Merv: The Heart of the Silk Road - 8 Days & 7 Nights

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Nissa Historical Park - located on a natural high platform at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. Nissa owes its importance to the early Parthian rulers who took over control of the area in III c. BC. Then visit Kow-Ata underground lake that is located 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means Father of caves. At first glance, this underground area appears like a magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its height reaches 20 m, and its width is at some points 57 m. The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and its warm and gushing water is clear and emerald colored. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You should swim in a lake). Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mary Region 350 km . Visit to Ancient Merv. It was located at the road crossing of the Great Silk Road, quickly became one of the largest and biggest cities of the ancient world, and was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Guided tour: Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. Return to Mary city. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Gonurdepe historical place. (90 km) Visiting Gonurdepe sight - from 1971 onwards archeological teams did discoveries that reveal the importance of this area as a possible fifth center of ancient civilization, next to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China. Returning to Mary, visiting History Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast transfer to Mary airport, then flight to Ashgabat (flight time could be changed). City tour in Ashgabat with visits of Ertogrul Gazi Mosque it honors Ertogrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Independence Park, this Park is one of the city’s attractions, embodying the spirit of modern Turkmenistan.Arch of Neutrality is a viewing platform. National Museum - Opened in 1998, the museum's 9 history halls houses the Turkmenistan’s major collection of artifacts discovered at various excavation sites in Turkmenistan. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Darwaza in the Karakum desert (280 km), with visit of Erbent desert community on the way. Darwaza - The center of a gas-rich area in the heart of the Karakum desert attracts travelers from all over the world because of its unique burning crater that offers a particularly spectacular view in the dark. Dinner Time. Return to Ashgabat after dark (slow driving). Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast visit the Ahalteke horse farm. Drive to AkhalTeke horse farm. The horse farm is located in the countryside area, behind the GeokDepe town, 55km. Arrive. Welcome tea. Excursion at the farm to see the AkhalTeke horse and Turkmen dog Alabay. Horse riding as per your choice. Drive to GeokDepe. Visit the GeokDepe mosque. Continue drive to Kopedag mountains. Arrive at Nohur valley. Sightseeing in the village then drive up the mountains. Explore the valley, hike in the mountains. Lunch at tourist lodge or home. Best time to visit Nohur is in May month, when it is all green and in flowers. Heavy and short rains are possible in the mountains. Return to Ashgabat. Overnight .

Departure from Ashgabat - Transfer to the airport for your flight home.