A comprehensive 4-day journey from Farap/Bukhara border to Shabat/Nukus border, exploring ancient Merv, Ashgabat's white marble architecture, Nisa fortress, and the Darvaza Gas Crater
Plus a booking deposit: $100
4 Days in Turkmenistan: Farap to Shabat Border Adventure Day 1: Arrival at Farap/Alat Border – Ancient Merv & Mary Arrive at the Farap/Alat border in the morning. Transfer to Mary city for lunch, then drive to Ancient Merv, an important point on the Great Silk Road and one of Central Asia's major archaeological sites. Merv played a crucial role in Silk Road development for over 2,000 years. Within the 1,200-hectare archaeological park, observe all constituent parts of the "wandering city." Visit the splendid 12th-century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeid, demonstrating exquisite Seljuk period brickwork and architectural décor. Guided tour includes Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum, and the House where Imam Ryza lived. Return to Mary city for dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a night city tour by car before hotel check-in and overnight. Day 2: Mary to Ashgabat – The White Marble City After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Ashgabat city. Embark on a comprehensive city tour including the Independence Tower, Arch of Neutrality, "Alem" Ferris Wheel, panoramic tour to "Bagt Koshgi" (Wedding Palace), Memorial Complex, and Artogrul Gazy Mosque. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant before hotel check-in and overnight accommodation. Day 3: Ashgabat to Darvaza – Ancient Nisa & Desert Wonders After breakfast and hotel check-out, drive to Nisa Fortress, the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared this fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nisa was one of the first capitals of the Parthians, founded by Arsaces I (reigned 250 BC – 211 BC) and later became the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings. En route, visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (spiritual mosque) at Kipchak. Return to Ashgabat for lunch, then visit a shopping center to pack dinner and breakfast provisions for camping. Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, stopping at the Water Crater located near the gas crater. Evening exploration of the Darvaza Gas Crater, dinner in a yurt or tent, and overnight under the stars. Day 4: Darvaza to Shabat/Nukus Border – Journey's End Early breakfast in nature, then drive to the Shabat border after sunrise. En route, visit Dashoguz city for a late lunch before continuing to the border crossing. This comprehensive tour offers a complete cross-country experience, showcasing Turkmenistan's ancient history, architectural marvels, natural wonders, and cultural heritage from the southern border to the northern border.
