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Turkmenistan: From Ancient Fortresses to the Gas Crater

4 days / 3 nights
People: 10
Ashgabat

Description

This tour takes you through the unique sites of Turkmenistan: from the ancient city of Merv — one of the largest archaeological sites in Central Asia, to the scenic Gas Crater of Darvaza. You will visit Ashgabat with its impressive monuments and enjoy the beauty of nature at the Kov-Ata underground lake. Local guides will reveal the rich history and culture of the region.

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Information

Start: Ashgabat
End: Ashgabat
Transport:
Accommodation:

Description: Meet with your local guide at Alat/Farap border point. The meeting time depends on what time you will cross the border. Оbtaining a border visa (at our LOI) After crossing the border you will have to take a Covid-test costing $35 US dollars. Upon arrival to the border point go through custom procedures and drive to Mary province. Тhe trip will take approximately 4-5 hours by car. Arrival to Mary province. Visit an Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). A tour of the entire facility located on an area with a radius of 10-14 km takes at least 2 hours. One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. On the territory of Merv there are unique fortresses that belong to different eras. They differ in size and degree of preservation. Different fortresses - Erk-kala (VI century BC), Gyaur-kala (III century), Kyz-kala (VI century), Sultan-kala (XI century), Abdullakhan-Kala (XV century), Bairamalikhan-Kala (presumably 18th century). Drive to Mary city. Transfer to the hotel Overnight at the “Marguş” hotel in Mary

Description: Breakfast at the hotel Drive to Ashgabat (3h) Arrival to Ashgabat transfer to the hotel. Short rest, Lunch. -Aşgabat city tours starts: The Old Nissa fortess - The highest flagpole in the world at 133 meters –(in the Guinness Book) The size of the giant cloth of the State Flag of Turkmenistan is 52x35 m, weight – 420 kg. - Olympic city (in the Guinness Book) - Monument and park of Independence, - Ruhnama Book - Neutrality tower, - Magtymguly monument and park - Ferris wheel (in the Guinness Book) you can ride on, - Earthquake victims complex, - The Health trail in the mountains, - visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy mosque and Mausoleum - Wedding palace - The sculptural ensemble depicting the founder of the Turkmen nation Oguzkhan and his six sons. This complex includes 27 light fountains, working synchronously thanks to special software (in the Guinness Book) - International Airport (in the Guinness Book) - Ertogrul Gazy (Turkish) mosque Overnight at the hotel.

Description: Breakfast at the hotel Drive to a private Akhal-Teke horse farm. Horses brought out short show. Trip to Darvaza – Gas Crater, which is a huge flaming crater located 270 km to the north of Ashgabat, 4 hours of journey. Continue with moving to the Water, and Gas Crater. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. Stay in a camp with tasty catering - dinner at picnic-style- the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner at picnic-style Overnight at the camp in Darvaza.

Description: Breakfast at the camp. After breakfast. Transfer by car (4 hour) to Dashoguz province, heading toward the Shavat border crossing. Arrival at Shavat border checkpoint and border crossing.