Introduction
This 2 day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara is ideal for travelers entering Turkmenistan from the Uzbek border who want to discover the country’s history, culture, and modern beauty without visiting the Darvaza Gas Crater. In recent years, many travelers prefer exploring Turkmenistan’s cultural side the ancient city of Merv (UNESCO) and the white-marble capital Ashgabat, known as one of Central Asia’s most remarkable cities.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1, Bukhara – Turkmenabat – Merv (UNESCO) – Ashgabat
- Meet at the border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan (Farab / Alat border crossing).
- Border formalities are usually smooth and take a short time.
- Drive to Turkmenabat city for an early lunch.
- Continue to the ancient Silk Road city of Merv (250 km, ~4–4.5 hours across the Karakum Desert).
- Sightseeing in Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — visit Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Erk-Kala, Gyaur-Kala, and other ancient ruins (about 2 hours).
- After sightseeing, drive to Ashgabat (370 km, ~4–4.5 hours via the M37 highway).
- Arrive in Ashgabat in the evening.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Check in at the hotel.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2, Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Farab / Bukhara
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Start Ashgabat city tour — visit the Independence and Neutrality Monuments, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Alem Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace area, and city viewpoints (09:30–12:00).
- After the city tour, drive toward Mary via the express highway (3.5–4 hours).
- Lunch stop in Mary.
- Continue driving to Turkmenabat (4 hours).
- Arrive in Turkmenabat around 20:00.
- Proceed to Farab / Alat border crossing (30–40 minutes).
- Border formalities — foreign tourists usually pass without waiting in line, as locals allow them to go first.
- The entire procedure takes about 20–30 minutes.
- After crossing into Uzbekistan, take a taxi to Bukhara (1.5–2 hours).
- Arrive in Bukhara between 20:00 and 22:00, depending on the road and border traffic.End of the tour.
- Thank you for traveling with Darvaza Tour!
Price Includes:
- – Invitation letter support and Foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- – Accommodation. Standart rooms.
- – Ashgabat City tour
- – Transport and guide.
- – Meals at Darvaza and yurt night stay at Darvaza.
- – All breakfasts
- – All the expenses of the driver/guide, including gasoline, meals and accommodation, transfer to the point of meeting at border, and separating with the guest at the border.
- – All taxes
- – The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border.
- – You will see everything that is possible to see within that time. The tour can be changed on the go as possible.
Not included:
- – Visa and other fees at the border. (Usually costs not more than $110, per person)
- – Meals ($3-8/ 1meal/ 1person)
- – Entrance fees to Museums and others as per the tour. roughly not more 10$ per day if any.
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 1 nights
Standart: Bagt Kosgi / Mizan / Sport / Ashgabat
Comfort: Archabil / Yyldyz / Oguzkent