Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Heritage, UNESCO
Destinations
Turkmenistan

The four-day trip through Turkmenistan takes you to all the must-see sites of this historically significant and culturally rich Central Asian country. After visiting the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site at Kunya-Urgench, the former capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire, you’ll head on to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, where you’ll have a full day of sightseeing. There’s also time to see the archaeological jewel in Turkmenistan’s crown, Mary, as well as visit the 1,200-hectare UNESCO historical park at nearby Merv. You’ll fly back to Ashgabat after four action-packed days exploring this mysterious and fascinating country.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Explore the ancient ruins of Kunya-Urgench, the former capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire.
  • Ashgabat: The capital city is bursting with bazaars, monuments, and mountain forts.
  • Ancient History: Merv is the archaeological jewel in Turkmenistan’s crown, a 1,200-hectare UNESCO-accredited historical park.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Ashgabat

This action-packed four-day tour of Turkmenistan kicks off in the border town of Dashoguz, where you’ll meet your friendly guide before hitting the road to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for being the former capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire. You’ll have ample time to explore the ancient mausoleums and stunning architecture of the city, with your knowledgeable guide taking you to all the most worthwhile spots. Return to Dashoguz and catch an evening flight to Ashgabat, which is where you’ll be spending your first night in a modern hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Yyldyz Hotel, built in 2013, is located in the foothills of Kopetdag, which offers sprawling views of the city.  The hotel has 155 guest rooms and is a 20 minute drive from the airport.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Ashgabat

Start the day with a trip to the popular Bazaar of Tolkuchka (open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday), which sells everything from camels to intricately-handcrafted jewellery. After the market, it’s on to the stunning Old Nisa fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the foothills of the nearby mountains. The afternoon will be spent back in the capital, with sightseeing trips to the Park of Independence, Neutrality Square and the National Museum of History and Ethnography, which is home to more than 300,000 objects from ancient archaeological sites of Turkmenistan. Head back to your modern Ashgabat hotel for a night’s rest.

Ashgabat
Ashgabat

Day 3

Ashgabat

This third day is dedicated to one of the most historically-important cities in Turkmenistan: Mary, and the nearby historical park at Merv. Catch an early morning flight to Dashoguz and make the 19-mile overland trip onwards. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the dazzling mausoleums, ancient Islamic monuments and stunning architecture for which this region is so famous. As well as the remnants of the city of Merv, you’ll visit the ancient forts of Big and Little Kyz-Kalas, the mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammad ibn-Zayd, and finally the local History Museum in Mary. Catch an evening flight back to Ashgabat and transfer back to your hotel in the capital.

Day 4

Departure

Day four marks the end of what has been a short, yet action-packed tour of Turkmenistan. After a leisurely buffet breakfast, check out of your modern hotel and head to the airport via private transportation. From there, catch your onwards flight to your next destination of choice.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–3

Yyldyz Hotel

Yyldyz Hotel

Yyldyz Hotel, built in 2013, is located in the foothills of Kopetdag, which offers sprawling views of the city.  The hotel has 155 guest rooms and is a 20 minute drive from the airport.  Yyldyz Hotel's facilities include a fully-fitted spa & beauty salon, sauna, fitness center, 2 indoor swimming pools, 1 outdoor pool with jacuzzi,  tennis courts and a volleyball court.  There are three on-site restaurants offering international fare, spread on the 18th and 19th floors, offering panoramic views of the city. There are also four bars , a tea room, and a disco club.

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