Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan Desert and Ruins
The Karakum desert, the burning Darvaza gas crater and the vast Silk Road ruins of Merv and Konye-Urgench.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best time
- April–May, September–October
- Accommodation
- City hotels, a desert camp and simple guesthouses
- Transport
- 4x4 with local driver, short walking days
Price on request
Day by day
Day 1
Arrive Ashgabat
Airport transfer, paperwork check and an evening orientation walk.
Day 2
Ashgabat and Nisa
The marble city, then the Parthian fortresses of Old Nisa on the edge of town.
Day 3
Into the Karakum
Drive north into the desert; dune walking and a night at the Darvaza crater camp.
Day 4
Konye-Urgench
Continue north to the minarets and mausoleums of the old Khorezm capital.
Day 5
Desert crossing south
A long driving day back across the Karakum with stops at desert wells.
Day 6
Merv
A full day in the ruins of one of the great Silk Road cities, walking between the walled towns.
Day 7
Mary and return
Museum collections in Mary, then the road or a short flight back to Ashgabat.
Day 8
Depart
Transfer for onward flights.
What's included
- ✓ Guide and driver throughout (required for travel here)
- ✓ 4x4 transport and desert camp equipment
- ✓ Accommodation and breakfasts
- ✓ Letter of invitation support and listed entrance fees
Not included
- – International flights
- – Travel insurance (required)
- – Visa fees
- – Most lunches and dinners
- – Tips
Important information
- Entry requires an approved letter of invitation; allow several weeks before travel.
- Independent movement is restricted — a licensed guide accompanies the route throughout.
- Desert days are hot and shade is rare; the shoulder seasons are strongly recommended.
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On this route
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