Example Itinerary
Explore some of the many wonders of Turkmenistan, from the ancient to contemporary, revived and rebuilt, with this four-day cultural journey. With several internal flights, you will be able to visit the gems of this country, from the border town of Dashoguz to the capital city of Ashgabat, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites including Kunya-Urgench, the former capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire, and Old Nisa, the first Parthian Empire capital, and Ancient Merv, one of the most significant ports on the Silk Road. Soak in all the culture of this fascinating country, and learn more about its history than you ever thought possible in so little time.
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.• Islamic Heritage: The monuments, mausoleums, and mosques of Kunya-Urgench hold secrets of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire.
• Ancient Fortresses: Old Nisa is an archaeological excavation site that reveals the first capital of the Parthian Empire.
• The Wandering City: One of the most major archaeological spots in Central Asia and important in the development of the Silk Road, the ancient town of Merv was an integral player in Turkmenistan's long history.
Your adventure in Turkmenistan begins today as you are greeted at the Uzbekistan border to complete all paperwork. Enjoy lunch in the border town of Dashoguz, then drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya-Urgench, the former capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire. Explore the town’s monuments, mausoleums and mosques, before returning to Dashoguz for an evening flight to the capital city of Ashgabat, where you’ll check in to your hotel for the night.
Spend the day discovering the incredible capital city of Ashgabat. Known as the “City of White Marble” for its gorgeous architecture, this relatively new city was born out of a former Russian village on the Silk Road and today is the country’s largest city. In the morning, explore the Bazaar of Tolkuchka to see some of the camels, cattle, carpets, jewellery on sale; then head out of town to tour the fortress of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first Parthian Empire capital. After lunch at a local restaurant back in the city, check out the monuments at the “Park of Independence” and “Neutrality Square”, as well a memorial dedicated to victims of the 1948 earthquake. Finally, wrap up the day with a visit to the the National Museum of History and Ethnography, where you may see hundreds of thousands of historical and archaeological artifacts before enjoying dinner and another overnight stay at your hotel.
Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Mary. Here you’ll discover Ancient Merv, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural park, as well as one of the major archaeological spots in Central Asia. An important player in development of the Silk Road, Merv has been preserved and refurbished to display the various areas and time periods of this “wandering city”. Explore the incredible decor, architecture and brickwork of the city’s forts and mausoleums, learning more about the history of the Silk Road and soaking in the ancient, medieval and post-medieval atmosphere. Afterwards, head back to Mary to visit a local historical museum, before flying back to Ashgabat for a final night.
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
It would be impossible to take in all the history, depth, and curiosities of Turkmenistan in just three days. Still, worth a shot.
Jay Tindall takes his camera to the Turkmenistan desert for a look into the famed Darvaza gas crater, otherwise known as the Door to Hell, in the dead of night.
The new year is already upon us and so it’s time for us to once again share our pick of what we think are Asia’s hottest destinations for the coming 12 months.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Magical destinations, the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most wonderful travel companions we could’ve wished for. We were treated like family everywhere we went and we have 14 new best friends.
We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
