Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Daily breakfast + BBQ dinner at Darvaza.
- 4 nights stay at 4 star in Ashgabat
- 1 night desert camping at Darvaza.
- Nissa Fortress (UNESCO site)
- Ashgabat city tour (monuments, mosques, Olympic Stadium)
- Seyitjemalledin Mosque ruins (Anau)
- Abiwerd Silk Road town
- Ancient Merv (fortresses, mausoleums, complexes)
- Altyn Asyr / Gulistan Bazaar
- Darvaza Gas Crater & desert camping
- Gokdepe Fortress & Geokdepe Mosque
- Akhalteke Horse Stables
- Turkmenbashi Ruhi Mosque & Mausoleum
- English-speaking escort guide.
- Entrance fees as per program.
- 1.5L bottled water per person per day.
- Transportation throughout the tour.
You'll Love
- Nissa Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Explore the ancient Parthian capital with over 2,000 years of history.
- Ancient Merv – “Queen of the World” – Discover one of the greatest Silk Road cities and Islamic capitals.
- Darvaza Gas Crater (“Door to Hell”) – Experience the spectacular burning crater with desert camping under the stars.
- Ashgabat City Tour – Admire the “White Marble City,” full of modern monuments, mosques, and unique architecture.
- Akhalteke Horses at Gokdepe – Visit stables of the world’s most prized horse breed, cherished for 5,000 years.
Overview
This 6-day journey through Turkmenistan blends ancient history, cultural treasures, and unique natural wonders. Explore UNESCO-listed Nissa Fortress and the grand monuments of Ashgabat, the striking “white marble city.” Discover the ancient Silk Road hub of Merv, once one of the world’s greatest capitals. Experience the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell,” with an unforgettable night of desert camping under the stars. Visit Gokdepe Fortress and the Geokdepe Mosque, and marvel at the legendary Akhalteke horses, the pride of Turkmenistan. This tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and adventure in one of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations.
When/Date
Itinerary
Arrive in Ashgabat, where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for early check-in. After some rest, begin with a visit to Nissa Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the earliest Parthian capitals. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Ashgabat, the “white-marble city,” including the Wedding Palace, Yildyz Hotel, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Independence Park, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Olympic Stadium, and several memorial monuments. Overnight in Ashgabat.
After breakfast, drive to Mary, stopping at the ruins of the Seyitjemalledin Mosque in Anau and the ancient Silk Road town of Abiwerd. Continue to Merv, once called the “Queen of the World” and one of Islam’s great capitals. Explore highlights including Greater & Lesser Kyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and other archaeological treasures. Return to Ashgabat for overnight stay.
Visit the Altyn Asyr Bazaar or Gulistan Bazaar, vibrant markets offering fresh produce, spices, traditional crafts, carpets, and souvenirs. In the afternoon, drive deep into the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Door to Hell.” Experience desert camping in yurts or tents, enjoy a barbecue dinner, and witness the spectacular flaming crater at night.
After a picnic-style breakfast, return to Ashgabat and transfer to your hotel. Free time in the city for rest or exploration. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Drive to Gokdepe Fortress, site of the 1880 battle with the Russian Empire. Visit the Geokdepe Mosque, the museum of the Akhalteke horse battle, and a horse stable where you can admire the unique Akhalteke horses, prized for over 5000 years. On the way back, stop at the Turkmenbashi Ruhi Mosque and Mausoleum, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Return to Ashgabat for overnight.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your journey through Turkmenistan.
