Group Trip To Turkmenistan
About this tour
Discover the legendary city of Merv, once one of the greatest cities of the Islamic world and a major stop on the Silk Road. Explore its mausoleums, citadels, and ancient ruins.
Experience the contrast in Ashgabat, the marble city of the future. Visit iconic landmarks like the Wedding Palace, Arch of Neutrality, and Ertogrul Gazi Mosque on a comprehensive city tour.
Meet the majestic Akhalteke horses, a national symbol of Turkmenistan and one of the oldest and purest horse breeds in the world.
Camp under the stars next to the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Door to Hell.” Enjoy a BBQ dinner by the burning crater in the heart of the Karakum Desert.
Explore local bazaars, Russian Orthodox heritage, and the traditional yurt lifestyle with a stay at a desert camp equipped for comfort.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Farap, Turkmenistan to Mary, Turkmenistan
Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border “Alat” at 9:00. Transfer to Merv (253km, 5h) to meet the group. Optional: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport. Transfer to Mary to meet the group. Start 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 Mary. Then you will see all the major buildings of Mary the downtown. If time permits, you will also visit Mary Bazaar to see a variety of local products and the Russian Orthodox church (one of the oldest in Turkmenistan). Overnight in Mary.
Day 2: Mary, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, visit to Horse Stable to see the national pride of Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Afternoon, you will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013, the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat a “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of white marble. You will see the Wedding Palace, the modern “Yildyz” Hotel, the Ferris Wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, and Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Door to Hell, Derweze, Turkmenistan
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time till noon. Afternoon, drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater (276km, 4h). The Crater is also called "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. 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. BBQ dinner at Gas Crater.
Day 4: Door to Hell, Derweze, Turkmenistan to Dashoguz, Turkmenistan
Picnic-style breakfast. After breakfast, drive to the Turkmen/Uzbek Border Checkpoint to cross into Uzbekistan. Optional: Drive back to Ashgabat. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport or to the hotel for an additional night
What's included
• Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass) • Accommodation in DBL/Twin room: • Sport hotel – 1 night • Mary Hotel – 1 night • Garagum Yurt camp (Tent/Yurt) stay – 1 night (incl sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light) • Escort guide services • Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles and 4x4, where terrain requires • Entrance fee: per program • Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza • 1.5 L water per person per day • Travel tax
• International flights • Cost of Turkmen visa and border fees (70 – 100 USD) • PCR test (33-35 USD) • Payment for photo and video • Meals: L & D • Tips for the guide and driver • Medical insurance • Services not shown in the program • Single Supplement – 65 USD p/p
What to know
The quoted price is based on a group tour with a minimum of 10 participants. Please be aware that we pair individuals of the same gender in shared rooms, and a Single Supplement fee will apply if we cannot find a suitable roommate. Notes: 1. Due to the changing conditions of some roads & traffic, it might take slightly more or less time to drive than the mentioned driving time in the program 2. Flight times are subject to change by Turkmenistan Airlines. Hand luggage 5kg, and baggage 20kg per person. If the baggage is overweight, you pay between 2-3$ per kg. 3. If the traveller stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on the local Tourist Board. 4. An express PCR test for COVID-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs between 33-35 USD. 5. Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures.
Route & locations
Farap, Turkmenistan to Mary, Turkmenistan