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Turkmenistan-5-days: offbeat-culture

Ashgabat-Mary

DURATION

5 Days

OFF-BEAT

CULTURE

Plan my Jrny

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Plan my Jrny

Turkmenistan-5-days: offbeat-culture: Ashgabat-Mary

DURATION

5 Days

Plan my Jrny

About this Jrny

Step into Turkmenistan—a land of stark deserts, golden domes, and ancient Silk Road cities waiting to be explored. This journey invites you to uncover the contrasts between a futuristic capital and timeless ruins.

Begin in Ashgabat, where gleaming white marble architecture meets surreal cityscapes. Spend your days visiting opulent monuments, bustling bazaars, and landmarks like the Neutrality Arch and the grand Independence Park. Venture beyond the capital to the ancient ruins of Nisa and the sacred Geok Tepe Mosque. Then head east, stopping at the archaeological site of Anau before arriving in Mary. Wander through the legendary city of Merv, once a flourishing hub of trade and culture.

Conclude your journey with a drive to Turkmenabad and onward to the Farab border. Join this adventure to experience a land where history, mystery, and modernity collide.

Highlights

Discover the gleaming white marble cityscape of Ashgabat, one of the most unique capitals in the world.
Explore ancient ruins and sacred sites in Anau and the legendary Silk Road city of Merv.
Experience everyday life and changing landscapes on a scenic overland drive across Turkmenistan.
Walk through centuries of history in Mary, home to archaeological treasures and cultural heritage.
Cross the Farab border as you conclude your journey through this enigmatic Central Asian nation.

Inclusions:

4 Breakfasts
3 Nights in Ashgabat
1 Nights in Mary
Arrival and departure airport transfers
English-speaking guide throughout the tour

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Ashgabat

Day 2

A Day in Ashgabat

Day 3

Another day in Ashgabat

Day 4

Ashgabat to Mary

Day 5

Mary/Merv & Farab Border Drop-Off

Overview

Duration

5 Days

Activity level

Moderate

Travel Style

comfort

Suggested Ages

Any

Maximum Group size

Any

Plan My Jrny

Turkmenistan-5-days: offbeat-culture

5 Days

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Number of Kids (under 12 years)

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Stay

Day 1 - 3, Night

3 N

Sport Hotel

Ashgabat

Day 4 - 5, Night

1 N

Mary Hotel

Mary

No Hotels Available.

Your Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Ashgabat

Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport (Code: ASB), where the desert air and dramatic skyline offer your first glimpse of Turkmenistan’s unique charm. After completing immigration formalities, you meet the local guide and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in and take time to relax after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may head out for a short orientation walk or enjoy your first taste of local cuisine. Tonight, rest well as your Silk Road journey begins tomorrow.

Overnight Stay in Ashgabat

Meals Included: None

Activities

Meet and greet in Ashgabat

00:00 - 18:00

Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB). Once you pass immigration retrieve your luggage and clear customs, look for the JrnyOn representative holding a placard with your name. Proceed to your hotel in a pre-arranged transfer vehicle.

Duration: 16 minutes
Distance: 12 kms / 7.4 miles

Day 2

A Day in Ashgabat

Wake up in Ashgabat, a city of gleaming white marble and bold architecture. Begin your day at the National Museum of Turkmenistan, where you explore exhibits that trace the country’s rich history from ancient civilizations to modern independence. Next, visit the majestic Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, the largest in Central Asia, renowned for its white marble façade, golden dome, and spiritual grandeur. Continue to the Independence Monument, a striking symbol of national pride, surrounded by manicured gardens and statues. In the afternoon, head to the Arch of Neutrality, a golden tripod monument crowned by a rotating statue of the former president. Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. This day offers a fascinating glimpse into the soul of modern Turkmenistan and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Overnight Stay in Ashgabat

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

National Museum of Turkmenistan

09:00 - 10:00

The National Museum of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat showcases the rich history and culture of the country through stunning archaeological finds, ancient artefacts, and ethnographic displays. Its grand, marble-clad architecture is as impressive as the treasures within, including relics from the Merv and Nisa civilisations. A visit here offers a fascinating insight into Turkmenistan’s Silk Road heritage and modern identity.

Independence monument

10:30 - 11:30

The Independence Monument is a towering symbol of Turkmenistan's freedom, surrounded by lush gardens and statues.

Neutrality Arch

12:00 - 13:00

Neutrality Arch is an iconic monument topped with a revolving golden statue of the country’s former president.

Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque

15:00 - 16:30

The Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, located in Gypjak, Turkmenistan, is the largest mosque in Central Asia. Built by former president Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashy), it features stunning white marble architecture and a golden dome, with verses from the Quran and Niyazov’s Ruhnama inscribed inside.

Day 3

Another day in Ashgabat

Today your third day in Ashgabat dives deeper into the rich tapestry of history and culture that surrounds the capital. Begin with a visit to the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former seat of the Parthian Empire—walk among its weathered ruins and imagine life in this once-mighty kingdom. Next, head to the Geok Tepe Mosque, a sacred site with striking white domes and a powerful past. You’ll also have time to explore more of Ashgabat’s modern marvels, soaking in views of its glittering skyline as the sun sets. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll or catch the city’s spectacular lights reflecting off its marble facades.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Ancient Ruins of Nisa

10:00 - 12:00

The Ancient Ruins of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the remains of the once-thriving Parthian Empire’s capital. Located just outside Ashgabat, the site features mud-brick fortresses, royal tombs, and archaeological treasures that offer a glimpse into one of Central Asia’s most powerful ancient civilizations.

Geok Tepe Mosque

14:00 - 15:00

Geok Tepe Mosque is a grand white-marble structure topped with a large turquoise dome and four slender minarets, standing as a symbol of resilience. Built to commemorate the 1881 battle between Turkmen forces and the Russian Empire, it blends historical significance with striking architectural beauty.

Ashgabat Cityscape at Night

15:00 - 19:00

Ashgabat’s cityscape at night transforms into a glowing spectacle of white marble buildings illuminated by vibrant LED lights. The streets sparkle with grand fountains, golden domes, and towering monuments, creating a surreal, futuristic ambiance that feels almost otherworldly.

Day 4

Ashgabat to Mary

Today, you leave the futuristic skyline of Ashgabat behind and journey eastward into the heart of Turkmenistan’s historical landscape. Your first stop is the ancient town of Anau, where you explore the atmospheric ruins of a centuries-old mosque framed by distant mountains. Continue through vast desert plains and traditional villages, offering glimpses into everyday rural life. By afternoon, you arrive in Mary, a lively city near one of Central Asia’s most significant archaeological treasures. At Merv, walk among the remains of a once-thriving Silk Road metropolis—its crumbling city walls, mausoleums, and ancient fortresses tell stories of lost empires. Capture the silence and scale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as the sun sets. You’ll check into your hotel in Mary and reflect on the day’s rich encounters. Prepare for the final leg of your Turkmen adventure tomorrow.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Ashgabat to Mary Drive

09:00 - 14:00

The drive from Ashgabat to Mary takes you through the scenic landscapes of Turkmenistan, offering glimpses of vast deserts, rolling hills, and historic sites along the way. It's a journey that blends history and nature, leading to the heart of ancient Merv.

Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 370 km/ 230 miles

Anau Mosque

16:00 - 18:00

The Anau Mosque, located near Mary, is a 15th-century medieval site known for its intricate mosaic ruins and historical significance. It also features a sardoba, an ancient underground reservoir once used to store cool water.

Day 5

Mary/Merv & Farab Border Drop-Off

On your final day in Turkmenistan, begin with a scenic drive from Mary toward the eastern city of Turkmenabad. As the landscape shifts, observe the contrast between fertile oases and dry steppe plains, with occasional glimpses of local life in remote towns. Enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the countryside before reaching Turkmenabad, a key hub near the Amu Darya River. Take in the atmosphere of this frontier city, where cultures and trade routes have long converged. After a short rest or stroll, continue toward the Farab border. Here, your journey through Turkmenistan concludes as you cross into Uzbekistan, carrying memories of Silk Road cities, marble monuments, and desert serenity.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Mary/Merv & Farab Border Drop-Off - Day 5 image

Activities

Mary to Merv Drive

08:00 - 09:00

The drive from Mary to Merv offers a short yet scenic journey to one of Turkmenistan’s most historic sites..

Duration: 40 minis
Distance: 40 km/ 25 miles

Merv City Visit

09:30 - 12:00

A visit to Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Silk Road through its ancient fortresses, mausoleums, and archaeological wonders. Once a thriving center of culture and trade, Merv’s ruins tell the story of its glorious past.

Mary to Farab Border Drop-Off

12:30 - 19:00

Drive across the vast eastern plains of Turkmenistan from Mary to the Farab border, passing remote towns and open desert landscapes. This scenic journey offers a final glimpse into the country's rugged beauty before your border crossing.

Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 400 kms/ 250 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

This journey through Turkmenistan is ideal for you if you're fascinated by striking contrasts—gleaming modern cities set against a backdrop of ancient Silk Road ruins. From exploring the white marble elegance of Ashgabat to tracing the forgotten glory of Merv, this trip offers a rare blend of history, architecture, and local culture. If you're looking for an offbeat, immersive travel experience with rich heritage and fewer crowds, this adventure is for you.

- International and Domestic flights

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Alcoholic beverages

- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry)

- Camera/video charges during sightseeing

- Visa fees $60 per person is payable at the border. $35 for the pre-approved LOI (subject to change)

- Government arrival tax - $ 15 per person + COVID 19 SWAB test - USD 29

- Tips for guides and drivers

- Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary

The trip begins in Ashgabat and ends in Farab border. You should arrive at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) and drop off at Farab border.

All foreign travellers will require a valid passport. The passport should have a validity for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. All travellers will require a visa for entry into Turkmenistan. Visa fees - USD 60 per person is payable at the border. With a pre-approved LOI (USD 35) you can get the visa on arrival at the Turkmen border or at Ashgabat airport. Ensure passport validity and stay informed about specific visa requirements for your nationality.

Travel insurance is mandatory to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. While suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control. For those looking for an insurance supplier, we can recommend Insurance Nomads. Write to them at [email protected] with your Jrny details for insurance options.

No mandatory vaccinations are required. We advise you to check with your doctor in case you have any personal requirements. Also check with your local clinic or doctor a few weeks before the trip for any change in recommendations.

Yes, airport transfers are included in this tour. These transfers will be shared with you before your travel.

There are no activities scheduled for the first day. The standard check-in time at the hotel would be 1400 hours, and you can plan your arrival accordingly.

You can depart anytime. Generally, there are no inclusions on the tour on the last day. The hotel check-out time is usually 1100 hours or 1200 hours.

Children under 12 are not allowed on this Jrny. Children above 12 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Normally, yes! In some cases if the exact hotels are unavailable for any reason, we'll make sure you're put up in hotels that are equivalent to the original in terms of location and facilities. Rest assured, your stay will be as promised.

Please read through the itinerary in detail to understand the intensity of the activities planned. There are some long walks scheduled. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 2 would be ideal.

Please refer to the daily itinerary for specific driving times and distances. The longest drive on this journey is from Mary to Turkmenabad on Day 5, which typically takes around 5–6 hours, including breaks and stops to explore local sights along the way.

Absolutely, a variety of vegetarian meal options will be available. Vegan options may be limited but available.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

We require a 35% advance payment at the time of booking.

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 75 days before the date of travel

We have the following cancellation terms for this tour:

Cancellation up to 91 days from the date of travel: 10% cancellation charges (as per the total trip cost) will be levied, the rest will be refunded to you

From 90 - 46 days from the date of travel: 30% cancellation charges will be levied

45 days or less from the date of travel: 100% cancellation charges will be levied