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Turkmenistan-3-days: culture-offbeat

Ashgabat-Mary

DURATION

3 Days

OFF-BEAT

CULTURE

Plan my Jrny

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Plan my Jrny

Turkmenistan-3-days: culture-offbeat: Ashgabat-Mary

DURATION

3 Days

Plan my Jrny

About this Jrny

Turkmenistan, a land of ancient history and striking modernity, invites you to explore its white-marble capital, vast deserts, and legendary Silk Road cities. Your journey begins in Ashgabat, a city of grandeur with its gleaming architecture and unique blend of tradition and innovation. Upon arrival, meet your guide and settle into your hotel, ready to discover this extraordinary destination.

Travel to Mary, a gateway to the ancient wonders of Central Asia. Along the way, stop at the Anau Mosque, a medieval masterpiece adorned with mosaic ruins and an underground water reservoir. Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling landscapes, offering a glimpse into Turkmenistan’s natural beauty.

Step back in time at Merv, one of the most important Silk Road cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its vast ruins, exploring centuries-old fortresses, mausoleums, and settlements that whisper tales of its glorious past. The remnants of this once-thriving metropolis provide a deep insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Conclude your adventure with a return to Ashgabat, reflecting on the history, landscapes, and unique experiences that make this journey unforgettable. Join this exploration of Turkmenistan and uncover a hidden gem of Central Asia.

Highlights

Walk through the world’s highest concentration of white marble buildings and experience the city's futuristic charm.
Step into a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with centuries-old fortresses, mausoleums, and Silk Road history.
Visit the medieval Anau Mosque, admire historic ruins, and experience the cultural richness of Mary.

Inclusions:

2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Stay in comfortable hotels in the city, homestays and yurts (specified in the itinerary or similar)
1 night stay in Ashgabat
1 night stay in Mary
Arrive and departure airport transfers
Local English speaking guides/experts for all sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ashgabat

Day 2

Ashgabat to Mary

Day 3

Mary to Merv

Overview

Duration

3 Days

Activity level

Moderate

Travel Style

comfort

Plan My Jrny

Turkmenistan-3-days: culture-offbeat

3 Days

Number of Adults

Number of Kids (under 12 years)

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Stay

Day 1,

1 N

Sport Hotel

Ashgabat

Day 2 - 3, Night

1 N

Mary Hotel

Mary

No Hotels Available.

Your Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ashgabat

Welcome to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan! It is famous for its striking white marble architecture and grand, surreal cityscape. Known as the 'City of White Marble', it is in the Guinness World Records for having the highest concentration of white marble buildings. Nestled between the Karakum Desert and Kopet Dag mountains, Ashgabat boasts a mix of modernity and traditional Turkmen culture.

Meals included: Dinner

Activities

Meet and greet in Ashgabat

00:00 - 23:59

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

Ashgabat to Mary

Today, you begin your journey by completing the OVIR registration, a necessary step for travel in Turkmenistan. Afterward, you embark on a scenic drive from Ashgabat to Mary, passing through vast deserts and rolling hills. During your journey, you’ll stop at the Anau Mosque, a stunning 15th-century site known for its unique mosaics and an ancient underground water reservoir. As you continue, you’ll get a deeper sense of Turkmenistan’s natural beauty and historical significance. By the time you reach Mary, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and history of the region, ready to explore its local charm.

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 3

Mary to Merv

On this day, you visit the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore its impressive fortresses, mausoleums, and ancient ruins. As you walk through this historic site, you’ll uncover the rich history of the Silk Road and the city’s significance as a thriving cultural and trade center. After soaking in the fascinating history, you’ll begin your drive back to Ashgabat, reflecting on the journey through time. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the scenic landscapes of Turkmenistan, offering a peaceful conclusion to your exploration. By evening, you’ll return to Ashgabat, ready to relax and reflect on your adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Mary to Merv Drive

10:00 - 11:00

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

12:00 - 15:00

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.

Merv to Ashgabat Drive

15:30 - 21:00

The drive from Merv to Ashgabat takes you through the scenic landscapes of Turkmenistan, offering a chance to reflect on the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient Silk Road.

Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 370 km/ 230 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), is the primary international airport serving Turkmenistan. It is the main gateway for travellers arriving in the capital city.

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.

- International flights

- 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

- Sleeping bags rental $10 per day (required for 3 nights)

- Tips for driver and local guide

Yes, all JrnyOn tours include private airport transfers for arrival and departure between the airport and the tour hotel. In the case of Social or JrnyMaestro trips, these transfers will be shared with other members of your tour.

There are no activities scheduled on Day 1 of the trip. So you can arrive anytime. Hotel check-in time varies and generally will be around 2:00 pm.

On last day you have visit to Merv, hence you can make your departure arrangement in the late evening.

Turkmenistan's urban exploration involves moderate walking, suitable for various fitness levels. Outdoor excursions in the desert may require a higher level of fitness.

The itinerary involves a long 5-hour drive from Ashgabat to Mary, as well as drives between Mary and Merv. Travelers should verify the specific transportation modes and durations with the tour organizer, ensuring they are well-prepared for the scenic drives during the tour.

There are no mandatory vaccinations specified for the tour. Travellers are advised to stay informed about vaccination recommendations, checking with local health authorities, the World Health Organization, and official health advisories. Stay vigilant for any changes in health guidelines, especially considering the evolving global situation.

Tipping is not obligatory, and service charges are often included in restaurant bills. While a small tip (around 5-10%) is appreciated for service, it is not expected. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is discretionary.

Layered clothing is key to adjusting to varying temperatures. Nights in the desert are chilly, so pack extra layers for camping. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat is recommended for sunny days.

Turkmenistan has a cold semi-arid climate. Weather in Turkmenistan in spring is the best for traveling. In March, temperature reaches +15° С during the daytime and +22° С in April. The temperature falls to 5-6° С at night, so warm clothes are a must. You can expect about 3 to 8 days of rain.

The official currency is the Turkmenistani Manat (TMT), widely accepted for transactions. ATMs are prevalent for convenient withdrawals, and credit/debit cards are commonly used in urban areas. While cards are accepted in many places, having some USD in cash is advisable, particularly for smaller establishments and markets. Travellers should stay informed about any potential fees related to currency exchange or card transactions.

- A 30% advance payment is required to confirm the booking.

- Balance full payment to be done 90 days before the date of travel

- Till 91 days, 10% cancellation charges

- From 90 - 46 days 30% cancellation charges

- From 45 days onwards 100% cancellation charges.