Highlights

The price is based on 2 persons in a private tour for 4 star hotel

● Border transfer from Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, discover the stunning natural wonders and distinctive architecture of Turkmenistan

● Visit the famous Ahalteke horses at the Horse Farm in Turkmenistan

● BBQ dinner and Camp Accommodation at the burning Gas Crater 

● Visit the Nissa fortress - the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings, a world heritage declared by UNESCO in 2007

● Discover a small desert village when crossing the Karakum desert

● Travel to Kunya Urgench to find the ancient ruins, mausoleums and minarets

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ITINERARY Close All

Day 1Shavat Border pick up, then sightseeing in Kunya Urgench

Our representative will meet you at Turkmen/Uzbek border "Shavat". Drive to Kunya Urgench (1.5h). Sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench: visit Portal of Car-avansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum.

Afternoon drive to Darwaza burning Gas Crater (3.5 h) The Crater is also called as "The Door to Hell". The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, former 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 60m and 20m deep. To avoid poisonous gas being discharged, they decided to  burned it off. The geologists had hoped the fire would be put out in several days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, it is cool to watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater.

BBQ dinner & overnight at Gas Crater.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in camp
Altitude: 81m

  • Kunya-urgench

  • Gas-crater

Day 2Drive to Ashgabat via the desert village Erbent

BF at the camp. Morning drive to Ashgabat (3.5 h). En-route we cross Karakum desert, will stop in a small desert village Erbent.

Arrival in Ashgabat and free time.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Ashgabat
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 219m

  • Erbent-village

  • Erbent-desert-village

Day 3Nissa Fortress and Ashgabat City Exploration

Nissa Fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared the fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa was one of the capitals of the Parthians, founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250BC – 211BC), and reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, it has neither been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum though.

Drive to visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak (the largest mosque in Central Asia).

Later to Horse hippodrome to see a national pride of Turkmen people - Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, the Turkmen begin to breed Akhalteke horses. The World's unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. By superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon.

In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of the white marble. You will see Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities, the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Ashgabat
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 219m

  • Akhalteke-horses

  • Nissa-fortress

Day 4Fly to Mary and Visit the ancient Merv, then transfer to Farap Border

BF at hotel. Morning transfer to Ashgabat Airport for the flight to Mary. Opon Arrival then to Merv 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 Turkmen-Uzbek border Farap border (3h)

Traffic: Car
Hotel: No accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 223m

  • Ancient-merv

  • Merv-historical-site

INCLUDES

  • Private transportation through out the itinerary. SRT will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.

  • Shared accommodations in well located, tourist to superior class hotels include breakfast, service charge and government tax.

  • All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides (French, Italy, Russian, German can be arranged per your request)

  • Visa support letter for you to apply the visa easily.

  • Travel and health insurance when travel with us.

  • A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.

EXCLUDES

  • International and domestic flights not indicated.

  • Food, Lunch or dinner not specified

  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

  • Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned

TRIP NOTES

Transportation

We will use business MPV to luxurious coaches and trains.

Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4-5star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients.

Guides

Our guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. And our group tours will be escorted from SRT.

Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking Mid March—End Oct are the best time to visit Silk Road. And we strongly suggest you come in May, June, October to avoid the heat and crowd. No need to worry about high altitude along the Silk Road. We will prepare Oxygen bags if the package includes Xiahe, Qinghai Lake and Taxkorgan County.

We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.