Merv Day Trip

Name: Merv Day Trip
Location: Ashgabat

Duration

1 days

Price

US$400.00

TOUR OVERVIEW

This is a one day extension that can be done at the start or end of any Turkmenistan tour. It begins and ends in Ashgabat, so is easily accessible, and is perfect for those history buffs out there who want to see a bit more of the ancient stuff whilst in Turkmenistan.

We have designed this itinerary as a single day trip, driving between Ashgabat and Merv, however there are also flights and trains which can be incorporated for one or both ways, and it can also easily be made into an overnight trip for anyone who wishes to do things a bit more slowly.

View the full itinerary

INCLUSIONS:

✓	Transport as per itinerary, beginning and ending in Ashgabat
✓	Entrance fee to Merv and Mary Museum
✓	English speaking guide

EXCLUSIONS:

⨯	Letter of Invitation (will be included in the main tour)
⨯	Visa fee (can be paid on arrival at the airport or land border, or at an embassy beforehand)
⨯	Accommodation and meals
⨯	Accommodation and any other services before or after the tour
⨯	Personal expenses such as souvenirs or any optional activities
⨯	Any COVID related expenses

Itinerary

Day 1

Ashgabat, Mary, Merv, Ashgabat

You'll be picked up from your hotel first thing in the morning, to begin the roughly three hour drive to Mary. For many years this was an eight hour drive, so flying was by far the most effective way to do this, however in 2024 this section of road has been greatly improved, and now doing it in a car has become what we think is the best option.
There are several possible stops along the way - a couple of smaller historical sites and a few options of places where you might like to get a drink or something to eat.
You'll make your way straight to Merv. Now a UNESCO world heritage listed site, Merv is the oldest and best preserved ancient oasis city along the Silk Road, and at one point during the 12 ^th Century was possibly even the largest city in the world.
You'll spend a few hours exploring the shrines, temples, towers, city walls, fortresses, castles and mausoleums, the most notable of which is that of Sultan Sandzhar Dar-al-Akhir which reaches forty metres into the sky, topped by an almost completely intact brick dome.
When you've seen all that Merv has to offer, you'll continue on to the modern city of Mary, only a half an hour's drive away, where you can stop for some lunch, before visiting the Mary Museum if there is time.
In the afternoon, you'll drive back to Ashgabat, arriving back at your hotel in the evening.
*There are several ways to do this as either a day trip or an overnight trip. Flying is still an option, and there are also trains, and of course it can be done with one mode of transport there and a different one back. If you'd like to explore these options please let us know.

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