Explore Turkmenistan on a four-day extension tour that covers the highlights of Darvaza, Ashgabat, Mary, and Merv. Kick off your journey with an unforgettable night at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell," where flames light up the desert sky. Move on to Ashgabat, a city notable for its impressive white marble buildings and rich historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa. In Mary, step back in time at the ancient city of Merv, a key Silk Road hub, and discover its historical and cultural treasures. This concise four-day, three-night adventure offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing a unique glimpse into the heart of Central Asia.
Tour itinerary:
At 09:30 drive to the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border crossing at Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h). Complete the border formalities on both sides, crossing the 1.5 km neutral zone (please note that transportation may not be available). Meet your Turkmen guide and drive to the Darvaza gas crater, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert (270 km, 4 h). Set up camp for the night and enjoy a delicious fire-cooked dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meals: camp style dinner
Note: At Darvaza camp you will be provided with sleeping bags, pillows, and 1- or 2-person tents. There is also an option to share a yurt with 3-5 other group members. In both cases, toilets and basic washing facilities are outside.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meals: camp style dinner
Note: At Darvaza camp you will be provided with sleeping bags, pillows, and 1- or 2-person tents. There is also an option to share a yurt with 3-5 other group members. In both cases, toilets and basic washing facilities are outside.
After a camp-style breakfast, drive to Ashgabat (280 km, 3 h 30 min). On the way, stop at water and mud craters. Arrive in Ashgabat and visit the National Museum of History. Check in the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of this fascinating city, the capital of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat holds the Guinness World Record as the city with the highest density of white marble buildings in the world. During the city tour, explore the archeological site of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site; and Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. Visit the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the recently-built Independence Park, and Ahalteke horse stables. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mary at 18:50 (370 km, 40 min). Upon arrival at 19:30 transfer to the hotel. Free time.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours
Meals: lunch, dinner
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours
Meals: lunch, dinner
Breakfast, drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min), an ancient city that was a major centre of international trade and crafts on the Silk Road. Discover the Historical and Cultural Park of “Ancient Merv” (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and other sights. In the afternoon, drive to the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point, Farap-Alat (290 km, 5 h 30 min). Complete the border formalities at both checkpoints and cross the 1.5 km neutral zone (please note that transportation may not be available). Meet your driver on the Uzbekistan side and continue to Bukhara (100 km, 1 h 30 min). Arrive in Bukhara and check-in to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: lunch
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: lunch
- All transfers;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Accommodation based on double trekking tent or shared yurts (4 pax in each yurt, incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow and toilet), including breakfast and BBQ dinner (1 night);
- English speaking tour leader in Turkmenistan;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Economy class ticket for flight Ashgabat-Mary;
- Visa support for Turkmenistan tourist visas.
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visas;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Migration card paid upon arrival on the border 14 USD;
- A tax of 2 USD per night, paid to the hotel upon check out;
- Travel insurance;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.
Prices per person
Prices are for 2024 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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