From Farap: Amazing 4-Day Trip in Turkmenistan

Day 1: Farap – Mary

Our representative will meet you at the Turkmen/Uzbek border “Alat” at 9:00.
Drive to Merv (255 km, 5 hr) to explore ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, 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 Mary (35 km, 30 min). Then you will see all the major buildings of Mary downtown. If time permits, you will also visit Mary Bazaar to see a variety of local products and the Russian Orthodox church (one of the oldest in Turkmenistan). Overnight in Mary.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat (360 km, 4 hr). Upon arrival in Ashgabat, visit to Horse Stable to see the national pride of Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon.
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 Wedding Palace, the modern Yyldyz Hotel, the Ferris Wheel, the Constitution Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, and Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to visit “Altyn Asyr” Oriental Bazar (opens on Wed, Thu, Sat, and Sun) – Jygyldyk, located 20km to the north of Ashgabat. It is one of the world’s largest open bazaars, filled with colourful rugs, jewellery, carpets, silk, and national Turkmen costumes, and animals in other parts.

Alternatively, visit Gulistan Baazar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in Ashgabat, and a must-visit for any traveller. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. Stalls sell spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor is home to a variety of shops selling clothing and souvenirs.
Afternoon, drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater (276 km, 5 hr). The Crater is also known as "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 meters and a depth of 20 meters. 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. Barbecue dinner & overnight at Gas Crater.

Picnic-style breakfast. After breakfast, drive to the Turkmen/Uzbek Border Checkpoint to cross into Uzbekistan (309 km, 5 hr).