Central Asia's most mysterious country. Ashgabat, the 'City of White Marble,' holds a Guinness record. Ancient Merv was once one of the world's largest cities. And the Darvaza Gas Crater — the famous 'Door to Hell' — has been burning for over 50 years in the middle of the Karakum Desert.
Cities to Explore(3)
Ashgabat
The 'City of White Marble' — one of the world's most surreal capitals, holding a Guinness record for white marble building density. The Parthian Fortresses of Nisa (UNESCO 2007) sit on the outskirts. The famous Darvaza Crater ('Door to Hell') is accessible as an excursion from Ashgabat.
Mary (Merv)
Mary is the gateway to ancient Merv (UNESCO 1999) — once one of the world's largest cities, encompassing five walled cities spanning 4,500 years. The Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala fortresses are unique architectural jewels.
Konye-Urgench
Former capital of the Khwarezmian Empire, Konye-Urgench (UNESCO 2005) houses the 60-meter Kutlug-Timur Minaret — Central Asia's tallest pre-modern minaret — and the Turabeg Khanym Mausoleum whose mosaic ceiling is considered among the finest in Islamic art.