Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat to Farap Border

Welcome to Turkmenistan! On arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, you will begin a sightseeing tour of the capital. Ashgabat is famous for its white marble buildings, golden domes and grand monuments.

You will visit Independence Park, home to the Independence Monument and statues of national heroes. You will also see the Arch of Neutrality, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The tour continues with a visit to one of the city's museums, where you can learn about the history and culture of Turkmenistan. You will also visit some of the city's beautiful parks, decorated with fountains and monuments. Your guide will tell you about the history of Ashgabat and its transformation into a modern capital after the 1948 earthquake. This tour offers a perfect introduction to the country and its culture. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen dishes. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will begin a full day of exploring the area around Ashgabat. Your first visit is the ancient fortress of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the first capitals of the Parthian Empire. You will walk among the ruins of palaces and temples and learn about the history of this ancient empire.

Next, you will visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. You will then continue to the Akhal-Teke Horse Farm, home to the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. In the afternoon, you will drive north into the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater. The drive takes around four hours, with stops along the way for photographs. In the evening, you will arrive at the crater, known as the "Gates of Hell", and watch the flames glow against the dark sky. You will enjoy dinner in a traditional yurt near the crater. After dinner, you will drive back to Ashgabat. You will arrive late at night, so you may wish to rest during the drive. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Mary. On arrival, you will drive to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. You will spend several hours exploring the extensive archaeological sites of Merv.

You will visit the fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, which date back more than two thousand years. Next, you will see the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, a masterpiece of 12th-century Seljuk architecture. You will also visit the Kyz Kala mansions, with their distinctive ribbed walls, and the mausoleums of companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Your guide will tell you about the history of Merv and its role as a centre of trade and culture. After lunch, you will drive east across the desert to the Farap border crossing with Uzbekistan. Your guide will assist you with the border formalities. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us.