Turkmenistan Group Trip

Farap - Merv - Ashgabat - Dashoguz - Dashoguz

Duration
4 days
Group size
1-15
From
490

Highlights

  • Explore Ancient Merv: Discover the "Queen of the World," a historic city that rivaled Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus in Islamic significance. See impressive ruins like the Great Kyz Gala, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and the Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex.
  • Akhalteke Horse Stables: Discover the pride of Turkmenistan—Akhalteke horses. Learn about their unique history and cultural significance, renowned for their beauty and endurance.
  • Cultural Landmarks in Ashgabat: Explore the stunning architecture and monuments of Ashgabat, including the Wedding Palace, Arch of Neutrality, and the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, showcasing the city’s modern grandeur.
  • Darvaza Burning Gas Crater: Experience the breathtaking sight of this iconic natural wonder, known for its fiery glow in the Karakum Desert. Enjoy a barbecue dinner while camping in traditional Turkmen yurts or tents.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ashgabat / Farap – Mary (Uzbekistan border)

Optional: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport. Transfer to Mary to meet the group.

Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border “Alat” at 9:00. Transfer to Merv (253km, 5h) to meet the group.
Start to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, was one of the most important capitals of Islam, along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive to Mary. Then you will see all the major buildings of Mary the downtown. If time permits, you will also visit Mary Bazaar to see a variety of local products and the Russian Orthodox church (one of the oldest in Turkmenistan). Overnight in Mary.

Day 2 - Mary – Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, visit to Horse Stable to see the national pride of Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Afternoon, you will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013, the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat a “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of white marble. You will see the Wedding Palace, the modern “Yildyz” Hotel, the Ferris Wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, and Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 3 - Ashgabat – Darvaza

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time till noon. Afternoon, drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater (276km, 4h). The Crater is also called "The Door to Hell". The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 m and 20 m. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner at Gas Crater.

Day 4 - Darvaza – Dashoguz / Ashgabat

Picnic-style breakfast. After breakfast, drive to the Turkmen/Uzbek Border Checkpoint to cross into Uzbekistan.

Optional: Drive back to Ashgabat. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport or to the hotel for an additional night.

What's included / excluded

The tour price includes

  • Letter of Invitation (State Registration, Travel Pass)
  • Accommodation in DBL/Twin room:
    Sport hotel – 1 night
    Mary Hotel – 1 night
  • Stantrips Yurt camp (Tent/Yurt) stay – 1 night (incl sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light)
  • Escort guide services
  • Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles and 4x4 where terrain requires
  • Entrance fee: per program
  • Meals: BF at hotel, BBQ dinner at Darvaza
  • 1.5 L water per person per day
  • Travel tax

The tour price doesn't include

  • International flights
  • Cost of Turkmen visa & border fees (85 – 100 USD)
  • PCR test (33-35 USD)
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Payment for photos and videos in UNESCO sites & museums
  • Meals: L & D
  • Medical insurance
  • Services not shown in the program
  • Pricing is based on shared accommodation. A single supplement fee (65 USD) will be required if no suitable roommate is found, and the single supplement is only applicable in hotels.

Trip map

Dates & Availibility

Aug 28 Availiable $490
Sep 10 Availiable $490
Sep 16 Availiable $490
Oct 2 Availiable $490
Oct 16 Availiable $490
Oct 30 Availiable $490
Nov 13 Availiable $490

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