Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunya Urgench → Darvaza Gas Crater

   • Our guide will meet you at the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and help you complete all the necessary formalities. Be prepared that a COVID testing procedure may cost $35. Pay in cash in US dollars.
   • A comfortable саr with air conditioning will be waiting for you to drive to the North province of Turkmenistan, to the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, the capital of Khorezm in X-XII centuries.
   • Visit the Mausoleum of Nejmeddin al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Alp-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, and the highest minaret in Central Asia, Kutlug Timur.
   • 14:00—After the excursion, drive through the Karakum desert to Darvaza—Water, Clay and Gas Craters, a huge flaming crater located 270 km (4-5 hours of journey).
   • Enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas crater in the evening. Visit the Gas Crater. Stay in a camp with tasty catering - dinner picnic-style - the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Observe the fantastic view of the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound this giant oven creates. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner nearby.
   • Overnight at the camp in yurt or tents under the starry sky.

2. Day 2: Darvaza → Ashgabat → Mary

   • Early Morning: Breakfast at the camp.
   • 07:00: Depart from the camp for Ashgabat (4-hour drive, 270 km).
   • En Route: Optional stop at the Eastern Bazaar for shopping and purchasing national handmade souvenirs.
   • 12:00: Arrive in Ashgabat and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch and a short rest.
   • 14:00: Begin Ashgabat city tour:
   • Explore the Old Nisa Fortress, UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Parthian Empire (1 hour).
   • Visit Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mausoleum and Mosque.
   • See the world’s tallest flagpole (133 meters), listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
   • Explore Olympic City, also in the Guinness Book of Records.
   • Visit the Monument and Park of Independence.
   • See Magtymguly Monument and Park.
   • Ride the Ferris Wheel, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
   • Visit the Earthquake Victims Complex.
   • See the Wedding Palace.
   • Observe the International Airport, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
   • Visit Ertogrul Gazy Mosque.
   • Evening: Optional visit to one of Ashgabat’s shopping and entertainment centres, such as Berkarar or Arkach.
   • Evening Departure: Drive from Ashgabat to Mary city (350 km, 3-hour journey).
   • Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Mary city.

3. Day 3: Mary → Farap Border

   • Early Morning: Breakfast at the hotel.
   • 08:30 – 10:00: Visit Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of Central Asia’s major archaeological sites. Explore:
   • Erk-Kala (6th century BC)
   • Gyaur-Kala (3rd century)
   • Kyz-Kala (6th century)
   • Sultan-Kala (11th century)
   • Abdullakhan-Kala (15th century)
   • Bairamalikhan-Kala (presumably 18th century)
     Learn about Merv’s pivotal role in the development of the Silk Road over 2,000 years.
   • Afterwards: Drive by car to the Lebap Province and reach the Farap border.
   • Arrival: Complete border formalities and conclude the tour.