Mary Province

A southeastern province of Turkmenistan, home to the Silk Road city of Merv and the Bronze Age city of Gonur.

Mary Province lies in southeastern Turkmenistan, in the Murghab River oasis, with Mary as its capital. The nearby ancient city of Merv was one of the most important cities on the Silk Road. Its ruins span several historical periods, including the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala, and are a World Heritage Site. The Gonur ruins in the northern desert are a Bronze Age city. The province is also a cotton and natural gas producer. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. You can reach Mary from Ashgabat by plane or train.

Destinations

• Mary & Ancient Merv

Itineraries

• Ashgabat, Gates of Hell, and Merv – A round trip from the capital covering the white marble city, ancient Merv, and the Darvaza gas crater.
• Merv and Margiana Archaeological Tour – Fly from the capital to Mary, focusing on the ancient city of Merv and the Bronze Age site of Gonur Depe.
• Turkmenistan Overland: Khiva to Bukhara – Enter via Shavat and exit via Farap, connecting four classic Turkmen highlights on the way to Bukhara.
• Turkmenistan Grand Flight Loop – Save time on long drives by using domestic flights to cover major sights across the north, south, east, and west.
• Overland Journey Across Turkmenistan: Khiva to Bukhara – Enter via Shavat and exit via Farap, incorporating the Caspian canyons, mountain villages, and Gonur Depe into the over…