Turkmenistan
Explore Ancient Merv & Darvaza Gas Crater
Sample Itinerary - 8 Days & 7 Nights
This Customizable Journey is Available Year-Round
Best Travel Seasons: March - May & September - November
Tour is led by a Licensed English Speaking Local Guide
Tour Introduction
Embark on an immersive Turkmenistan cultural tour package, designed for travelers seeking an unforgettable journey through ancient wonders, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Experience the thrilling Darvaza Gas Crater adventure, marveling at the iconic "Door to Hell," a mesmerizing fire pit blazing in the heart of the Karakum Desert. Explore the historic Ancient Merv UNESCO tour, uncovering the ruins of a legendary Silk Road site that once thrived as a global trade hub. Discover the mystical Kunya-Urgench historical tour, where stunning turquoise-domed mausoleums reveal rich Islamic heritage. Explore the enigmatic Gonur Depe a Bronze Age historical tour unveiling the secrets of a lost civilization in the desert. This tailor-made Turkmenistan travel package weaves together cultural immersion, off-the-beaten-path exploration, and expert-guided insights, showcasing the country’s and Central Asia’s legacy.
Tour Itinerary
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Begin your Turkmenistan welcome tour in vibrant Ashgabat! Arrive and clear customs, then meet our guide for a transfer to Divan 5-star Hotel or similar for check-in. Rest briefly, then dive into an Ashgabat cultural tour package at the Tolkuchka Bazaar shopping tour, Central Asia’s largest market, bustling with carpets, jewelry, and camels (open Thu, Sat, Sun). Visit the National Carpet Museum to see exquisite Turkmen rugs. Savor a welcome dinner and stay overnight in Ashgabat’s Divan 5-star Hotel or similar.
Note: The hotel is available for early morning check-in on day 1.
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Begin with an Old Nisa UNESCO tour, exploring the Parthian Empire’s first capital. Uncover ceramic pipes, amphora pots, and the Square Throne Hall in the fortified citadel, once home to Arsakids. See the Treasury’s ivory rhytons and palace walls. Return to Ashgabat for an Ashgabat cultural tour package, visiting the Earthquake Memorial for the 1948 quake, Park of Independence’s monument, and Neutrality Square’s golden statue. Enjoy a National Museum Turkmenistan visit with 327,000 artifacts. Stay at Divan 5-star Hotel or similar in Ashgabat.
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Fly from Ashgabat to Mary for a Mary cultural tour. Drive 30 miles off-road to a Gonur Depe archaeological tour, an ancient Murgab Delta site from 3000 B.C. Explore this potential fifth civilization center, with fertile silt sustaining its economy. Enjoy a desert picnic lunch in shade, part of a Murgab Delta desert experience. Return to Mary for a leisurely afternoon, then dine at a downtown restaurant. Stay at a Mary 4-star hotel or similar, immersed in a Turkmenistan historical tour package.
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After breakfast, travel 25 km east from Mary to Bayram-Ali for a Bayram-Ali cultural tour, exploring the UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv on an Ancient Merv UNESCO tour. This Silk Road hub, thriving for over 2,000 years, includes Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and Bayram-Ali Khan Kala. Admire the XII-century Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd mausoleums’ Seljuk brickwork. Return to Mary for a Mary History Museum tour, showcasing Murgab Delta artifacts from 3000 B.C. Fly to Ashgabat, dine at a restaurant, and stay at Divan 5-star Hotel or similar, immersed in a Turkmenistan Silk Road tour package.
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Post-breakfast, travel to a Kov-Ata Cave sulfur lake tour, swimming in its 95-98°F year-round waters. Return to Ashgabat, stopping at a Geok Depe stud farm for a Geok Depe Akhal Teke horse tour, showcasing legendary horses and Tekke tribe history. Visit Ashgabat’s Spirituality Mosque, Turkmenistan’s largest, and Kipchak Mausoleum in an Ashgabat cultural tour experience. Stay at Divan 5-star Hotel or similar, immersed in a Turkmenistan Silk Road tour package.
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Fly to Dashoguz for a Dashoguz cultural tour experience, then drive to Kunya-Urgench for a Kunya-Urgench UNESCO tour. Unveil the Khorezm Empire’s capital with the 15th-century Turabeg Khanum Mausoleum, 11th-14th-century Kutlug Temur Minaret, late 12th-century Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, and Il-Arslan Mausoleum. Visit Nijmeddin Kubra’s Sufi site if time allows. Savor Uzbek/Turkmen lunch in Kunya-Urgench. Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater for a Darvaza Gas Crater camping, capturing photos near the blaze. Dine and sleep in yurts, immersed in a Darvaza fiery camping adventure.
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Post-breakfast, drive from Darvaza to Ashgabat, stopping at mud and water craters in a Karakum Desert cultural tour. Visit Yerbent and Bokurdak for a Yerbent desert village tour, exploring Yerbent’s traditional homes and oasis-like greenery in Central Karakum. Arrive in Ashgabat, relax at Divan 5-star Hotel or similar, and savor a farewell dinner in an Ashgabat farewell cultural experience, immersed in a Karakum Desert cultural journey.
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After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight returning to the US. End of the service.
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We offer Tailor-Made Itineraries & Custom Quotes for Your Journey to Turkmenistan
All itineraries can be tailored to match your interests and budget for a truly personalized experience. Pricing is based on solo or double occupancy. The pricing listed below is for 2025 travel dates and may vary depending on your preferred itinerary and seasonality. Contact our travel consultant today to receive a personalized quote and begin designing your ideal Turkmenistan journey!
Land Tour Price Only (International airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges are not included)
Solo Traveler: From $3,500 (Single Room Occupancy)
Two Travelers: From $2,750 per person (Double Room Occupancy)
Single Room Supplement: $250 per person (Applies to all nights of the tour for those opting for a single room.)
Tour Includes
One-on-one virtual tour briefing before the trip.
The final documents packet will be mailed before the trip.
Transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants arriving & departing with the group.
Eight (8) nights of accommodation at 5* and 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
4x4 vehicles for day 3 (Seating 3 pax per Jeep)
ASB – MRY – ASB, ASB –DAS Domestic flights.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Letter of invitation for TKM visa.
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tour Does Not Include
International air USA – Ashgabat - USA.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Visa and immigration fees on arrival.
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Departure/Arrival transfers between home city & Airport, USA.
Baggage handling at airports in the US and overseas.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Porterage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, and waiters.
Tour Fitness Level
Moderate: Suitable for travelers of all ages in good health, with a moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The tour will include some long walking days and periods of standing while exploring various sites. Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep staircases. Expect a few elevation changes, a well-paced but busy schedule, and several long overland drives. If you have any questions or would like more details about the trip, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
Lodging Level
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Stay in cozy lodges and hotels with comfortable rooms and en-suite bathrooms. While the services may be more straightforward, you’ll still enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, with essential amenities and on-site facilities that provide a comfortable, hassle-free experience, all meeting international standards.
Visa & Passport
U.S. citizens require a Turkmenistan visa. Further details related to the visa application process will be sent out sixty (60) days before the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for visas.
What to Expect on This Journey
This journey through Turkmenistan’s vast deserts, ancient cities, and Silk Road heritage sites will involve long overland drives as we explore the country’s diverse landscapes. While major roads are generally well-maintained, some routes, especially those leading to remote archaeological and cultural sites—may be bumpy or less developed. To ensure your comfort, we provide air-conditioned transportation, with regular rest stops to stretch, take in the scenery, and experience Turkmenistan’s unique natural beauty.
During sightseeing days, travelers should be prepared to walk 2 to 3 miles daily to fully explore historical ruins, bustling bazaars, and UNESCO-listed landmarks. Walking may involve uneven terrain, sand dunes, and cobblestone streets, especially in ancient cities and desert regions. Please note that elevators are not available at many historical sites.
Some of our routes may include off-road travel to access hidden gems such as the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, Silk Road caravanserais, and remote desert settlements. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes to ensure an enjoyable experience.
By registering for this tour, participants acknowledge that they have read and understood all terms and conditions and confirm that they are in good physical and emotional health to fully participate in the program. A spirit of adventure, patience, and flexibility will enhance your experience as we uncover Turkmenistan’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. While we strive to provide a seamless travel experience, itinerary adjustments may be necessary due to local conditions or unforeseen circumstances. In rare cases of Force Majeure, changes or cancellations may be required to prioritize the safety and comfort of all participants.
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