In the Heart of the Great Silk Road: Ashgabat – Merv – Kunya-Urgench

Ashgabat, Merv, Kunya-Urgench

In the Heart of the Great Silk Road: Ashgabat – Merv – Kunya-Urgench

Overview

Join an exciting journey through the historical treasures of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan!
Over three days, this tour will take you from the modern capital of Ashgabat to the legendary cities of the Great Silk Road. You will not only admire architectural landmarks but also explore the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and art of the region. Ashgabat is listed in the Guinness World Records as the city with the largest number of white marble buildings. Walking along its wide avenues, among majestic palaces, beautiful parks, and fountains, you will experience the harmony of modern architecture and national traditions. Next, you will visit Merv, one of the oldest cities in the world, once called the “Pearl of the East” and a major center of trade and learning. Walking among its ancient walls takes you back thousands of years. Your journey continues to Kunya-Urgench, renowned for its grand minarets, mausoleums, and historic monuments. This city was an important spiritual and commercial hub of the Great Silk Road and still retains its grandeur today. The tour also offers the chance to experience the unique regional atmosphere: taste traditional dishes, explore vibrant local markets, and enjoy the hospitality of the people.

In just three days, you will touch the deep layers of history and culture that connect Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and take home unforgettable memories.

Tour Itinerary

  1. Day 1Ashgabat and Nisa

    Arrival at Ashgabat airport, transfer, and hotel accommodation. Sightseeing in the capital, including the History Museum, followed by a visit to the Parthian fortress of Nisa in Bagir village. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

  2. Day 2Merv

    Early morning flight to Mary. Visit the History Museum, lunch at a local restaurant, and excursion to ancient Merv – one of the largest cities of the ancient world and a key Islamic capital. Guided tour: Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. Evening flight back to Ashgabat. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

  3. Day 3Kunya-Urgench and Border

    Early morning flight to Dashoguz. Explore the architectural monuments of Kunya-Urgench: Mausoleums of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Khanum Tyurabek, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, and the tallest minaret in Central Asia – Kutlyk Timur. After lunch, transfer to the Turkmen-Uzbek border (Kone-Urgench / Hojalili). End of program.

What’s Included & Excluded?

Included

  • Tour package: LOI (Letter of Invitation), registration fee, permits.
  • Domestic flights according to the program (segments vary depending on itinerary).
  • Meals: full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the whole route.
  • Transfers: airport–hotel–airport and along the route.
  • Drinking water: 1.5 liters per person daily.
  • Transportation support during the tour.
  • Entrance tickets to historical and cultural sites, museums, and monuments.
  • Accommodation: hotel stay (including the first night upon arrival) + tents.
  • Guide services throughout the entire route.

Not Included

  • Visa fee
  • Migration tax (12$)
  • Extra meal, services, Folklore concerts and show
  • Private expenses, gratuities
  • Insurance
  • Fee for using cameras on monuments

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Ashgabat skyline
Sayoda Travel
Address: Turkmenistan, Ashgabat c. Bitarap Turkmenistan street, Altyn Yupluk bldg
Phone: +99361169097
Email: info@sayodatravel.com

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