Turkmenistan Door to Hell Express: 3 Days Darvaza Ashgabat & Merv

Tour Overview

Experience the highlights of Turkmenistan on this 3-day express, from the stunning white marble capital of Ashgabat to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater (the Door to Hell), the ancient Parthian capital of Nisa, and the ancient Silk Road city of Merv. Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia, is home to some of the most important ancient Silk Road sites in the world and the unique natural wonder of the Door to Hell.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat & Nisa

Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport (Ashgabat, Turkmenistan). Transfer to your hotel. Explore Ashgabat, the capital famous for its white marble buildings, golden statues, and wide boulevards (listed in Guinness World Records for the highest density of white marble buildings). Visit the Independence Monument, the Neutrality Monument, the 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 (a bustling market). After lunch, 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). Explore the ancient ruins and the site museum. Evening welcome dinner with Turkmen cuisine including shashlik, plov, manty, and fresh bread. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 2: Ashgabat to Darvaza (Door to Hell) & to Merv

Morning drive from Ashgabat to Darvaza (approximately 3-4 hours), the famous Darvaza Gas Crater (the Door to Hell, a natural gas crater burning continuously since 1971, approximately 70 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep, with fiery flames burning day and night). Visit the gas crater and enjoy the stunning sight. Visit the nearby smaller gas craters (the Water Crater and the Mud Crater). After visiting Darvaza, drive to Merv (approximately 3-4 hours), the ancient Silk Road city (UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most important cities on the ancient Silk Road, at one time the largest city in the world in the 12th century). Upon arrival, visit the ancient ruins of Merv: explore Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and Sultan Kala. Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar (a stunning 12th-century mausoleum, one of the most beautiful examples of 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 3: Merv to Ashgabat & Departure

Morning continue exploring Merv, visiting any sites missed. After breakfast, drive or fly back to Ashgabat (approximately 1 hour flight or 4-5 hours drive). Upon arrival in Ashgabat, do some last-minute shopping for Turkmen products including carpets, textiles, jewelry, and crafts. Visit the Carpet Museum or the Russian Bazaar for souvenirs. After lunch, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight. Concluding your 3-day Turkmenistan Door to Hell express.

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