Amazing Turkmenistan
About this tour
Travel along the Great Silk Road ( combined tour-Turkmenistan part)
Shavat – Koneurgench – Darvaza– Ashgabat–
Mary – Merw – Farap
(4 days /3 nights)
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Dashoguz, Turkmenistan to Darvaza Gas Crater, Darvaza, Turkmenistan
Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border “Shavat”. Drive to Kunya Urgench (1.5h). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit Portal Of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, Ii Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy Of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum. Afternoon drive to DARWAZA BURNING GAS CRATER (3.5 h) The Crater is also called as "The Door to Hell". The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 m and 20 m deep. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater, Darvaza, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
After having breakfast at yurt camp. Transfer to Ashgabat, which takes about 3.5 hours. En-route we cross Karakum desert, will stop in a small desert village Erbent. Arrival in Ashgabat and free time. Stay overnight in the hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Sport Hotel, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Hippodrome, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
After having breakfast at the hotel, drive to visit National Museum (closed on Tuesdays, we can change Carpet Museum), 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. Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia). Later drive to visit Horse hippodrome 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. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. After you will have Ashgabat city tour. In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of the white marble. 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 Sports and Housing facilities, the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments. Stay overnight in the hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Sport Hotel, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Farab, Turkmenistan
After having early breakfast at the hotel. At:07;00.Morning drive to Mary. Arrival in Mary and drive to Merv to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive to Turkmen-Uzbek border Farap border (3h)
What's included
LOI Sport hotel-5* Dinner in Darvaza Gas Crater
International flights Cost of Turkmen visa & border fees Early check in at hotels Payment for photo and video Tips for guide and driver Medical insurance Meals: L, D Services not shown in the program Half board: 45 USD Full board: 75 USD
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Dashoguz, Turkmenistan to Darvaza Gas Crater, Darvaza, Turkmenistan