Turkmenistan Karakum Desert & Ancient Merv Expedition

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and driver at approximately 09:00 and begin today's journey into the history, spirituality and equestrian culture of Turkmenistan.

Nisa – Ancient Capital of the Parthian Empire

Drive approximately 18 km from Ashgabat to the archaeological site of Ancient Nisa, located near the village of Bagyr. Nisa was an important center of the Parthian Empire and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological complex includes the remains of Old Nisa and New Nisa.

Explore the ancient fortifications, monumental structures and archaeological remains while your guide explains the history of the Parthian civilization and its importance along the ancient trade routes of Central Asia.

Visit duration: approximately 1.5–2 hours.

Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque & Mausoleum

Continue to the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, one of the country's most impressive religious landmarks. The complex is located west of Ashgabat and is known for its monumental scale and distinctive architecture.

Visit duration: approximately 45–60 minutes.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine.

Lunch: Local restaurant

Suggested duration: 1 hour

Akhal-Teke Horse Farm – The Golden Horses of Turkmenistan

In the afternoon, drive toward the countryside and visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, where you will have the opportunity to see Turkmenistan's famous national horse breed.

The Akhal-Teke is renowned for its elegant appearance, endurance and distinctive metallic-looking coat. At the farm, learn about traditional horse breeding and the special relationship between the Turkmen people and these celebrated horses. Tours commonly include an introduction to the horses and their breeding traditions, with some farms also offering opportunities for horseback riding. 

Visit duration: approximately 1.5–2 hours.

In the late afternoon, return to Ashgabat.

Upon arrival, enjoy some free time at the hotel to relax before dinner. If desired, an optional evening drive through illuminated Ashgabat can be arranged, allowing you to see the city's famous white-marble monuments after sunset.

Overnight: Ashgabat

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Full-Day Desert Expedition | Approximately 280 km

After breakfast, depart Ashgabat and begin your journey north into the vast Karakum Desert. Today is one of the most adventurous days of the tour, taking you away from the capital and into remote desert landscapes, traditional settlements and unusual geological formations.

Ashgabat → Erbent Village

Distance: approximately 200 km

Depart Ashgabat in the morning and travel north along the highway toward Erbent, a remote desert village surrounded by the vast Karakum landscape.

The journey takes you through an increasingly arid environment, with wide-open plains, sand dunes and occasional camel herds along the route. Erbent provides an opportunity to see a more traditional side of desert life

Erbent → Mud Craters

Distance: approximately 20–30 km

Continue deeper into the desert toward the remarkable mud craters.

These unusual geological formations create a dramatic landscape in the middle of the Karakum. Observe the bubbling mud, unusual terrain and surrounding desert scenery.

Take time for photography and exploration while following your guide's safety instructions.

Visit: approximately 30–45 minutes.

Mud Craters → Water Craters

Distance: approximately 10–20 km

Continue by 4WD toward the water craters, another fascinating feature of the desert landscape.

The contrast between water, vegetation and the surrounding barren desert creates a unique environment. Your guide will explain the local landscape and the importance of water sources in sustaining life in the Karakum.

Visit: approximately 30–45 minutes.

Water Craters → Darvaza Gas Crater

Distance: approximately 40–50 km

Continue toward the Darvaza area through remote desert tracks.

Arrive near the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell.”

As evening approaches, prepare for the highlight of the day. After sunset, the flames of the crater become dramatically visible against the dark Karakum sky.

Enjoy dinner at the desert camp while experiencing this extraordinary natural and industrial phenomenon.

After dinner, walk to the viewpoint of the crater and enjoy the spectacular sight of the glowing flames.

There will be time for photography and to experience the silence of the desert after dark.

Overnight: Desert camp near Darvaza

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Karakum Desert Expedition | Approximately 180–220 km

After breakfast at the desert camp, continue your journey deeper into the Karakum Desert. Today combines the legendary Darvaza landscape with remote desert settlements and the unique natural scenery of the Akmolla area.

Darvaza Gas Crater → Damla Village

Distance: approximately 100–120 km

After breakfast, depart the Darvaza area and travel west/northwest through the remote Karakum Desert toward Damla, a small desert settlement.

The route passes through vast expanses of sand, gravel plains and isolated desert landscapes. Damla offers an opportunity to experience traditional desert life and see how local communities have adapted to the challenging environment.

Upon arrival, meet local residents and explore the settlement. Depending on local arrangements, you may have the opportunity to see traditional houses, wells, livestock and aspects of everyday life.

Driving time: approximately 2.5–3.5 hours

Visit: approximately 1–1.5 hours

Damla → Akmolla

Distance: approximately 80–100 km

Continue your desert journey toward Akmolla.

Travel by 4WD along remote desert tracks, stopping along the way for photographs and short breaks. The landscape gradually changes as you approach the Akmolla area, providing an excellent opportunity to observe the different geological and ecological features of the Karakum.

Enjoy a picnic or packed lunch during the journey, depending on the day's arrangements.

Driving time: approximately 2.5–3 hours

Arrival in Akmolla

Arrive in the Akmolla area in the afternoon.

Spend time exploring the surrounding desert environment and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere far from the main cities and highways. Your guide can introduce you to the local landscape, desert vegetation and traditional ways of life.

As evening approaches, settle into your desert accommodation.

Overnight: Desert camp / local accommodation in the Akmolla area

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Karakum Desert & Ancient Margiana Expedition | Approximately 220–260 km

After breakfast at the desert camp, continue eastward through the remote landscapes of the Karakum Desert toward Gonurdepe, one of Turkmenistan's most remarkable archaeological sites.

Akmolla → Karakum Desert

Distance: approximately 120–140 km

Driving time: approximately 3–4 hours, depending on road conditions.

Desert Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch or picnic in the desert.

This is a great opportunity to experience the remoteness of the region and enjoy a meal surrounded by the Karakum landscape.

Karakum Desert → Gonurdepe

Distance: approximately 100–120 km

Continue toward Gonurdepe, the archaeological heart of ancient Margiana.

As you approach the archaeological zone, the landscape begins to reveal traces of one of Central Asia's earliest urban civilizations.

Driving time: approximately 2.5–3.5 hours.

Gonurdepe Archaeological Site

Arrive at Gonurdepe, an ancient settlement dating back to the Bronze Age and associated with the Margiana civilization.

Explore the extensive archaeological remains with your guide. Discover the foundations of ancient buildings, defensive structures, ceremonial areas and other remains that provide evidence of a sophisticated society that flourished here thousands of years ago.

Your guide will explain the significance of Gonurdepe and its connections with the wider Bronze Age cultures of Central Asia.

Allow approximately 2–3 hours for exploration, depending on site conditions and access.

After the archaeological visit, settle into your accommodation in the Gonurdepe/Mary region.

Enjoy dinner and relax after a full day of desert travel and archaeological exploration.

Overnight: Desert tent

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Ancient Margiana – Mary – Ashgabat | Approximately 390–430 km

After breakfast, leave the archaeological region of Gonurdepe and begin your journey toward Mary, followed by the return to Ashgabat.

Gonurdepe → Mary

Distance: approximately 100–120 km

After breakfast, depart Gonurdepe and travel toward Mary.

Enjoy the changing scenery as the remote archaeological landscape gives way to more settled areas of eastern Turkmenistan. Upon arrival in Mary, take a short break before continuing with sightseeing.

Driving time: approximately 2–3 hours.

Mary City Tour

Distance within Mary: approximately 10–20 km

Explore the city of Mary, one of the most important cultural and administrative centers in eastern Turkmenistan.

Depending on opening hours visit selected local sights, museums or monuments. Your guide will introduce you to the history of the region and its connection with the ancient Silk Road.

Sightseeing: approximately 1–1.5 hours.

Lunch in Mary

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the long journey back to Ashgabat.

Lunch: Local restaurant
Duration: approximately 1 hour

Mary → Ashgabat

Distance: approximately 270–290 km

After lunch, depart Mary and travel west toward Ashgabat.

The journey takes you across the changing landscapes of central Turkmenistan. Take a break along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy refreshments.

Driving time: approximately 4–5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

Arrival in Ashgabat

Arrive in Ashgabat in the late afternoon or evening and transfer to your hotel.

After several days exploring the desert and ancient archaeological sites, enjoy the comfort of your hotel and a relaxing evening in the capital.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day in Ashgabat dedicated to shopping, local crafts, souvenirs and leisure. After several days of desert exploration and archaeological discovery, today offers time to experience the modern capital at a slower pace.

Meet your guide and driver after breakfast and visit a local bazaar or shopping area.

Explore stalls featuring traditional Turkmen products and everyday local goods. Depending on availability, you may find:

• Handwoven Turkmen carpets
• Traditional textiles
• Embroidery and decorative handicrafts
• Souvenirs and locally made gifts
• Ceramics and small artworks
• Dried fruits, nuts and local food products

Your guide can assist with communication and help explain local products and customs.

After shopping, return to your hotel or enjoy some free time in the city.

For your final evening in Turkmenistan, you may choose to have dinner at a traditional restaurant or enjoy an optional evening drive through illuminated Ashgabat, when the city's white-marble architecture and monumental buildings take on a completely different atmosphere.

Overnight: Ashgabat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your onward flight.

End of the expedition.