Ancient Cities of Turkmenistan
Tour Details
6 days
from $1,160 / per person
Prices
EconPrices are in $ per person and for larger groups are available upon request
Description
Turkmenistan may be unfamiliar to many people today, yet this land was once home to some of the most powerful and ancient civilizations on earth. History comes to life among the abandoned city labyrinth of the Parthian capital Nisa, the massive fortress walls of Merv, and the somber tombs of Kunya-Urgench that house the remains of once powerful rulers. Historical remnants await you at every turn in Turkmenistan, and its ruins are cloaked in an atmosphere of half-deserted, untouched calm that further adds to their mystique and charm.
The Ancient Cities of Turkmenistan Tour is an intriguing glimpse into the ancient and modern history of southwest Asia, a 6-day journey through its key historical sites that will educate, fascinate and fill you with a new appreciation of Turkmenistan’s heritage. Roam the ancient cities of Merv, Old Nisa and Kunya-Urgench; visit a nomadic village where traditions have been passed down for centuries; see the development of the nation in futuristic Ashgabat; and camp out at the famed Darvaza Gas Crater, surrounded by the same desert sands that have weathered the rise and fall of civilizations for millennia.
Program
Overnight in Ashgabat hotel.
- Old Nisa, a spectacular archaeological site just 15 km from the city. Nisa was the capital of the Parthian Empire, founded in the 3rd century BC and remaining in power for nearly 500 years. Today it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Also referred to as the Spiritual Mosque and the Gypjak Mosque, it includes a mausoleum with the tombs of former president Turkmenbashy and his immediate family members.
- Arch of Neutrality, a 95-meter-high tower topped with a gold statue of former president Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashy) that rotates to face the sun. Ride to the top in a funicular to tour a small museum and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
- Independence Park, including the yurt-shaped Independence Monument housing the Museum of National Values. The museum is surrounded by lavish fountains, 27 statues of Turkmenistan’s key historical figures and a golden sculpture of Niyazov himself.
- Statue of Lenin, unique in that it stands on a large base ornately decorated in traditional Turkmen ornamentation.
- National Museum of History, displaying over half a million items from every region of the country, including rare and priceless artifacts from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
- Gulistan Bazaar (also known as the Russian Bazaar), one of the oldest markets in the city, a clean yet lively place to buy snacks and mingle with local shoppers.
Overnight in Ashgabat hotel.
Tour duration: 5-6 hours
Upon arrival your guide and driver will meet you for your drive to Merv (40 km, 40 min), an ancient trade center on the Great Silk Road. Your guided sightseeing tour of Merv will include:
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (12th century) – considered by many to be the most majestic architectural monument of Merv, this mausoleum amazes with its thick walls, symmetrical proportions and domed top that displays amazing architectural craftsmanship for its day.
- Greater Kyz Kala and Lesser Kyz Kala (8th-9th centuries) - These unique fortified homes are built of mud brick, with no known archeological equivalents.
- Askhab Mausoleums (9th-12th centuries) - Built for two of the prophet Muhammad’s earliest disciples, the Askhab Mausoleums are one of Turkmenistan’s most important pilgrimage sites today.
- Erk Kala (6th century BC), the seat of ancient Merv and its oldest settlement, whose remaining walls are nearly 30 meters high. Climb the walls for a great view of the surrounding area.
- Gyaur Kala (3rd century BC) - Merv’s second oldest settlement, famous for its thick, 2-km long walls.
- Beni Makhan Mosque and cistern (7th- 9th centuries) - Also called the Juma Mosque, it’s located in the center of ancient Gyaur Kala, along with an intact cistern that still functions today.
- Muhammad Ibn Zeid Mausoleum (12th century) - A popular Sufi shrine and one of the city’s finest structures due to its simple architecture and Arabic inscriptions chiseled into its walls.
Transfer to the airport upon completion of the tour. Return to Ashgabat on the evening flight. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Tour duration: approximately 5 hours
- Visit to the Tyurabek-Khanym Mausoleum (14th century), burial site of a Mongolian princess, and the Sayid Ahmed Mausoleum (14th century), tomb of a leader of the Golden Horde.
- Discovery of the Kutlug Timur Minaret (11th-13th centuries), which at 62 meters is the tallest minaret in Central Asia.
- Travel to the 12th-century Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum of Khorezmshakh.
- Exploration of Kyrk Molla Hill (Forty Mullahs Hill), a fortress covering three hectares that includes the famous Mamun Library (8th-9th centuries) and an ancient cemetery believed to hold present-day healing powers.
- Walk through Fakhreddin Razi Mausoleum (a.k.a. mausoleum of Arslan II, 13th century), one of the oldest, most unique structures in all of Central Asia.
- Drive to the Mausoleum of Najmaddin Kubra (12th century), the founder of the Sufi order Kubrawiya, and a favorite pilgrimage site for visiting Muslims.
- Walk through the Sultan Ali Mausoleum (16th century), a half-completed structure intended for a powerful Turkmen ruler but left unfinished due to ongoing war.
On your return drive to Ashgabat (275 km, 4 hrs), you’ll visit the Erbent Nomadic Village, one of the few nomadic villages still existing in the desert, to learn about the traditional Turkmen lifestyle.
Continue your drive to Ashgabat through the desert sands, with stops along the way to take photos of sand dunes and camels.
Arrive in Ashgabat. Free time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Includes
- Accommodation based on double/twin room in a hotel, with breakfast (4 nights);
- Accommodation in a yurt or a tent at Darvaza, shared room, with dinner and breakfast (1 night);
- Utensils and necessary equipment for camping at Darvaza (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs);
- Transportation – all transfers and pick and drop airports (1-2 people in sedan, 3-8 in minivan, 4WD on days 4-5);
- Private, local English-speaking escort guide;
- Entrance fees to the sights as per itinerary;
- Economy class flight tickets from Ashgabat-Mary-Ashgabat and Ashgabat-Dashoguz (flight times subject to change based upon availability);
- Visa support letter for Turkmenistan tourist visa;
- 1L bottle of water per person per day.
- Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa and migration tax;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Tips are not included (driver, guide, porter);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Travel insurance;
- All other charges and services not mentioned under “Inclusions”.
Download the PDF brochure for the Ancient Cities of Turkmenistan Tour.
Our 6-day Ancient Cities of Turkmenistan Tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore Ashgabat, Merv, Kunya-Urgench, and the Darvaza Gas Crater. From the stunning architecture of Ashgabat and the historic ruins of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench and the mesmerizing flames of the Darvaza Gas Crater, this tour captures the essence of Turkmenistan's ancient cities. Imagine collecting vivid memories, breathtaking photos, and gaining a deeper appreciation for Turkmenistan's rich history and culture. Thank you for considering OREXCA for your travel adventure.
Prices
| Persons | Economy |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $1,420 |
| 4 persons | $1,310 |
| 6 persons | $1,260 |
| 8 persons | $1,230 |
per person
Single supplement: Economy $190
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Reviews
I very much enjoyed my trip. It was exactly what I wanted , flexibility to do what I wanted and spare time to look around. The help on using the cash machine was very helpful. I don’t think I can think of anything to improve the experience if I’m honest. Entry was a bit chaotic but that’s not your fault
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