Treasures of Turkmenistan: From Darvaza to Merv
Discover the highlights of Turkmenistan on a fascinating journey through ancient Silk Road cities, the vast Karakum Desert, modern Ashgabat, and the beautiful Kopetdag Mountains. Experience the unforgettable Darvaza Gas Crater, explore the ancient cities of Konye-Urgench, Nisa, and Merv, meet the famous Akhal-Teke horses, swim in the warm underground waters of Kow-Ata, and discover the traditional mountain village of Nohur.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival on Dashoguz/Shavat border (Uzbekistan) – Konye-Urgench – Darvaza
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Meet your guide at the border in the morning and receive assistance with the border and visa process. Drive to Ancient Konye-Urgench, one of the most important historical cities along the Great Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit, have a late lunch before continuing towards the Karakum Desert. Pack dinner and breakfast and drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Arrive at Darvaza in the evening and enjoy dinner near the famous gas crater. Overnight in a yurt house near Darvaza.
Darvaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast in the desert, drive towards Ashgabat. On the way, visit the Water Crater and Yerbent Village. Continue to Ashgabat and have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. In the evening, enjoy an Ashgabat city tour, continue to the Russian Bazaar and have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Kow-Ata – Nohur – Ashgabat
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Ancient Nisa, the Sanctuary of the Parthian Kings and one of Turkmenistan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Continue to Kipchak and visit the impressive Spiritual Mosque. Afterwards, visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm and see Turkmenistan's famous and beautiful national horses. Have lunch before continuing to the Kow-Ata Underground Lake. The name Kow-Ata means "Father of Caves". Descend into the impressive underground cave and discover its warm, emerald-coloured waters, which keep a temperature of approximately 33 to 37°C. Swimming in the underground lake is possible. Continue to Nohur Village, located in the scenic Kopetdag Mountains. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before driving back to Ashgabat. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat – Mary
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography and the Carpet Museum. Have lunch before visiting the Memorial Complex. After sightseeing, drive towards Mary. Upon arrival, have dinner and enjoy a short evening city tour. Overnight at the hotel in Mary.
Mary – Merv – Turkmenabat – Departure Farap/Alat border (Uzbekistan)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Ancient Merv, one of the most important cities along the Great Silk Road and one of the major archaeological sites in Central Asia. After the visit, have lunch and continue towards Turkmenabat and the Farap/Alat border, where your guide assists you with the crossing formalities for your departure to Uzbekistan.
What's Included
- Turkmenistan visa
- Accommodations
- All in-country transportation (cars, train tickets, plane tickets)
- Local guide for the full duration of the program
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
- Bottled drinking water, 1.5 L per person per day
Not Included
- Turkmenistan migration tax
- PCR test
- Photo / video fees
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs and other personal items
- All other charges and services not mentioned under "Included"
Earliest start is 21 days from today, to allow time for bookings and visa processing.
Visa prepayment: 200 to 250 USD per person, paid online before the trip. Everything else is paid on arrival.
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