The Forgotten Silk Road: Travels In Turkmenistan
About this tour
Special Program for individual travelers and small groups We have put together this pure ethnographic Turkmen Silk Road program for the traveler who seeks to discover the secrets of Turkmen cultural traditions, handicrafts and customs. See and experience the labor, love and history woven into Turkmenistan's multicolored handicrafts. The traditions of exceptional weaving techniques, outstanding wood carving and fabulous jeweler making have been passed on from generation to generation for centuries and, in their functional beauty, reflect the traditional nomadic ways of life of the people inhabiting today's Turkmenistan.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Early morning Arrive to Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Framed by mountain and desert landscape, Ashgabat was founded by the Russians in the late 19th century. Morning at leisure, then visit Nissa, whose citadel, palaces, temples and tombs date to the 3rd century BC when it was the capital of a Parthian Empire that reached Syria. Also see the State Museum of History and Ethnography and the Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia with designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes.
Day 2: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Explore Ashgabat’s Talkuchka Sunday bazaar, where colourful rugs, jewellery and costumes can be found and then visit the Art Museum of Turkmenistan. Overnight in Hotel
Day 3: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Mary, Turkmenistan
Visit Anau Mosque then drive to Mary (360 km). Overnight in Mary Hotel
Day 4: Mary, Turkmenistan to Merv, Turkmenistan
After breakfast visit Ancient Merv. Turkmenistan held great political influence in the 12th century, when the Seljuks ruled from Merv, 'Mother of Cities', until its destruction by the Mongols. Explore this oldest and most completely preserved of oasis cities along the Silk Route, its remains spanning 4,000 years of human history. Merv, known in classical times as Margiana, was part of the Achaemenian Empire in 6th century BC, until the invasion by Alexander the Great. See the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the Gyz-Gala fortress, highlights in this vast 2,000 hectare city-site. We will also have an opportunity to visit Museum with its’ impressive displays of archaeological finds from sites excavated in the oasis and also mounted an informative and attractive display of the world famous Turkmen carpets, Turkmen dress and domestic equipment. Overnight in Hotel
Day 5: Mary, Turkmenistan to Goňur, Mary, Turkmenistan
Day excursion to Gonur Depe, the main site of Zoroastrian Margush, representing the centre of a great 4,000 year-old fire-worshipping civilisation famous for its magnificent seals and unusual burial practices. Overnight in Hotel
Day 6: Mary, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Return to Ashgabat via Meane Baba mausoleum of an 11th-century Sufi teacher, with its extraordinary outer tile-work. Overnight in Hotel
Day 7: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Dashoguz, Turkmenistan
Fly to Dashoguz and drive to Kunya Urgench to visit the Mausoleum of Turabeg Khanum and the Shrine of Soltan Tekesh and Il-Arslan. Fly back to Ashgabat
Day 8: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Kow Ata, Turkmenistan
Visit Gokdepe Mosque, Kow Ata underground lake and end the day at the stud farm, the best collection of Akhal Teke horses in the country.
Day 9: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Early Morning Transfer to Airport. See Off
What's included
Letter of Invitation, Travel Pass, Registration Accommodation as mentioned above English Speaking Guide A/C Land Transport Entrance fees to sites mentioned Airport Transfers Plane ticket Ashgabat-Dashoguz- Ashgabat Picnic lunch in Margush
Tips Visa Fee Immigration card – 14 USD p/p Camera and Camcorder fees at sites mentioned 2 passport size colour pictures
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Ashgabat International Airport, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan