Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Turkmenabad – Farap – Bukhara
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Turkmenistan, a land of ancient empires, fiery deserts, and dazzling white-marble cities. This immersive tour takes you from the modern capital of Ashgabat to the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, the legendary Silk Road city of Merv, and finally to the Uzbek border at Farap — a perfect route for travelers exploring Central Asia.
Your adventure begins with arrival in Ashgabat, where you’ll be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, head out to explore the UNESCO-listed Nissa Fortress, one of the earliest centers of the Parthian Empire. Learn about ancient dynasties, archaeological discoveries, and the city once believed to be a royal necropolis. Continue to the grand Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak — the largest mosque in Central Asia — before enjoying a panoramic city tour of Ashgabat. Marvel at the glittering Presidential Palace, Wedding Palace, Arch of Neutrality, Independence Park, and other futuristic monuments that define this extraordinary capital.
On the next day, visit the National Museum before venturing deep into the Karakum Desert toward the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell.” Watch as flames illuminate the desert night while enjoying a traditional BBQ dinner beside the crater. Spend the night in tents under a star-filled sky — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Return to Ashgabat the following morning and visit a traditional horse farm to meet the legendary Ahalteke horses, a 5000-year-old purebred considered a national treasure. Admire their beauty and learn why these horses were prized by ancient rulers, including Alexander the Great. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before resting at your hotel.
The journey continues east toward Mary, passing through historical sites such as the Seyitjemalletdin Mosque in Anau and the ancient trading town of Abiward. From Mary, explore the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv, once one of the greatest cities of the Islamic world. Walk through monumental ruins, including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Kyz Kala fortresses, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and holy mausoleum complexes — each revealing centuries of Silk Road history.
Your tour concludes with a scenic drive to Turkmenabad, continuing onward to the Farap/Alat border crossing into Uzbekistan, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Turkmenistan’s history, landscapes, and culture.
Ashgabat: Sport Hotel
Mary: Mary Hotel
Darvaza: Yurta
Arrival in Ashgabat International airport. You will be met by our representatives and transfer to hotel. Morning drive to visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211BC), and reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum. The ruins of ancient settlement Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat at Bagyr village. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia). Then you will have Ashgabat city tour. You will see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat 2017 Sports and Housing facilities.
Overnight at a 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).
Morning, after breakfast drive back to Ashgabat (280km, 5h). Atter 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.
Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning after breakfast drive to Mary (2/2.5h) via the ruins of Seyitjemalledin Mosque in Anau. The mosque was built in 1456, when Abu-ibn-Kasim Baber Bahadurkhan ruled in Khorasan. The square central hall, with sides 10.5m high, was crowned with a dome. Visit Abiward, which was once an important trading town of North Khorasan. It was a key location on the Great Silk Road between Nisa and Merv, and also linked to Nishapur, across the Kopetdag Mountains to the south. Then drive to explore ancient city of Merv (40km, 45min), 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 sightseeing, drive to Mary city.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. Drive to Turkmenabad, border “Farap/Alat” checkpoint on Turkmen-Uzbek border.
End of the tour.
Guaranteed departures
even for solo travelers
Starting from 940$ p.p.
English (Global)
Deutsch 
Italiano