Turkmenistan in 6 Days: A Journey Through Time
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970$
Overview
A fiery spectacle, the "Gates of Hell" is a natural gas crater that has been burning for decades. It's a dramatic and unique sight, especially at night. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Merv was once a major city on the Silk Road. The ruins are extensive, offering a glimpse into its glorious past as a center of trade and culture. Another ancient city along the Silk Road, Abiverd's ruins are less extensive than Merv but still hold historical significance. It provides a sense of the region's long and rich past. An important Parthian capital, Nisa is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ruins offer insights into a powerful empire that once ruled the region. Turkmen carpets are world-renowned. The national carpet museum showcases the intricate designs and craftsmanship of these traditional textiles. Mary is a modern city near Merv, often serving as a base for exploring the ancient ruins. A city tour might include visits to local markets, museums, and other cultural attractions, providing a contrast to the historical sites.
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Start
Shavat, Dashoguz, Turkmenistan
Start
Farap, Lebap, Turkmenistan
Destinations
Turkmenistan
Meals
Dinner ( 1 ), Breakfast ( 5 ),
Transport
4x4 vehicle,
Accommodation
Yurt ( 1 ), Hotel ( 4 ),
Days
6
Group size
2-48
Ages
From 15 years old
Why you will love this tour
Witness that Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is a modern city known for its impressive architecture, particularly its numerous white marble buildings. It's a relatively young city, having been founded in 1881, and it has been significantly rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1948. Experience the awe-inspiring Darvaza gas crater, the "Gates to Hell," a fiery spectacle illuminating the night. Camp under the stars near this mesmerizing marvel for an unforgettable, otherworldly experience. Immerse yourself in Turkmen culture with a stay in a traditional guesthouse in a rural village. Experience warm local hospitality and gain unique insights into daily life. Discover Ashgabat's remarkable story of resilience. Witness its surreal and futuristic transformation, rising from the devastation of the 1948 earthquake.
Itinerary
- Cross the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border at Shavat this morning and meet your guide for a transfer to Dashoguz. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site ruins of Kunya Urgench, a once-thriving Silk Road city. The highlight of the day is the Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Door to Hell," a massive burning gas crater in the Karakum Desert. This astounding gas crater has been burning since 1971. Walk around this unique spectacle and camp nearby for an unforgettable nighttime experience.
- Yurt
Accommodation Details
- Dashoguz-Kunya Urgench; Ahal-Darvaza
Included activities
- Dinner
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Drive to Ashgabat, stopping at unique mud and water craters near Darvaza. Upon arrival, check in and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nisa, an ancient Parthian city with remarkable artifacts. Then, immerse yourself in Turkmen culture at the National Carpet Museum, home to a stunning collection, including the world's largest hand-woven carpet. You can witness Teke and Sarik carpets traditionally woven by Turkmen brides. Conclude your day with a captivating drive back to the hotel, enjoying the mesmerizing night view of Ashgabat, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Central Asia" illuminated against the backdrop of the night sky.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Ahal - Darvaza water crater and mud crater; Ashgabat - Nisa; the National Carpet Museum
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- After breakfast, explore Ashgabat's iconic landmarks. Visit the Arch of Neutrality, a 95-meter monument symbolizing Turkmenistan's neutrality. See the Independence Building, a 91-meter structure commemorating the nation's independence. Experience the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, home to the world's largest covered Ferris wheel. Explore Ashgabat's spiritual side, visiting the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Central Asia's largest mosque, and the Turkish-inspired Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. Experience local life at the bustling Gulistan Bazaar (Russian Bazaar). Return to your hotel after a day of cultural immersion.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat - Arch of Neutrality; the monument and park of Independence; Alem ferris wheel; Gulistan bazaar; Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque; Ertogrul Gazi mosque
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a journey to Mary, exploring historical treasures along the way. First, visit the ruins of the 15th-century Seyitjemalleddin Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture built in 1456. Continue to Abiverd, an ancient city between Ashgabat and Mary. Explore the remnants of this once-thriving settlement, including the portal of a grand mosque and the remains of wells and reservoirs, evidence of advanced irrigation. Discover the artifacts unearthed at Abiverd, including coins, 9th-12th century ceramics, and metal handicrafts like jewelry and buckles, showcasing a rich civilization. Finally, arrive in your comfortable hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Anau - Seyitjemalleddin mosque; Kaka-ruins of Abiverd
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- After breakfast, explore Mary's captivating historical sites. Visit the impressive Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, a 38-meter Seljuq masterpiece. Discover the imposing Erk-Kala fortress, its 25-29 meter walls a testament to its past strength. Explore the vast Gyaur-Kala fortress, showcasing its stunning architecture. Finally, see the Kiz Kala complex: the grand Great Kiz Kala, likely a governor's residence, and the smaller Little Kiz Kala, with its unique corrugated eastern facade. Then you will a city tour. Return to the hotel after a day immersed in history.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Mary - Mausoleum of Soltan Sanjar; Erk Kala; Gyaur Kala; Kyz Kala
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Breakfast at hotel. Today your adventure comes to an end. Transfer to Farap - Turkmen-Uzbek border.
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
Inclusion
- Yurt ( 1 ),
- Hotel ( 4 ),
Accommodation Details
- Dinner ( 1 ),
- Breakfast ( 5 ),
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle ,
Transport
- Dashoguz-Kunya Urgench; Ahal-Darvaza
- Ahal - Darvaza water crater and mud crater; Ashgabat - Nisa; the National Carpet Museum
- Ashgabat - Arch of Neutrality; the monument and park of Independence; Alem ferris wheel; Gulistan bazaar; Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque; Ertogrul Gazi mosque
- Anau - Seyitjemalleddin mosque; Kaka-ruins of Abiverd