In the Heart of Turkmenistan: From Ancient Cities to the Gates of Darvaza

Kone-Urgench, Darvaza, Ashgabat, Nisa, Mary, Merv

In the Heart of Turkmenistan: From Ancient Cities to the Gates of Darvaza

Overview

Discover the heart of Turkmenistan in 4 unforgettable days!

The journey begins in historic Kone-Urgench, the capital of Khorezm in the 10th–12th centuries, where you will visit majestic mausoleums and the tallest minaret in Central Asia. Next, travel to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater to enjoy its breathtaking view and spend a night in a tent under the stars. On the second day, the tour continues in Ashgabat, where you will explore the city’s architectural gems, parks, independence monuments, the National Museum of History and Ethnography, and the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your experience will be enriched by the Akhal-Teke horses at a local horse farm and a traditional Turkmen tea ceremony. The third day is devoted to exploring the capital, followed by a journey to the city of Mary. On the final day, discover the grandeur of Ancient Merv, a key city on the Silk Road, with its 12th-century mausoleums and archaeological sites, before heading to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see Turkmenistan’s cultural, historical, and natural treasures in a short time, feel the spirit of the country, and experience its rich heritage.

Tour Itinerary

  1. Day 1Konye-Urgench and the “Gates of Hell”

    The tour begins with a visit to Konye-Urgench, the capital of the Khorezm state in the 10th–12th centuries. Here, you will admire exquisite mausoleums, unique architectural monuments, and the tallest minaret in Central Asia. This journey allows you to experience the grandeur of ancient civilizations.

    In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Darvaza gas crater, known as the “Gates of Hell.” Enjoy its breathtaking views and spend the night in a tent under the starry sky — an unforgettable experience.

  2. Day 2Ashgabat and Nisa

    On the second day, the tour continues in Ashgabat. You will explore the modern capital, its wide avenues, white-marble buildings, beautiful parks, and fountains. Highlights include:

    • City gardens and parks

    • Independence monuments

    • National Museum of History and Ethnography

    Next, visit Nisa, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking among the ancient walls, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of past civilizations. The day also includes meeting the legendary Akhal-Teke horses and tasting traditional Turkmen tea and national dishes.

  3. Day 3Ashgabat and Mary

    The third day is dedicated to further exploration of Ashgabat: architectural masterpieces, museums, and historical landmarks. Later, the tour continues to Mary, a modern center of the historical region and a gateway to the ancient cities of the Great Silk Road.

  4. Day 4Ancient Merv and the Uzbekistan Border

    On the fourth day, you will visit ancient Merv. You will see 12th-century mausoleums and archaeological sites, learning about the city that was a key hub of the Great Silk Road.

    The tour concludes with a journey to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border, completing your exploration of Turkmenistan’s cultural, historical, and natural treasures.

    This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to see Turkmenistan’s main attractions in a short time, experience the country’s spirit, and explore its rich heritage.

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

Similar Tours

Tour to Koytendag: Dinosaur Plateau and the Eastern Region of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan4 days
Combined tours

Tour to Koytendag: Dinosaur Plateau and the Eastern Region of Turkmenistan

Destinations: Koytendag

Embark on a 4-day journey from Ashgabat to the remote corners of eastern Turkmenistan, including a visit to Koytendag. Explore the unique Dinosaur Plateau, home to one of the largest and most significant collections of dinosaur footprints in the world. Admire the picturesque sights of the region, such as Kainar-Baba Lake, Umbar-Dere Gorge, and its waterfall. Discover the cultural heritage of the area by visiting the mausoleums of Astana Baba and Alamerdar, as well as the sacred Kyrk Gyz cave.

Russian, Turkmen, EnglishFrom880$per person
Classic Tour of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan6 days
Combined tours

Classic Tour of Turkmenistan

Destinations: Ashgabat, Nisa,Mary, Merv, Darvaza Gas Crater, Kunya-Urgench

Embark on an exciting six-day journey through Turkmenistan with the Classic Tour! Discover ancient fortresses and the ruins of antique cities, admire the refined oriental architecture of minarets and mausoleums, and witness one of Turkmenistan’s natural wonders — the famous gas crater that has been burning in the heart of the Karakum Desert for decades.

English, Russian, TurkmenFrom1470$per person
In the Heart of the Great Silk Road: Ashgabat – Merv – Kunya-Urgench
Turkmenistan3 days
Combined tours

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

Destinations: Ashgabat, Merv, Kunya-Urgench

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.

English, Russian,TurkmenFrom594$per person
Ashgabat skyline
Sayoda Travel
Address: Turkmenistan, Ashgabat c. Bitarap Turkmenistan street, Altyn Yupluk bldg
Phone: +99361169097
Email: info@sayodatravel.com

Powered by

Hebent TechHebent Tech