8 days

From £3,250

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Trip Type

Private Travel

Destinations

Turkmenistan

Group Size

Private

Reserve Online Or Call 0208 350 6199

Private Tour

Turkmenistan Silk Road Tour

Kunya-Urgench to Ashgabat – 8 Days

Expedition Overview

Join us on a 8-day journey that follows the highlights of history and the natural wonders of Turkmenistan, from the mystical Door to Hell in the Karakum Desert to the marble splendour of Ashgabat. This Silk Road tour is part of a broader journey through the five stans of Central Asia, allowing travellers to visit multiple countries on a single trip. We start at the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border, then head to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a remnant of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire, and into the heart of the Turkmenistan desert to see the amazing Darvaza Gas Crater. Along the way we visit the remote village of Damla where traditional Turkmen life thrives in the sand.

In our small group, we then fly to Mary, the gateway to the ancient city of Merv, a major Silk Road hub, and then back to Ashgabat, where modernity and heritage blend seamlessly. We visit the archaeological site of Gonur Depe, shop at the lively Tolkuchka Market, and experience the healing waters of Kov-Ata, and end our tour that captures the essence of Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Turkmenistan is a land of ancient civilizations and a crossroads of cultures, with its position along the Silk Road shaping its unique identity. The course of the tour includes visits to natural wonders like the Caspian Sea, mud volcanoes, and even sites with dinosaur footprints.


Highlights

SILK ROAD CITIES & CARAVAN ROUTES: This Silk Road tour traces the footsteps of ancient camel caravans, exploring timeless cities like Kunya-Urgench, Merv, and Ashgabat. These Silk Road cities once linked civilisations from East to West, their markets and monuments bearing witness to historic caravan routes that once echoed with trade, culture, and the footsteps of travellers.

DARVAZA GAS CRATER & DESERT CAMPING: Venture into the Karakum Desert to witness the blazing Darvaza gas crater, famously known as the Door to Hell. Camp under desert stars in one of Turkmenistan’s most dramatic landscapes, a surreal natural wonder that captivates photographers, adventurers, and those tracing the fiery edges of Central Asia’s Silk Road history.

MERV, GONUR DEPE & ANCIENT EMPIRES: Discover the lost civilisations of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan through ancient World Heritage Sites like Merv and Gonur Depe. These cities, once threatened by Genghis Khan, played central roles in Silk Road trade. Archaeological treasures reveal stories of early urban planning, faith, and power across this once-mighty desert empire.

ASHGABAT, OLD NISA & TURKMEN HERITAGE: Explore the contrasts of modern Ashgabat and ancient Old Nisa, the former Parthian capital. Marvel at white-marble cityscapes, grand mosques, and Soviet-era relics. This final chapter of your Turkmenistan Silk Road tour weaves together dynastic glory and present-day ambition in a region where history and identity remain powerfully intertwined.

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DAY 1

Kunya-Urgench

Start your 8-day journey in Turkmenistan in the border town of Shavat where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travellers. Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia and shares borders with neighbouring countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, making it a crossroads of diverse cultures and histories. To the south, Turkmenistan borders Afghanistan and Iran, while the east and west of the country each offer distinct landscapes and unique cultural influences. Russian acts as a common language for inter-ethnic communication in the cities and among travelers. A short drive brings you to Dashoguz, a city that thrives in an oasis in the north thanks to modern irrigation. Check into your hotel in Dashoguz and rest and prepare for the adventure ahead, get ready to discover the many wonders of this off the beaten path country.

DAY 2

Darvaza (Door to Hell)

Head to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the heart of the Khorezmshah Empire. Here, you'll get a bit of history about the site, learning how its mausoleums and monuments are remnants of a bygone era. This part of the trip is often a highlight of many Turkmenistan trips, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique heritage. Then cross the Karakum Desert, with the flaming craters and caves en route, and camp under the stars close to the amazing Door to Hell.

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Darvaza (Door to Hell)

DAY 3

Damla

Leave early for Damla, an isolated village in the Karakum Desert. The journey is a spectacle in itself, passing the remnants of the ancient Tethys sea and the dunes. In Damla experience village life firsthand, stay in a homestay and get a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Turkmenistan’s desert dwellers. Guests are typically offered local drink options such as tea, which is a staple in Turkmen hospitality, and sometimes homemade beverages depending on the season.

DAY 4

Ashgabat

After breakfast, depart Damla and travel across the desert landscapes to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s extraordinary capital. Along the way, stop in Yerbent, a desert village where traditional Turkmen life still thrives alongside occasional signs of modernity. On arrival in Ashgabat, check into your comfortable hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You might take a stroll through the wide boulevards or admire the gleaming marble architecture that has earned Ashgabat a place in the Guinness World Records. This evening offers a gentle introduction to the capital before deeper exploration begins over the coming days.

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Ashgabat

DAY 5

Mary & Merv

Fly from Ashgabat to Mary and journey to the ancient city of Merv, one of the most important Silk Road centres and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roam through centuries of civilisation in this vast archaeological park, where empires once rose and fell. Continue to Gonur Depe, the heart of the Margiana Bronze Age civilisation, where temples, homes, and early urban planning remain visible in the desert sands. This historical day gives fascinating insight into Turkmenistan’s central role in early trade and empire. Return to Mary and relax at your hotel after a deeply enriching cultural exploration.

DAY 6

Ashgabat

Begin your morning with a visit to Mary’s local history museum, which showcases archaeological finds from nearby sites, providing further context to the previous day’s discoveries. Later, fly back to Ashgabat for a blend of cultural immersion and natural wonders. Explore Tolkuchka Bazaar, a lively market rich in colours and local crafts. Visit Geok Depe Mosque, a site of spiritual importance, before continuing to the Kov-Ata underground lake—an intriguing natural thermal spring hidden in a limestone cave. Return to Ashgabat in the evening, with time to relax and reflect on the diverse beauty of Turkmenistan.

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Ashgabat

DAY 7

Ashgabat

Explore the Parthian Empire with a visit to Old Nisa, set against the Kopet-Dag Mountains. Then go to Kipchak to see Turkmenistan's biggest mosque and the first President's mausoleum. Your last day in Ashgabat includes visits to significant monuments and parks to get a full picture of the country's heritage and achievements. Spend your last evening reflecting on the journey.

DAY 8

Ashgabat - Departure

Have a relaxing breakfast at your hotel and check out. Reflect on the amazing moments and new friends made over the past 8 days as you are transferred to Ashgabat's international airport. Depart Turkmenistan with a full heart and ready for your next adventure, with stories of a country rich in history, culture and nature.


The story

This Turkmenistan Silk Road tour was inspired by the enduring legacy of ancient caravan routes that once linked the great Silk Road cities of Central Asia. From camel caravans to UNESCO-listed sites like Kunya-Urgench and Merv, the region offered a powerful connection to the cultures and empires that shaped the historical trade network.

Equally inspiring are Turkmenistan’s natural wonders. The flaming Darvaza gas crater, or Door to Hell, and the desert village of Damla reflect the raw beauty and traditional life of the Karakum Desert. These experiences reveal a side of the Silk Road tour that is both immersive and off the beaten path.

To complete the journey, we included the modern capital Ashgabat, the ancient ruins of Old Nisa, and sites tied to Genghis Khan. Together, they highlight the contrast between past and present, creating a meaningful route through the heart of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.


What To Expect

Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.

TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.

Dates & Prices

Date
Double
Single

Date

1 Jun - 01 Jun, 2025 Reserve online

Prices From

£3,250 pp

Ship

N/A

Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.

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