Gonur-Depe
Gonur-Depe was the heart of the Bactria–Margiana civilization, a sophisticated Bronze Age culture that flourished four thousand years ago in the oasis of the Murghab delta. Excavations have revealed a great palace, temples, and elaborate royal burials.
Reached across the desert from Mary, it is a site for the genuinely curious — raw, remote and hugely important to the story of early civilisation in Central Asia.
Highlights
- Bronze Age capital
- Bactria–Margiana civilization
- Palace & temple complex
- Royal burials
Best time to visit
Tours that visit Gonur-Depe
Grand Turkmenistan — The Classic
The complete overland loop from Ashgabat — Nisa, the Darvaza crater, Kunya-Urgench and ancient Merv in eleven unhurried days.
Grand Turkmenistan — Coast & Canyons
Everything in the Classic, plus the Caspian shore, the Awaza resort and the flame-coloured Yangykala canyons — fourteen days.
Grand Turkmenistan — The Expedition
The classic highlights plus Turkmenistan’s remotest corner — the Ekedeshik cave and the Jurassic dinosaur plateau of Koýtendag.