From Shavat: Amazing 4 Day Trip in Turkmenistan

Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border, “Shavat”.
Drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater (300km, 5h). The Crater is also called "The Door to Hell". The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 m and 20 m. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. BBQ dinner & overnight at Gas Crater.

Picnic-style breakfast. Drive to Ashgabat (280km, 4h). Afternoon, you will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013, the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat a “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of white marble. You will see the Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, and Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities. Overnight at the Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to visit Nissa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared the fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211 BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has either been established whether the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum. The ruins of the ancient settlement of Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat at Bagyr village.

Then, you will visit Gulistan Bazaar, the oldest covered market in Ashgabat, and a must-visit for any traveler. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. Stalls also sell spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor is home to a variety of shops selling clothing and souvenirs.

Then, drive to visit the Horse Stable to see the national pride of the Turkmen people—Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began breeding Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon.

In the afternoon, drive to Mary (360km, 4h). Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Merv (35km, 40min) to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, which was one of the most important capitals of Islam, along with Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus. Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive to the Turkmen-Uzbek border, Farap (255km, 5h).