Day 1 — Ashgabat
• Airport meet-and-greet and transfer; settle at hotel.
• State Museum of History — guided walk through Parthian artifacts, carpets, meteorite and dinosaur footprints with engaging stories.
• Ferris wheel — city panoramas and photo stop.
• Neutrality Arch, Earthquake Memorial, Wedding Palace, Independence Park — admire modern Turkmen architecture and learn civic history.
• Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 — Ashgabat – Old Nisa – Bahardok Village – Darvaza
• Old Nisa (UNESCO) — archaeological exploration with expert explanation of Parthian sanctuary.
• Gypjak Mosque & Mausoleum — observe national religious architecture.
• Bahardok village — meet locals and see authentic rural life.
• Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater — evening arrival to view the spectacular flaming crater at dusk.
• Overnight in traditional yurt near the crater.
Day 3 — Darvaza – Carpet Museum – Ashgabat
• Morning return to Ashgabat.
• Carpet Museum — guided viewing of 1,000+ carpets from medieval to modern, learning weaving traditions.
• Lenin Square & Ertogrulgazy Mosque — city landmarks and cultural context.
• Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 — Ashgabat – Mary (Merv) – Ashgabat
• Early drive to airport for local flight Ashgabat–Mary (approx. 06:00/06:50; schedule may change).
• Ancient Merv guided tour — Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Soltan Gala, Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum; learn Merv’s Silk Road importance.
• Lunch in Mary; visit Seyit Jemak Ad Din Mosque en route.
• Drive back to Ashgabat; overnight at hotel.
Day 5 — Ashgabat
• Early transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for departure; farewell from your guide.


Hotel:
Ashgabat — Sport Hotel (central Ashgabat), Darvaza — Traditional yurt camp (near crater)