3-Day Turkmenistan Heritage Tour from Koneurgench to Ancient Merv

• Meet your guide at the Dashoguz border of Turkmenistan. The meeting time depends on your border crossing schedule. You may be required to take a COVID test after crossing, costing 35 USD per person (cash payment in US dollars).
• Complete customs procedures and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Koneurgench Historical Reserve.
• Explore Koneurgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2005).
• Visit the mausoleums of II Arslan, Soltan Tekesh, Nejmeddin Kubra, Soltan Ali, Turabek Khanum (12th century), and the Kutlug Timur Minaret.
• Drive 4-5 hours to the Darvaza Gas Crater, a huge flaming crater located 270 km away.
• Enjoy the spectacular view of the Gas Crater at sunset and after dark, when the red-blue flames are most dramatic and otherworldly.
• Observe the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound of the gas exhausts.

Stay overnight in a yurt camp and enjoy a picnic-style dinner.

• Have an early morning breakfast at the camp.
• Depart from the camp and travel approximately 270 km to Ashgabat (about 4 hours).
• On the way, visit the Eastern Bazaar (optional) for shopping and purchasing handmade souvenirs.
• Stop at Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mausoleum and Mosque in Gypjak city.
• Begin the Ashgabat city tour with the historical monument Old Nisa fortress, once the capital of the Parthian Empire (UNESCO site since 2007).
• Continue sightseeing in Ashgabat, including the highest flagpole in the world at 133 meters and the giant cloth of the State Flag of Turkmenistan (52x35 m, 420 kg).
• Explore the Olympic City, Monument and Park of Independence, Magtymguly Monument and Park, Arch of Neutrality, and the Ferris wheel (Guinness World Record).
• Visit the Earthquake Victims Complex, Wedding Palace, and the sculptural ensemble depicting Oguzkhan and his six sons with 27 synchronized light fountains.
• See the International Airport (Guinness World Record) and Ertogrul Gazy (Turkish) Mosque.
• End the day with an evening visit to one of Ashgabat's shopping and entertainment centers, such as Berkarar or Arkach.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Have breakfast at the hotel.
• Depart from Ashgabat and drive to Mary city.
• Enjoy a short Mary city tour.
• Visit Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Merv is one of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia and played an important role in the development of the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. Explore unique fortresses from different eras, including Erk-kala (6th century BC), Gyaur-kala (3rd century), Kyz-kala (6th century), Sultan-kala (11th century), Abdullakhan-kala (15th century), and Bairamalikhan-kala (presumably 18th century).
• Drive to Lebap province and proceed to the Farap border.
• Arrive at the Farap border point and complete border crossing procedures.
• End of the tour.