Turkmenistan in 3 days: Fire, History & Culture
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454$
Overview
Witness the mesmerizing sight of the burning gas crater, especially impressive at sunset. Take photos and soak up the unique atmosphere. Basic facilities are the standard, but camping near the crater is an option for a truly immersive experience. Explore the large ruined fortress of the ancient city of Merv, "Great Kiz Kala", which was once a palatial residence of the elite. Near Great Kiz Kala, there is also Little Kiz Kala. Take a journey to the Mausoleum Complex of Ashab, a Timurid-era shrine in Merv dedicated to two companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Explore the mud-brick mausoleums that represent the architectural pinnacle of Merv's destroyed Seljuk capital. Get a glimpse of the charming city of "Ashgabat", the pearl of Central Asia, known in the world as the "City of White Marble".
Start
Farap, Lebap, Turkmenistan
Start
Shavat, Dashoguz, Turkmenistan
Destinations
Turkmenistan
Meals
Breakfast ( 2 ), Dinner ( 1 ),
Transport
4x4 vehicle,
Accommodation
Hotel ( 1 ), Yurt ( 1 ),
Days
3
Group size
6-48
Ages
From 15 years old
Why you will love this tour
Delight in a major city on the Silk Road, flourished for centuries, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological treasures. The ruins of Merv are not a single site, but rather a collection of different "kala" (fortress) that developed over time: Erk-Kala: This is the oldest part of Merv, dating back to the 6th century BC. Gyaur-Kala: Conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. Sultan-Kala: This is the largest of the Merv cities, and it became the heart of the city during the Seljuk Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries. Here, you'll find the magnificent Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture. Learn about the city that holds a Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings and Pearl of central Asia-Ashgabat. Ashgabat's history stretches back to the 19th century, leaving layers of influence visible in its diverse architectural styles. Stand in the heart of Karakum Desert and spend a wonderful night at traditional yurt nearby the Darvaza gas crater. Learn about the history of gas crater and enjoy your BBQ. Its remote location adds to the mystique, requiring a journey through the stark desert landscape.
Itinerary
- Your journey to ancient Merv begins at the Turkmen-Uzbek border crossing, "Farap," where our representative will greet you. After a border crossing process, we'll embark on a scenic drive to Mary (approximately 240km, 3.5 hours). Explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv, a vital hub along the legendary Silk Road, renowned for its bustling trade and exquisite craftsmanship. Our exploration will take you through time as we visit iconic landmarks such as the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, the Mausoleum Complex of the Askhabs, and the Hoja Yusuf Hamadani complex. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, take an overnight at hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Mary - Merv; Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum; Kyz kala; Erk kala; Gyaur Kala; Mausoleum Complex of Askhabs; Hoja Yusuf Hamadani complex
Included activities
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Begin your day with a breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for an exciting journey to Ashgabat, the gleaming "White City". We'll take a scenic drive through Ashgabat, offering glimpses of its impressive landmarks and modern developments. From Ashgabat, our adventure continues towards the mesmerizing Darvaza gas crater. As we journey across the vast landscapes, the anticipation will build for the spectacle that awaits. As dusk approaches, we'll arrive at the crater, where you'll witness the breathtaking sight of this fiery phenomenon. The Darvaza gas crater, often referred to as the "Gates of Hell," is a constant blaze illuminating the night sky. We'll savor a delicious dinner under a canopy of stars, the warm glow of the crater adding a unique and unforgettable ambiance to our meal. Overnight at the traditional yurt.
- Yurt
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat - city tour, Ahal - Darvaza
Included activities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Rise and shine to a truly unforgettable final day! We'll begin with a unique and memorable experience: a picnic-style breakfast at the mesmerizing Darvaza gas crater. After this extraordinary breakfast, we'll transfer to the Turkmen-Uzbek border crossing at "Shavat," marking the end of your incredible Turkmen adventure.
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
Inclusion
- Hotel ( 1 ),
- Yurt ( 1 ),
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast ( 2 ),
- Dinner ( 1 ),
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle ,
Transport
- Mary - Merv; Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum; Kyz kala; Erk kala; Gyaur Kala; Mausoleum Complex of Askhabs; Hoja Yusuf Hamadani complex
- Ashgabat - city tour, Ahal - Darvaza