TM TRAVEL
TM TRAVEL
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Tour / Details

  • LocationMerv
  • ActivityUNESCO
  • Duration4 days / 3 nights
  • Travelers2–10
  • $690per person
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(4.8 Review)

Ancient Merv & Silk Road

Step back in time on this 4-day journey to the ancient Silk Road. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv, once one of the largest and most important cities in the medieval world. Discover its grand mausoleums, fortresses, and the legacy of the Parthian Empire at Old Nisa. You will also visit the famous Akhal-Teke horse stud farm, the pride of Turkmenistan, and experience the vibrant local life at the Mary Bazaar. This tour is a deep dive into the history and culture that shaped Central Asia.

Ancient Merv & Silk Road

Journey Highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv, the "Queen of the World," including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Kyz Kala fortresses

  • Visit the legendary Akhal-Teke horse stud farm, famous for the "Golden Horses" of Turkmenistan

  • Discover Old Nisa, the ancient Parthian fortress and UNESCO site

  • Immerse yourself in local culture at the bustling Mary Bazaar

  • See the Russian Orthodox Church in Mary

  • Walk in the footsteps of Silk Road caravans

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • English-speaking guide throughout
  • Transport in comfortable, air-conditioned minivan
  • 3 nights in hotels (Ashgabat and Mary)
  • Breakfasts and lunches as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees to Ancient Merv, Old Nisa, and all listed sites
  • Visit to the Akhal-Teke horse stud farm
  • Visa support: Letter of Invitation (LOI) and registration
  • Bottled water
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • International flights
  • Visa and migration fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Dinners
  • Personal expenses

Day-by-Day Itinerary

01
Day 1
Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Meet-and-greet with guide. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon city orientation tour: Arch of Neutrality, Independence Square, and the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Ashgabat.
02
Day 2
Flight to Mary · Ancient Merv
Morning flight to Mary (1 hour). Check-in at hotel. Guided tour of Ancient Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Kiz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyz Gala, and the Silk Road caravanserai. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon: continue exploring Merv ruins and the museum. Dinner and overnight in Mary.
03
Day 3
Gonur-Depe & Mary Bazaar
Morning drive to Gonur-Depe — an archaeological site of one of the oldest civilizations in Central Asia (3rd millennium BC). Full guided tour of the excavations and the museum. Picnic lunch. Afternoon return to Mary. Visit to Mary Bazaar and the Russian Orthodox Church. Dinner. Overnight in Mary.
04
Day 4
Return to Ashgabat · Departure
Morning at leisure or optional visit to the Mary History Museum. Flight back to Ashgabat. Transfer to airport for international departure flight.
Route

Journey Timeline

4 days / 3 nights

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