot Springs in the USA, Pamukkale in Turkey, and Huanglong Scenic Area in China.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Damghan, one of Iran’s oldest cities and a key capital of the Parthian Empire, with a history dating back over 7,000 years. Explore the Tappeh Hessar ruins, remnants of a Sassanid-era fortress, and the Tarikhaneh Mosque, originally a fire temple during the Sassanid period and later converted into a mosque. Discover the city’s ancient fortifications, Sassanid architecture, and the Chehel Dokhtaran Vault.

Damghan is also famous for its pistachios and paper almonds, offering a taste of local flavors. Traditional dishes to try include Sabzi Polo, Mani Polo, and walnut stew, giving a delicious introduction to the region’s culinary heritage.

This day combines natural wonders with ancient history, offering a unique glimpse of Iran’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness.

Day 5 Damghan - Gorgan / visit Gonbad-e Qavus

After leaving Damghan, drive north toward Gorgan, the capital of Golestan Province, near the Caspian Sea. Known in ancient times as Verkana in Old Persian and Hyrcania in Greek sources, Gorgan was a key cultural and trade center in northern Iran. The city was destroyed during the Mongol invasion, but archaeological excavations indicate human habitation dating back to 678 BC.

Gorgan is also notable as the birthplace of Agha Mohammad Khan, founder of the Qajar dynasty, and the city flourished during the Qajar period. Explore the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage, setting the stage for the natural and architectural wonders ahead.

In the afternoon, visit the Tower of Kavus (Gonbad-e Qabus) in nearby Gonbad Kavous. With a history spanning five to six thousand years, this city was historically the economic center of the Turkmen Sahra and remains one of the most significant sites in Golestan Province. The tomb of Kavous bin Vashmigir, a prominent ruler of the Al-Ziar dynasty, rises 72 meters, making it the tallest all-brick tower in the world — a masterpiece of Iranian architecture and a UNESCO-recognized landmark.

Also explore the Divar-i Gorgan, the historic defensive wall of the region, sometimes referred to as Alexander’s Great Wall or the Red Wall. Known locally as the “Red Snake” for its distinctive red bricks, this wall was built to defend the northern borders of Iran and is thought to date back to the Sassanid era. The best-preserved sections are accessible north of Bandar Torkman, offering a glimpse into the engineering genius of ancient Persia.

This day combines archaeological wonders, monumental architecture, and centuries of history, giving a deep insight into northern Iran’s strategic and cultural significance along the ancient Silk Road.

Day 6 Gorgan / visit Turkmen Sahra

After a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore the stunning landscapes of Golestan Province, one of Iran’s most ethnically diverse regions. The area is home to Sunni Turkmens, Baluchis, Georgians, and Christian Armenians, creating a rich cultural mosaic that adds depth to your journey along the northern Silk Road.

Drive through the rolling hills of Turkmen Sahra, a region of vast plains, traditional villages, and striking natural beauty. Visit the ancient Khaled Nabi Mausoleum, a mystical site surrounded by approximately 600 tombstones, many dating back to pre-Islamic times. The serene atmosphere and historic significance of this site make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a connection to Iran’s layered past.

This day offers a unique blend of cultural insight, natural beauty, and archaeological wonder, highlighting the hidden gems of northern Iran along the Silk Road.

Day 7 Gorgan- Mashad

Today you will drive to Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Shia Muslims. Once a modest town, Mashhad gained prominence after the martyrdom of Imam Reza, the 8th Shia Imam, whose shrine now draws millions of visitors each year. With its wide range of hotels, including luxurious options, Mashhad offers a comfortable stay after several nights in rural homestays.

Begin your exploration at the Imam Reza Shrine Complex, a sprawling site of devotion and architectural beauty. Nearby, the Astan-e Qods Razavi Museum showcases a rich collection of ancient Qurans, Safavid-era calligraphy by Reza Abbasi, and exquisite Persian rugs and textiles, offering insight into centuries of Islamic art.

Just south of the shrine stands the Goharshad Mosque, a Timurid-era masterpiece commissioned by Shahrukh’s wife. Admire its elegant tilework, intricate calligraphy, and refined architecture — a highlight of Iranian design and one of the country’s most visited mosques.

Other notable sites in Mashhad include the Nader Shah Afshar Tomb and the historic Darougheh House, both offering further glimpses into the city’s rich past and vibrant cultural heritage.

Day 8 Mashad / visit Neyshabur and Tus

After breakfast, embark on a fascinating day trip from Mashhad to explore the historic towns of Neyshabur and Tus, both rich in Persian heritage and Silk Road history.

Neyshabur, founded during the Sassanid dynasty, has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. Strategically located along the Silk Road, it once connected Persia to China. During the 9th and 10th centuries, Neyshabur became renowned for its ceramic artistry, and many of its exquisite pottery pieces are now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, you can still visit four traditional pottery workshops and browse local carpets and rugs, including the world-famous Neyshabur turquoise.

The city was also home to remarkable figures such as Omar Khayyam, the legendary poet, astronomer, and mathematician, and Attar, a Persian poet and Sufi theoretician. You will have the chance to visit their mausoleums and learn about their lasting contributions to Persian literature and philosophy.

Next, continue to Tus, an ancient city and birthplace of Ferdowsi, the celebrated author of the Persian epic Shahnameh. Visit the Harounieh Dome, believed to be the resting place of the 11th-century Persian philosopher Al-Ghazali, and soak in the spiritual and historical ambiance of this storied city.

In the evening, consider a drive to Shandiz, a charming mountain village known for its cooler climate. Here, enjoy a delicious Shandiz shishlik kebab, widely regarded as one of the best in Iran, and experience the local hospitality of this scenic region.

Day 9 Mashad - Ashgabat

Today marks the end of your Iranian journey and the beginning of your Turkmenistan adventure. Travel east to the Badjgiran border, where after completing visa formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by our local team.

From the border, enjoy a scenic drive to Ashgabat, the gleaming capital of Turkmenistan. Known for its white marble architecture, grand monuments, and sprawling avenues, Ashgabat offers a striking introduction to the country’s unique culture and modern identity. Settle into your hotel and prepare to explore this fascinating city on the next day of your Silk Road adventure.

Day 10 Ashgabat

Begin your exploration of Ashgabat, the striking capital of Turkmenistan, a city of vast squares, grand statues, and marble-clad palaces (note: the palaces themselves are not open to the public). With some luck, you may encounter a local wedding procession in one of the city’s squares — a perfect photo opportunity to admire the tapestry-like bridal veils and the golden statue of Turkmenbashi.

Visit the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, one of Turkmenistan’s most beautiful Islamic landmarks. Built during the period of national independence, this impressive mosque stands out for its size, intricate decoration, and ability to accommodate 5,000 worshippers, reflecting the grandeur of contemporary Turkmen architecture.

Next, explore the National Museum of Turkmenistan, which houses three distinct sections: the History Museum, the Nature & Ethnography Museum, and the Presidential Museum. Choose the museum that best matches your interests and discover the rich cultural heritage of the country.

No visit to Ashgabat is complete without the Monument of Neutrality, a 95-meter-tall lighthouse-shaped landmark. Cable cars transport visitors to the second-floor restaurant, while a glass elevator ascends to a viewing platform at 50 meters. Atop the monument, the golden statue of Turkmenistan’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, stretches skyward, a striking symbol of the city’s modern history.

If your visit falls on a Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday, the Tolkuchka Bazaar is a must-see. Experience the bustling energy of Central Asia’s largest market, from livestock trading with camels, sheep, and goats to colorful carpets, handmade jewelry, textiles, and fresh local produce. Capture the vibrant atmosphere, interact with local vendors, and take in the rich sights and smells of this iconic market, a true highlight of Ashgabat’s cultural life.

Day 11 Ashgabat - Kopet Dag Mountains and Nohur

Today you will venture into the Kopet Dag Mountains, a stunning range along Turkmenistan’s southern border. Begin with a visit to the Turkmenbashi Mosque, a magnificent white-marble mosque built in Italian style, and the adjacent mausoleum where the first president of independent Turkmenistan and his family are laid to rest. This mosque is the largest in Central Asia and a striking example of modern Turkmen architecture.

Next, stop in Geok Depe to explore the mosque commemorating the famous Battle of Geok Depe (1879–1881). Here, the local Teke tribe’s resistance against the advancing Tsarist army is memorialized, highlighting a pivotal moment in Turkmen history.

Continue westward to Nohur, a remote village tucked in a picturesque valley, where life has retained its authentic rural charm. Nohur is renowned for its silk weaving tradition, producing fabrics known as keteni using ancient techniques. Behind the village lies a unique cemetery, where the number of horns on each grave reflects the importance of the deceased.

The hills surrounding Nohur offer breathtaking scenery, perfect for a picnic amid nature, while you may encounter the legendary Turkmen shepherd dogs, the Alabay. The locals consider themselves a distinct Turkmen tribe, claiming descent from Alexander the Great, adding a fascinating layer of history to your visit.

From Nohur, travel onward to Serdar, where you will spend the night in a cozy guesthouse, enjoying authentic Turkmen hospitality.

Day 12 Serdar - Mary / visit Merw

From Mary, take a short drive to explore Merw, one of the legendary cities of the ancient Silk Road. Spread across a vast desert plain, Merw is a remarkable archaeological site, where sprawling ruins hint at a once-great metropolis. Among the most distinctive structures is the Kyz Kala Palace, dating from the 7th to 11th centuries, often surrounded by grazing dromedaries — a scene straight out of history.

Merw was originally founded in the 6th century BC as part of the Achaemenid Empire. Later, the city came under the influence of Alexander the Great, though it remains uncertain whether he personally visited. Over the centuries, Merw became a key center under the Seleucids, Bactrians, Parthians, and Sassanids, each leaving layers of cultural and architectural heritage.

During the 11th century, Merw flourished again as the eastern capital of the Seljuk Empire, becoming one of the Islamic world’s most important cities. Its prosperity, however, could not withstand the Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan, and much of the city was left to the desert sands. Today, Merw is a city of layers and eras, with much still buried beneath the desert, yet its rich history is palpable under the shimmering heat of the Karakum Desert.

Visiting Merw is like stepping through time on the Silk Road, where every ruin tells a story of empires, conquest, and civilization.

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Day 13 Mary - Margush - Karakum desert

Your desert adventure begins with a visit to Gonur Depe, one of the oldest Bronze Age sites in Central Asia, located on the former Murgab River delta. This remarkable archaeological complex was only discovered in 1971, and ongoing excavations continue to reveal the rich history of the region.

Gonur Depe was the heart of the Margush area, also known as BMAC (Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex). Scholars debate whether Margush should be recognized as the fifth ancient civilization, alongside India, China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Regardless, the site is impressive, with its massive fortifications, temples, and remnants of an early urban settlement, giving a unique glimpse into life over 4,000 years ago.

Gonur Depe is also historically significant as the precursor to Merw, located about 100 kilometers away. Over two millennia, the Murgab River gradually changed its course, shaping the landscape that would later cradle the flourishing Silk Road city of Merw.

After exploring this fascinating archaeological site, continue your journey through the Karakum Desert toward the remote village of Murzachirla, where you will spend the night in traditional desert tents. Here, under the starry desert sky, you can experience the timeless magic of the Silk Road, surrounded by the silence and vastness of the desert.

Day 14 Karakum desert - Darwaza

Today you embark on a full off-road adventure across the Karakum Desert, a vast expanse of sand dunes and hard clay riverbeds. Your journey will take you through remote desert landscapes, where the silence is broken only by the wind and the occasional bleating of sheep and goats. Along the way, you may encounter small water sources where local herds pause to drink, and you can refresh yourself while chatting with the desert “crew” who operate the hand pumps.

Stop at the small desert settlements of Damla and Ak Molla to experience authentic desert life. These villages are completely isolated, without gas, electricity, or telephone connections. Meet the friendly locals, enjoy tea or camel milk offered by the women, and observe boys riding motorcycles across the sand. Study the traditional yurts and admire the herds of camels grazing under the harsh desert sun.

As the day winds down, you will reach the legendary Darwaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell.” This spectacular natural phenomenon has been burning for decades. Its origins date back to the 1970s, when Soviet geologists accidentally collapsed the ground while drilling for oil and gas, igniting the underground methane deposits. Tonight, witness the mesmerizing glow of the crater against the dark desert sky, a truly unforgettable sight.

Spend the night in a shared yurt or private tent, right in the heart of the desert. Gather around the campfire and enjoy a traditional Turkmen barbecue, as the flames of the crater cast a magical light across the endless sands. This immersive desert experience is one of the most dramatic highlights of your Silk Road adventure.

Day 15 Darwaza - Ashgabat

After an unforgettable adventure across the Karakum Desert and the mesmerizing Darwaza Gas Crater, you will return to Ashgabat, the gleaming capital of Turkmenistan. This is the perfect moment to reflect on the rich experiences of your journey through one of Central Asia’s most remote and fascinating regions.

Spend your final evening strolling through Ashgabat’s vast marble avenues, admiring its striking monuments and grand squares. Perhaps revisit a favorite spot, take last-minute photographs, or enjoy a meal in one of the city’s restaurants, sampling local Turkmen cuisine.

As the sun sets over this extraordinary city, you will feel the full circle of your Silk Road adventure, having explored hidden gems, ancient cities, and remote deserts. Tonight in Ashgabat, the memories of this remarkable journey will linger, marking the perfect conclusion to your exploration of Iran, Turkmenistan, and the Silk Road.