Turkmenistan

A mysterious Central Asian country, known for its white marble capital, the Gates of Hell fire crater and the ancient Silk Road city of Merv.

Turkmenistan lies in southwestern Central Asia, with the Caspian Sea to the west and most of its territory covered by the Karakum Desert. The capital, Ashgabat, is known for its vast number of white marble buildings; the Darvaza gas crater (the "Gates of Hell") is an iconic wonder; and Merv, Nisa and Kunya-Urgench are all World Heritage Sites that reflect Silk Road history. The Akhal-Teke horse and carpets are sources of national pride. Entry procedures are fairly strict, and visitors usually need to arrange them through a local travel agency. Spring and autumn have the most pleasant weather. Ashgabat International Airport is the main gateway.

Destinations

• Ashgabat
• Mary & Ancient Merv
• Konye-Urgench
• Turkmenbashi & Avaza

Itineraries

• 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…
• 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.