4-Day Journey from Kunya Urgench to Darvaza Crater, Ashgabat and Merv
Highlights
Darvaza, Ashgabat, Mari
cultural, photography, sightseeing
Group Tour
4 Days
Easy
English
Description
Embark on a 4-day cultural and desert adventure through Turkmenistan. Begin your journey at the Shavat border and explore the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the surreal beauty of the burning Darvaza Gas Crater in the heart of the Karakum Desert. Discover the grandeur of Ashgabat, the marble capital, with its monuments, mosques, and vibrant bazaars. Travel east to visit the ancient Parthian fortress of Old Nisa and the awe-inspiring ruins of Merv, one of the oldest cities on the Silk Road, before crossing into Uzbekistan through the Farap border.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Shavat Border – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza
- Cross the Shavat border in the morning and meet your Turkmen guide and driver.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench and explore the UNESCO-listed ancient capital of Khorezm.
Visit the Mausoleum of Turabek-Khanum.
Discover the Mausoleum of Il-Arslan.
Admire the Kutlug Timur Minaret.
Walk through the ruins of Dash Mosque.
Continue your journey through the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater (approx. 280 km, 5–6 hours).
Arrive at the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as “The Door to Hell.”
Enjoy dinner and overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt under the desert stars.
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Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat
- Wake up early and enjoy a sunrise breakfast near the gas crater.
Depart for Ashgabat, the marble-clad capital city (approx. 270 km, 3.5–4 hours).
Embark on a city tour upon arrival.
Visit the Independence Monument.
See the Neutrality Arch.
Marvel at the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque.
Explore the Alem Cultural Center.
Stroll through a local bazaar, such as the Tolkuchka Bazaar.
Optionally, visit the National Museum of History or the Turkmen Carpet Museum.
Check-in at your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Spend the night in Ashgabat.
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Day 3: Ashgabat – Old Nisa – Mary
- Eat breakfast at the hotel and then depart to the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa, the ancient Parthian fortress.
Drive eastward to the city of Mary (approx. 330 km, 3 hours).
Optionally, stop at Tejen for a short break or refreshments.
Arrive in Mary in the evening and check into your hotel.
Visit the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary.
Rest and stay overnight in Mary.
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Day 4: Mary – Ancient Merv – Farap Border
- Have breakfast in the hotel and begin your visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv.
Explore the ruins of Gyz Gala and Erk Kala.
Admire the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum.
Visit the Great Kyz Kala and Askhab Mausoleums.
Enjoy a midday lunch in Mary.
Depart for the Farap border to exit Turkmenistan (approx. 5 hours).
Receive assistance with the border crossing into Uzbekistan.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 10 | /person |
|
This is a group tour |
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