4-Day Silk Road Journey from Ancient Merv to Darvaza
Highlights
Turkmenabat, Ashgabat, Darvaza, Kunya Urgench
Locations Covered
Turkmenabat, Ashgabat, Darvaza, Kunya Urgench
architectural, cultural, sightseeing
Group Tour
4 Days
Medium
English, German, Russian
Description
Discover Turkmenistan’s UNESCO heritage, modern architecture, and desert landscapes on this 4-day private tour. Explore the Ancient Merv archaeological complex, ride the night train to Ashgabat, and visit Old Nisa, the Spiritual Mosque, and Ashgabat’s iconic white-marble landmarks. Journey into the Karakum Desert to witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, staying overnight in a traditional yurt or private tent. Conclude with a visit to Kunya-Urgench UNESCO site, admiring medieval mausoleums, minarets, and Caravanserai ruins before crossing into Uzbekistan.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Turkmenabad – Ancient Merv
- Meet at the border in Farap and drive to the Cultural and Historical Park of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the major monuments of Ancient Merv, including the Greater and Lesser Kyz Galas (VII–VIII c.), Complex of Askhabs (VII–XIV c.), Erk Gala (V BC), Gyaur Gala (IV c.), Complex of Hoja Yusup Hamadani (XII c.), and the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (XII c.).
- Board the night train to Ashgabat and overnight on the train.
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Day 2: Ashgabat – Old Nisa and City Highlights
- Visit the Old Nisa UNESCO site and the Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi.
- Take a guided tour of Ashgabat, including Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Monument and Park of Independence, Arch of Neutrality, Constitution Monument, Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre, Presidential Palace, Ruhiyet Palace, and Ashgabat 2017 Sports and Housing facilities.
Overnight stay in Ashgabat.
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Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza
- Free morning in Ashgabat to explore independently.
- Drive in the afternoon to the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the “Gates of Hell”.
Overnight stay in a traditional Turkmen yurt or private tent under the stars.
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Day 4: Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz
- Drive north to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the medieval monuments, including:
- Mausoleum of Tyurabek-khanym (XIII–XIV c.)
- Kutlug-Timur Minaret (XIV c.)
- Mausoleum of Khorezmshah Il-Arslan (XII c.)
- Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh (XII c.)
- Ruins of the Caravanserai portal (XII c.)
- Cross the border into Uzbekistan to conclude the tour.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 1 | /person |
| 2 to 4 | /person |
| 5 to 8 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 10 | /person |
|
This is a group tour |
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