Turkmenistan Classic: 5 Days Door to Hell Silk Road & Merv

Tour Overview

Discover the ancient wonders of Turkmenistan on this 5-day classic journey, from the stunning white marble capital of Ashgabat to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater (the Door to Hell), the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, the Parthian capital of Nisa, and the historic city of Konye-Urgench. Turkmenistan is home to some of the most important ancient Silk Road sites in the world.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat & City Tour

Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Explore Ashgabat, famous for its white marble buildings (Guinness World Record for highest density of white marble), golden statues, and wide boulevards. Visit the Independence Monument, Neutrality Monument, Presidential Palace, and the beautiful white marble architecture. Visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan and the Carpet Museum (with the largest hand-woven carpet in the world). Visit the Russian Bazaar. Evening welcome dinner with Turkmen cuisine. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 2: Ashgabat to Darvaza (Door to Hell)

Morning visit the ancient Parthian capital of Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the 3rd century BC, with its stunning ruins, temples, royal tombs, and famous ivory rhytons). After Nisa, drive to Darvaza (approximately 3-4 hours), the famous Door to Hell (a natural gas crater burning continuously since 1971, approximately 70 meters in diameter, with fiery flames). Visit the gas crater and the nearby Water Crater and Mud Crater. After sunset, visit the crater at night for the most spectacular views. Camp overnight near the crater in a traditional Turkmen yurt. Evening dinner around the campfire. Overnight at Darvaza (yurt camp).

Day 3: Darvaza to Merv (Ancient Silk Road City)

Morning visit the Darvaza Gas Crater in daylight. Drive to Merv (approximately 3-4 hours), the ancient Silk Road city (UNESCO World Heritage Site, at one time the largest city in the world in the 12th century). Visit the ancient ruins: Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Sultan Kala. Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar (stunning 12th-century Seljuk architecture), the Great Kyz Kala (Maiden’s Castle), and the various other ancient sites. Visit the Merv Museum. Evening stay in Mary. Dinner with Turkmen cuisine. Overnight in Mary.

Day 4: Merv to Konye-Urgench & to Ashgabat

Morning drive to Konye-Urgench (approximately 4-5 hours), the ancient city (UNESCO World Heritage Site, capital of the Khwarezmian Empire, with its stunning mausoleums and minarets). Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh, Mausoleum of Il Arslan, Kutlug Timur Minaret (over 60 meters tall), Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, and the various other sites. Visit the Konye-Urgench Museum. After lunch, fly or drive back to Ashgabat. Evening farewell dinner with Turkmen cuisine. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 5: Ashgabat & Departure

Morning free for last-minute exploration or shopping for Turkmen products including carpets, textiles, jewelry, and crafts. Visit the Carpet Museum or Russian Bazaar for souvenirs. After lunch, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for departure. Concluding your 5-day Turkmenistan classic journey.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses