This 3-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Farap to Shavat, or in reverse, is a compact overland journey covering Merv, Ashgabat, the Darvaza Gas Crater and Kunya-Urgench. It is ideal for travelers crossing Turkmenistan between Uzbekistan’s Bukhara and Khiva regions.
3-Day Itinerary
Farap → Shavat
Farap → Merv → Ashgabat → Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat
Day 1 — Farap → Merv → Ashgabat
After completing the border formalities at Farap, meet your guide and driver and travel to the archaeological park of Merv.
Explore Kyz Kala, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala, the Askhabi Mausoleums and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. After sightseeing in Merv, continue to Ashgabat.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 2 — Ashgabat → Darvaza
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. In the afternoon, travel north through the Karakum Desert toward the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Along the way, you may visit the water and mud craters and a desert settlement. Arrive at Darvaza in the evening and experience the glowing crater after dark.
Meals: Dinner at the yurt camp
Overnight: Yurt or tent near Darvaza
Day 3 — Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat
After breakfast, travel via Dashoguz to the historic complex of Kunya-Urgench.
Explore the monuments of the ancient city before continuing to the Shavat border crossing. The tour ends on the Turkmenistan side of the border after the departure formalities.
Shavat → Farap
Shavat → Kunya-Urgench → Darvaza → Ashgabat → Merv → Farap
Day 1 — Shavat → Kunya-Urgench → Darvaza
After completing the border formalities at Shavat, meet your guide and driver and continue to the historic complex of Kunya-Urgench.
After the visit, travel back toward Dashoguz and continue through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza. On arrival, visit the Gas Crater. If timing allows, you may experience sunset at the crater and see it glowing after dark.
Meals: Lunch in Dashoguz; dinner at the yurt camp
Overnight: Yurt or tent near Darvaza
Day 2 — Darvaza → Ashgabat
After breakfast, depart for Ashgabat. Along the way, stop at the water and mud craters and, if time permits, a desert settlement.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital before checking in at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast at the camp; lunch and dinner in Ashgabat
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Merv → Farap
After breakfast, travel to Merv. Following lunch, explore the archaeological park, including Kyz Kala, the Askhabi Mausoleums, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.
After sightseeing, continue via Turkmenabat to the Farap border crossing. The tour ends on the Turkmenistan side of the border.
Meals: Breakfast in Ashgabat; lunch near Merv
3-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,130
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 846
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 630
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 582
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Please note that the prices shown above are indicative and may vary depending on the final itinerary, travel dates, accommodation and overnight arrangements, room configuration, optional services, and other individual requirements. We will always confirm the final tour price with you before booking.
What’s Included
- Visa support and registration: assistance with the Turkmenistan e-Visa application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Hotel accommodation: one night in a comfortable hotel in Ashgabat with breakfast, based on twin-room sharing according to guests’ gender unless another room arrangement is agreed.
- Darvaza accommodation: one night in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen and access to camp facilities.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver throughout the land itinerary.
- Border transfers: pick-up and drop-off on the Turkmenistan side of the Farap and Shavat border crossings, according to the selected direction of travel.
- Intercity and sightseeing transfers: all road transfers required for the programme between Farap, Merv, Ashgabat, Darvaza, Kunya-Urgench and Shavat.
- Meals: hotel breakfast, plus dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp, as specified in the itinerary.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided visits and entrance fees for museums, historical monuments and sites included in the agreed programme.
- Medical insurance: coverage up to USD 64,000 per guest, subject to the policy terms.
- Driver and guide costs: fuel, meals, accommodation and other route-related expenses for the driver and guide.
- Taxes and organisation: applicable taxes, road fees and organisational costs for the included services.
- Border-to-border service: full ground service from Farap to Shavat or in the reverse direction from Shavat to Farap.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to border processing, road conditions, local access, weather and the time available.
- Mobile internet: access to the guide’s portable Wi-Fi router where mobile network coverage is available, supporting up to 10 connected devices at a time.
Not Included
- e-Visa fee: paid by the traveller; the amount depends on nationality and processing time. We prepare and submit your application after the tour is confirmed.
- Border fees on arrival: about US$49 per person (migration registration and medical check), paid in cash at the border.
- Meals: any meals not listed under What’s Included.
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, snacks, SIM cards, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Tips: not included, but welcome.
