Farap – Mary – Merv – Mary – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Turkmenabad
Explore the heart of Turkmenistan on this immersive 5-day journey from the Turkmen–Uzbek border to the white-marble capital of Ashgabat, the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, and the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Merv. This tour offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and adventure for travelers eager to discover Central Asia’s rich heritage.
Your journey begins at the Farap/Alat border, where you meet your guide and travel to Mary. Visit the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest Silk Road capitals. Explore the Historical and Cultural Park, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Askhabs Mausoleum Complex, Hoja Yusuf Hamadani complex, and Mohammed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After a full day of exploration, check in at your hotel in Mary for an overnight stay.
The next day, fly or drive to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s dazzling capital. Discover the State Historical Reserve of Nissa, a UNESCO-listed site and one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire. Continue your city tour to see the Spiritual Mosque, Presidential and Ruhyyet Palaces, Wedding Palace (Palace of Happiness), monuments dedicated to the victims of WWII and the 1948 earthquake, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, Arch of Neutrality, Independence Monument & Park, and the indoor Ferris wheel “Alem.” Overnight in Ashgabat.
On day three, visit the National Museum before heading deep into the Karakum Desert to the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell.” Witness the spectacular flames that have been burning since 1971 and enjoy a BBQ dinner beside the crater. Spend the night in desert tents under a sky full of stars for a truly unforgettable experience.
Return to Ashgabat on day four and visit a traditional Akhalteke horse farm, home to Turkmenistan’s legendary purebred horses, which have been cherished for over 5000 years. Learn about their historical significance and unique lineage, admired by ancient rulers such as Alexander the Great. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at your hotel.
On the final day, transfer to Ashgabat Airport for a domestic flight to Turkmenabad. From there, drive to the Farap/Alat border to complete your journey. Depart with lasting memories of Turkmenistan’s deserts, historical sites, and cultural treasures.
Ashgabat : Sport Hotel
Mary : Mary Hotel
Darvaza: Yurta
8:00 – AM You will be pick up from your hotel in Bukhara. 9:AM – Crossing Turkmen/Uzbek border “Farap/Alat”. Then drive to Mary city, visit explore ancient city of Merv (240km, 3.5h), a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the Historical and Cultural Park of “Ancient Merv” which was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus. See the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Mausoleum Complex of the Askhabs, Hoja Yusuf Hamadani complex, and Mohammed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After tour drive to Mary city, accommodation at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Then start sightseeing tour in Ashgabat. State historical reserve “Nissa” UNESCO world heritage During the city tour you will explore Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia, Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, the Wedding Palace (Palace of Happiness), the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Arch of Neutrality Monument and park of Independence Indoor Ferris Wheel “Alem”. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, after drive to National Museum. Lunch at the local restaurant. In the afternoon after lunch, drive to the Darvaza gas crater (280km, 5h), which locals call the “Door to Hell”, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert. This area is rich in natural gas and, while drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a gas-filled cave. watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the burning crater, BBQ dinner at Darvaza. Overnight in tents (camping).
Picnic style breakfast. Morning drive back to Ashgabat (280km, 5h). After arrival to Ashgabat drive to visit Horse Farm to see a national proud of Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Dinner at the local restaurant, accommodation at the hotel, rest time.
Breakfast. Check-out. Transfer to the Ashgabat Airport. Flight to Turkmenabad. Arrival in Turkmenabad. Drive to the border “Farap/Alat” checkpoint on Turkmen-Uzbek border. Passing the Customs.
Guaranteed departures
even for solo travelers
Starting from 1060$ p.p.
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