3-Day Turkmenistan Heritage Tour with Darvaza and Ancient Merv

• Our guide will meet you at the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and help you complete all the necessary formalities. Please be prepared that a COVID testing procedure may cost $35, payable in cash in US dollars.
• A comfortable car with air conditioning will be waiting to drive you to the northern province of Turkmenistan, where you will visit the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, the capital of Khorezm in the 10th-12th centuries.
• Visit the Mausoleums of Nejmeddin al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Alp-Arslan, and Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, as well as Kutlug Timur, the highest minaret in Central Asia.
• At 14:00, after the excursion, drive through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza - Water, Clay, and Gas Craters - including the huge flaming crater located 270 km away, a journey of about 4-5 hours.
• In the evening, enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater. Visit the crater and stay in a camp with tasty catering and a picnic-style dinner, 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 a yurt or tent under the starry sky.

• Early morning breakfast at the camp.
• At 07:00, depart from the camp for Ashgabat, a 4-hour drive covering 270 km.
• En route, there is an optional stop at the Eastern Bazaar for shopping and purchasing national handmade souvenirs.
• At 12:00, arrive in Ashgabat and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch and a short rest.
• At 14:00, begin your Ashgabat city tour.
• Explore the Old Nisa Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Parthian Empire, for about 1 hour.
• Visit the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mausoleum and Mosque.
• See the world's tallest flagpole at 133 meters, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
• Explore Olympic City, also listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
• Visit the Monument and Park of Independence.
• See the 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.
• In the evening, there is an optional visit to one of Ashgabat's shopping and entertainment centres, such as Berkarar or Arkach.
• Later in the evening, drive from Ashgabat to Mary city, covering 350 km in about 3 hours.
• Overnight stay at a hotel in Mary city.

• Early morning breakfast at the hotel.
• From 08:30 to 10:00, visit Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 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 Lebap Province and reach the Farap border.
• Upon arrival, complete border formalities and conclude the tour.