Day 1: Arrive in Ashgabat
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Start your adventure in Ashgabat, the country’s capital. It’s known for its grand marble buildings and wide, empty streets. Once you land, take it easy. Spend the rest of the day adjusting to the time zone and climate.
If you have the energy, stroll around Independence Square. You can see all the impressive monuments like the Independence Monument and the Arch of Neutrality. It’s a great first taste of the city’s unique architecture.
In the evening, relax at a local café or restaurant. Try some hearty Turkmen cuisine like plov (rice with meat and vegetables) or manty (dumplings). You’ll need a good night’s sleep before your busy week kicks off!
Day 2: Explore Ashgabat
Start your second day with a visit to the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. It’s one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. The architecture is remarkable, and you’ll get a strong sense of the country’s connection between state and religion.
Next, visit the Ashgabat National Museum of History. Here, you can dive deeper into the history of Turkmenistan. It features an excellent collection of ancient relics from the Silk Road era.
In the afternoon, take some downtime at the city’s parks or find a café to watch the world go by. But don’t miss a night view of Ashgabat! The city lights give the marble buildings a surreal glow. Go for a walk or take a drive through the main avenues.
Day 3: Darvaza Gas Crater
This is the day you head to one of Turkmenistan’s most famous spots: the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell.” It’s a fiery gas crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert and quite a sight to behold.
It’s a three-hour drive from Ashgabat, so leave in the afternoon. You’ll want to arrive before sunset. Watching the flames flicker in the desert night is unforgettable.
Camp nearby for the night. You can sleep under the stars and enjoy a simple meal over a campfire. It’s a peaceful, yet surreal experience that’s hard to match anywhere else.
Day 4: Drive to Konye-Urgench
Today is a long drive to Konye-Urgench, a historic city in the north of Turkmenistan. It’s an ancient Silk Road city with ruins that date back over 1,000 years. Konye-Urgench used to be the capital of the Khwarazm Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once you arrive, take a look at the Gutlug Timur Minaret and the mausoleum of Turabek Khanum. The structures showcase an entirely different style than anything you’ve seen in Ashgabat.
Spend the rest of the day wandering around the ruins and reflecting on the historic significance of this ancient city.
Day 5: Explore Dashoguz Market
Start the day with a visit to the local Dashoguz market. It’s a great way to see everyday life in Turkmenistan. You’ll find fresh produce, textiles, and all kinds of handcrafted goods.
This is the perfect place to buy some local souvenirs or try out some street food like chebureki (fried meat-filled pastries). Don’t forget to haggle a little—it’s part of the culture!
In the afternoon, if you’re up for it, explore more remote parts of Konye-Urgench or relax at your guesthouse and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 6: Fly to Mary
After some early morning exploration, catch a flight from Dashoguz to Mary. Flights are relatively low-cost and save you a long two-day drive.
Mary is your gateway to the ancient city of Merv, so once you arrive, settle down and rest. Stroll through the town of Mary. It’s smaller than Ashgabat but has a relaxed vibe. Visit the local market or take time to chat with locals, if you’re confident with your Turkmen language skills.
Enjoy a quiet, laid-back evening as tomorrow you’ll explore the ancient ruins of Merv.
Day 7: Discover the Ruins of Merv
Today’s highlight is Merv, once one of the most important cities along the ancient Silk Road. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans over 4,000 years of history. The ruins cover a vast area, so expect to spend a full day exploring.
Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the central city pillar, and the remains of the Great Kyz Kala fortress. It’s easy to get lost in the history here and imagine how grand the city once was.
If you need a break from the ruins, take time to relax in a local café. Enjoy some regional dishes and reflect on what you’ve seen.
Day 8: Drive to the Ancient City of Gonur Tepe
Time to hit the road again. Today, drive out to Gonur Tepe, often considered the cradle of Turkmen civilization. It’s located in the Kara Kum desert and dates back to the Bronze Age.
There’s something about standing amongst the remnants of one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia that is humbling. Wander amongst the ruined temples, homes, and fortifications. Take your time soaking in the sense of history here.
It’s off the typical tourist trail, so you’ll likely have the site almost entirely to yourself. Drive back to Mary before the evening sets in.
Day 9: Head Back to Ashgabat
Catch an early flight back to Ashgabat. Once back in the capital, spend the day at your own pace.
If you missed anything earlier, like the Akhal-Teke Horse Complex or the Altyn Asyr Bazaar, today’s your chance to visit. Otherwise, unwind. Explore smaller nearby parks or have a meal with new friends you’ve made along the journey.
Consider visiting the Russian Bazaar; it’s one of the biggest in Ashgabat and is a great place to delve into everyday life in the capital.
Day 10: Relax and Departure
It’s your last day in Turkmenistan. If you have time before your flight, relax and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Head back to Independence Square for one final look at the grand monuments or take a peaceful walk in one of Ashgabat’s impressive parks. As you board your flight home, take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve seen—modern cities, ancient ruins, and the wide-open desert landscapes.
Your trip through Turkmenistan may have been brief, but it’s one that will stick with you for years to come.
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