Four Day Ashgabat Marv and Gates of Hell Turkmenistan Tour

• 1 person: $1000
• 2 people: $600
• 3 people: $550
• 4 people: $500
• 5+ people: $450

4 Days in Turkmenistan: Ashgabat, Darwaza Gas Crater & Ancient Marv

Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat – The White Marble Capital
Arrive in Ashgabat in the early morning, greeted by the city’s gleaming white marble architecture as you drive from the airport. After checking in to your hotel and enjoying a traditional Turkmen breakfast (fresh flatbreads, local honey, strong black tea), set out to explore the city.
- City Tour Highlights:
  - Independence Tower: Iconic symbol of Turkmenistan, crowned with a golden crescent and stars.
  - Arch of Neutrality: Monument to Turkmenistan’s unique international status.
  - Alem Ferris Wheel: Panoramic city views from the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel.
  - Bagt Koshgi (Wedding Palace): A modern architectural marvel inspired by traditional yurts.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like plov, shashlik, and manti. In the afternoon, visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak, one of Central Asia’s largest and most beautiful mosques. Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful night.

Day 2: Ancient Nisa & Akhal-Teke Horses – Heritage and Tradition
After breakfast, journey to the UNESCO-listed Nisa Fortress, once a capital of the Parthian Empire. Explore the mud-brick walls, ceremonial halls, and ancient palaces that tell the story of this Silk Road stronghold.
On the way back, stop at an Akhal-Teke horse farm to meet Turkmenistan’s legendary golden horses, celebrated for their beauty and endurance. Learn about their 5,000-year-old lineage and their deep cultural significance.
Return to Ashgabat for an evening at leisure. Enjoy dinner at a top Turkmen restaurant, experiencing the country’s renowned hospitality.

Day 3: The Darwaza Gas Crater – The Gates of Hell
After breakfast, set out on a desert adventure north to the Karakum Desert and the famous Darwaza Gas Crater. Along the way, witness the stark beauty of the desert landscape and stop at small villages for a glimpse of rural life.
Arrive at Darwaza in the late afternoon. As night falls, marvel at the fiery glow of the crater—one of the world’s most surreal sights. Enjoy a traditional camp dinner under the stars and spend the night in a yurt or tent near the crater, soaking in the unique atmosphere.

Day 4: Ancient Marv – The Pearl of the East
After an early breakfast, travel east to Mary and the ancient city of Marv, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities on the Silk Road. Explore the vast archaeological park, including:
- Erk Kala: The oldest part of Marv, dating back to the Achaemenid era.
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum: A masterpiece of Seljuk architecture.
- Kyz Kala and other fortresses: Unique mud-brick structures dotting the landscape.
Learn about Marv’s role as a center of learning, trade, and culture for over a millennium. After a day of exploration, return to Ashgabat or continue your journey onward.

Conclusion:
This 4-day tour offers a perfect blend of Turkmenistan’s modern marvels, ancient history, natural wonders, and living traditions. From the dazzling capital to the burning heart of the desert and the legendary cities of the Silk Road, you’ll experience the very best this fascinating country has to offer.