5-Day Turkmenistan Extension

Day 23: Darvaza’s Door to Hell

Breakfast is to-go this morning because you need to take  an early flight so you can chalk up your fifth Stan! The ninety-minute flight to Urgench in Uzbekistan means you’ll be meeting your Turkmen guide nice and early, then it’s another hour before you reach the border town of Shavat. Time is of the essence though, because you shouldn’t be surprised if the border ‘crossing’ takes two-to-three hours. With a new passport stamp, it’s already time for lunch in Dashoguz!

The sustenance comes much appreciated, because the next leg is a rollercoaster ride – five hours of dodging potholes in your 4WDs! But it’s not about the journey; it’s about today’s destination – the Darvaza gas crater, aka The Door to Hell. Fiery, mysterious and utterly mesmerising this is rather off-the-beaten-path for most people, as you won’t find it on your average itinerary and it’s rather difficult to reach on your own. 

Tonight, you’re going off-grid, devouring a BBQ’d meal and snuggling down in a cosy yurt camp under the stars. Nights like these, far away from civilisation, are what we all travel for. You’re not even halfway through the adventure yet!

Accommodation: Overnight in Yurt Camp, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: Ashgabat

Wake up, sleepyheads! After the night spent in your comfy yurt, it’ll be hard to tear yourself out of bed, but you have Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, waiting for you.

It’s another five-hour journey across the desert to get to Ashgabat, so of course we have a few fabulous surprise stops up our sleeves to break up the journey. When you see the city begin to pop up out of the desert you’ll wonder if you’re seeing a mirage – its white, marble-clad buildings certainly shimmer as if they could be! 

There’s no better way to stretch your legs after a long drive than to stroll around a new town to explore the city’s best and quirky bits – including the ‘Palace of Happiness’ which is the official name of the wedding registration office! And we bet you have never stayed in a completely cylindrical hotel before? Well, chalk this challenge up as successfully completed – even the indoor pool is curved!

Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat – Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25 – Day trip to Mary and Merv

Today you’re heading East, down the New Highway. It’s a four-hour drive to Mary and Merv, but don’t worry, it’s just one way because you’re back to Ashgabat by plane tonight – and it’s worth the trip because Ancient Merv awaits you and it’s not your average ruin. Standing proud on the UNESCO list, Merv is actually the oldest and best-preserved of all the oasis cities along the Silk Road. These structures here have been standing for over 4,000 years and exploring them, you won’t be able to resist wondering what secrets these walls could spill if they talked! 

Next, Mary beckons. Stepping into the Juma Mosque, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a world where time stands still, with every arch echoing the locals’ whispers of prayer. Just around the corner, the Russian Orthodox church stands tall and hauntingly beautiful, telling the tale of Mary’s multi-faith background. It’s a full day and dinner will be late tonight – when you arrive back in Aahgabat.

Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat – Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26 –  Old Nisa Fortress

Fill up at breakfast, because today is a full-on adventure through Turkmen history! First on the list? The stunning Old Nisa fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you wander around this pentagon-shaped beauty crouched at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains, you’ll feel the Parthian Empire come to life around you. This place is over 2,000 years old!  

Is it lunchtime already?! Relishing a local lunch as a group, it’s time to sample even more weird and wonderful Turkmen dishes before you trot over to the State Hippodrome Bedev. Here, you’ll get up close to the elegant Akhal Teke horses – the pride of Turkmenistan – and chit-chat with a local horse breeder. 

Pat each other on the back during your farewell dinner tonight – after all,  you and your fellow adventure-bound Patchies have now explored all five Stans! Hug your guide too – you couldn’t have done it without him!

Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat – Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27 – Goodbyes from Turkmenistan

Grab your last hugs over breakfast. It’s time to say ‘see you on the next adventure!’ We’ve got a private transfer ready to take you to the airport at a time that suits your onward flight.