Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

4-Day Silk Road Tour in Turkmenistan with Darvaza and UNESCO Sites

4 Days Round trip from Turkmenabat Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Ancient Merv, Old Nisa, and Kunya-Urgench
02 Discover Ashgabat's iconic white-marble architecture and grand monuments
03 Witness the dramatic Darvaza Gas Crater in the heart of the Karakum Desert
04 Experience the legacy of the Silk Road through ancient cities, desert landscapes, and cultural landmarks

Discover Turkmenistan's UNESCO heritage, modern architecture, and desert landscapes on this 4-day journey. 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, with an overnight stay in a traditional Turkmen yurt or private tent. Conclude at the UNESCO site of Kunya-Urgench, admiring medieval mausoleums, minarets, and Caravanserai ruins before crossing into Uzbekistan.

Meet at the border in Farap and drive to the Cultural and Historical Park of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Ashgabat, Dasoguz, Kunya Urgench, Turkmenabat, Mari, Darvaza

Languages English, German, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Farap Border Arrival and 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 stay overnight on the train.

Day 02

Old Nisa and Ashgabat City Highlights

Visit the Old Nisa UNESCO site and the Spiritual Mosque of Turkmenbashi.
Take a guided tour of Ashgabat, including Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, the Monument and Park of Independence, the Arch of Neutrality, the Constitution Monument, Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre, the Presidential Palace, Ruhiyet Palace, and the Ashgabat 2017 Sports and Housing facilities.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Day 03

Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater

Enjoy a 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.

Day 04

Kunya-Urgench Monuments and Border Crossing

Drive north to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the medieval monuments, including the 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.), and the ruins of the Caravanserai portal (XII c.).
Cross the border into Uzbekistan to conclude the tour.