Karakum DEsert Expedition

Day 1: Samarkand

ITALY/ASHGABAT/ (-/-/-)
A horseback journey in Turkmenistan is an authentic immersion into the wildest and most fascinating heart of Central Asia. Riding the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, you cross the spectacular expanses of the Karakum Desert, one of the largest deserts in the world, among golden dunes, endless silence, and landscapes that tell the ancient history of the Silk Road. The experience is enriched by overnight stays in traditional nomadic yurts, where you can experience Turkmen hospitality, enjoy local cuisine, and sleep under extraordinarily clear starry skies. The journey also includes discovering Ashgabat, the surprising capital of Turkmenistan, famous for its white marble buildings and for access to important UNESCO heritage sites linked to the great civilizations of Central Asia.

Arrival at Ashgabat airport (ASB), completion of airport formalities and meeting with our representatives.Transfer of about 20 km to your hotel in the city. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2:

ASHGABAT (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer at 10:00 to the private Akhal-Teke horse stable. Assignment of horses and introductory trekking.Lunch and dinner at the equestrian center. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3:

ASHGABAT / KARAKUM DESERT (B/L/D)
After breakfast, departure by car to the village of Erbent towards Darwaza, one of the most evocative places in the heart of the Karakum Desert, known worldwide as the “Door to Hell”. The transfer lasts about 2 hours. In the afternoon, after a picnic lunch, preparation of the horses.
Horseback trekking of about 4 hours (20 km) in the Karakum Desert, for a distance of about 20 km. Dinner around the fire and overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 4:

KARAKUM DESERT (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the camp and departure for a full day on horseback (about 6 hours – 30 km). Our journey continues north through the region. Long gallops in the Karakum Desert, with encounters along the way with camels and flocks of sheep. Picnic lunch along the route. Dinner around the fire and overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 5:

KARAKUM DESERT (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the camp and departure for a full day on horseback (about 6 hours – 30 km).
Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 6:

KARAKUM DESERT /DARWAZA (B/L/D)
Breakfast and departure for the last day on horseback in the Karakum Desert for a total of about 35 km. Picnic lunch along the route and along the way visit to the water crater. Arrival at the Darwaza camp, time to rest and possibility to take a shower at the camp. While the horses return by van to Ashgabat, we will enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight stay in traditional Turkmen yurts.

Day 7:

DARWAZA/ ASHGABAT (B/-/-)
Breakfast at the camp and departure for the capital. Afternoon at leisure for shopping in the Berkarar or Arkach stores in the city center, where you can find traditional clothing and everyday items. From 16:00 to 18:00, you can relax in the sauna of the 5* Yldyz hotel. If there are equestrian shows at the circus, we will be lucky enough to attend them!
Free dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

Day 8:

ASHGABAT (B/-/D)
Breakfast at the hotel and city tour including Independence Park, an iconic place where Turkmen history and culture come to life under the shining sun, the Neutrality Arch and the fascinating ruins of Nisa (18 km), an archaeological treasure listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuation of the visit to the Museum of History and Archaeology, a true cultural gem.
Turkmen dinner, an immersive experience celebrating the culture and traditions of the country through music, dance and gastronomy. It is an ideal opportunity to discover the richness of Turkmen heritage while tasting delicious dishes. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 9:

ASHGABAT /ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1,2: Hotel Ak Altyn 3* in Ashgabat
Night 3, 4, 5: tented camp in the desert (mattress, pillow, sleeping bag, toilet tent provided)
Night 6: Turkmen yurt in Darwaza (showers available)
Night 7, 8 Hotel Ak Altyn 3* in Ashgabat


DURATION: 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (EASY/INTERMEDIATE).
ACCOMMODATION: hotel + tented camp
EQUIPMENT: TRADITIONAL TURKMEN SADDLE, light and suitable for long desert distances. It has high pommels and an elegant, often decorated horn, and is covered with carpets or colorful blankets. Tack and stirrups are often richly decorated, a sign of the deep bond between the Turkmen people and their horse.
HORSES: AKHAL TEKE, elegant and resilient, originating from the desert regions of Central Asia. It is distinguished by its slender body, often shiny coat with metallic reflections, and great endurance, qualities that make it ideal for long journeys. From a behavioral point of view, it is sensitive, intelligent, and very attached to its rider, with whom it builds a deep bond of trust. It is a brave and determined horse, capable of covering long distances with a steady pace and great focus.
PACE: FROM 5 TO 6 HOURS PER DAY IN THE SADDLE APPROXIMATELY (between 20 and 35 km per day). The main gait is walking, but there will also be opportunities to trot and gallop. Ability to control the horse in open spaces and good physical condition are required.
WHAT TO BRING: Layered riding clothing, also waterproof. Protective helmet, water bottle, boots suitable also for walking, waist bag. For nights in tented camp bring sleeping bag, headlamp, towel. Basic medicines, repellent, sunscreen.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 90 Kg
MINIMUM AGE: 16 years
TYPE: itinerant with overnight stays in hotel + tented camp


Departure dates on request in May, June, September, October
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 4 MAX 10


SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Supplement for departure with 2 riders Euro 215.00 per person
Supplement 5* hotel (4 nights) Euro 215.00 per person