Crossing Turkmenistan: Ashgabat–Farap Route

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon 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. Next, you will 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. Later, you will visit the Ashgabat Ferris Wheel, listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest enclosed Ferris wheel in the world. From the top, you can see the city and the Kopetdag Mountains in the distance. 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 Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. With its golden dome and four minarets, the mosque is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture.

Next, you will visit the ancient ruins 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. In the afternoon, you will visit the Akhal-Teke horse farm, home to the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. You will learn about the history of the breed and its importance in Turkmen culture. Finally, you will visit the underground Lake Kow-Ata, located inside a large cave. You can swim in the warm, mineral-rich water, which is a relaxing way to end the day. In the evening, you will return to Ashgabat for dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short 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 most of the day exploring the extensive ruins of Merv.

You will visit the ancient fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, which date back to the 6th century BC. Next, you will see Sultan Kala, the capital of the Seljuk Empire, and the impressive Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. You will also visit the Kyz Kala mansions 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, science and culture. In the afternoon, you will visit the Mary History Museum, which displays artefacts from Merv, Gonur Depe and other sites in the region. In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Mary. Dinner and overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will drive into the desert for a day trip to Gonur Depe, an important Bronze Age settlement. Gonur Depe was the centre of the ancient Margiana civilisation, which flourished around 2000 BC. The journey takes you through farmland and desert landscapes.

You will explore the remains of a palace, temples, fire altars and a royal necropolis. Your guide will explain the history of Margiana and the discoveries made by the archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi. Some researchers believe that Gonur Depe may be connected with the early development of Zoroastrianism. The site is located in a remote area, and its silence and isolation create a special atmosphere. After the visit, you will return to Mary. In the evening, you will take a tour of the city, visiting its main square, mosques and parks. You may also visit the local bazaar to see daily life in the city. Overnight at your hotel in Mary.

After breakfast, you will leave Mary and drive east across the Karakum Desert toward Turkmenabat. The road passes through a landscape of sand dunes and desert shrubs, with stops along the way for photographs. Turkmenabat is located on the banks of the Amu Darya River, one of the largest rivers in Central Asia.

On arrival, you will visit the ancient fortress of Amul, which was once an important stop on the Silk Road. Amul controlled an important crossing of the Amu Darya River, known in ancient times as the Oxus. You will walk among the ruins of the fortress and learn about its history. Your guide will tell you about the importance of the Amu Darya region in the history of Central Asia. You will also see the modern city of Turkmenabat and its main sights. In the evening, you will check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Turkmenabat.

After breakfast, you will drive from Turkmenabat to the medieval caravanserai of Dayahatyn. The drive follows the Amu Darya River and passes through farmland and desert landscapes. Dayahatyn is one of the best-preserved caravanserais in Central Asia, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

Caravanserais were roadside inns where merchants and their camels could rest during their long journeys along the Silk Road. You will explore the courtyard, rooms and walls of the caravanserai and see its beautiful brick decorations. Your guide will tell you about life on the Silk Road and the goods that were traded along this route. After the visit, you will return to Turkmenabat. In the evening, you will take a tour of the city, visiting its main squares, parks and monuments. You may also visit the local bazaar to see daily life in the city. Overnight at your hotel in Turkmenabat.

Today your journey across Turkmenistan comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and prepare for your onward journey. Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the agreed time.

You will then drive to the Farap border crossing with Uzbekistan. The drive is short, and you will arrive at the border in good time. Your guide will assist you with the departure formalities. During this tour, you have explored the white marble capital, the ancient cities of Nisa and Merv and the Bronze Age site of Gonur Depe. You have also visited the ancient fortress of Amul and the medieval caravanserai of Dayahatyn. We hope you have enjoyed this journey across Turkmenistan along the Silk Road. Thank you for travelling with us. We wish you a pleasant onward journey to Uzbekistan.