Tour Overview
Our 3-day Turkmenistan tour from Ashgabat offers an unforgettable journey through the country's spectacular desert landscapes, modern capital and ancient Silk Road heritage, finishing at the Farap border for travellers continuing to Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Begin your adventure in Ashgabat, famous for its remarkable white-marble architecture and grand monuments. Travel north into the Karakum Desert, where you will spend your first night in a traditional Turkmen yurt near the extraordinary Darvaza Gas Crater. Enjoy a freshly prepared outdoor dinner while experiencing the unique atmosphere of the desert after sunset. On the second day, return to Ashgabat with stops at the fascinating Water and Mud Craters before discovering more of the capital's cultural and architectural highlights. Spend the night in a comfortable city hotel.
Your final day takes you east to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where impressive medieval mausoleums, fortresses and archaeological remains reveal the region's remarkable Silk Road history. Continue through Turkmenabat to the Farap border, completing your three-day private journey with Darvaza Tour.
3-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Ashgabat Airport → Ashgabat City Tour → Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
Your private 3-day journey through Turkmenistan begins upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB). After completing passport control, immigration and customs procedures, meet your local Darvaza Tour representative in the arrivals area.
Your experienced guide and driver will welcome you and assist with your luggage before beginning your sightseeing programme. If your flight arrives early in the morning, a breakfast stop at a local restaurant can be arranged before exploring the capital.
Morning — Discover Ashgabat, the White Marble City
Begin your introduction to Turkmenistan with a guided orientation tour of Ashgabat, a remarkable capital celebrated for its monumental architecture, wide boulevards and distinctive white-marble buildings.
Depending on your arrival time and interests, your guide will select suitable city landmarks, offering an introduction to Turkmenistan's national traditions, modern development and cultural heritage.
Possible highlights include the Independence Monument, Neutrality Monument, major ceremonial squares and other architectural attractions along the city's main avenues.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can discover traditional Turkmen dishes and regional Central Asian cuisine.
This break also provides an opportunity to refresh before departing for the Karakum Desert.
Afternoon — Journey into the Karakum Desert
Leave Ashgabat and travel north toward the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, approximately 270 km from the capital.
The journey takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on road conditions and the number of stops.
Watch the urban scenery gradually give way to the open landscapes of the Karakum Desert. The final sections of the journey may include uneven roads and bumpy desert tracks, adding to the adventurous character of this remarkable destination.
Evening — Experience the Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, widely known as the "Door to Hell," one of Turkmenistan's most extraordinary natural-industrial landmarks.
Take time to admire the crater, photograph its dramatic appearance and experience the surrounding desert landscape.
As daylight fades, the contrast between the illuminated crater and the darkness of the Karakum Desert creates a memorable setting for evening photography.
Traditional Barbecue Dinner at the Desert Camp
After exploring the crater, enjoy an open-air barbecue dinner freshly prepared by the camp team.
Spend the evening relaxing beneath the desert sky and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the remote Karakum landscape.
Overnight Accommodation
Stay for one night in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the Darvaza desert camp.
Dinner, bedding and breakfast are arranged as part of the overnight desert experience.
Day 2 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Water & Mud Craters → Ashgabat
Early Morning — Optional Sunrise at Darvaza
Begin the morning with an optional early visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater.
The soft morning light provides a completely different perspective of the surrounding desert compared with the previous evening. Travellers interested in photography may enjoy capturing the crater and the vast Karakum landscape before the day's journey begins.
Breakfast at the Desert Camp
Return to the yurt camp for a freshly prepared breakfast.
After breakfast, collect your belongings and prepare for the journey south toward Ashgabat.
Drive Back Through the Karakum Desert
Travel approximately 270 km toward Turkmenistan's capital, following the desert route through the Karakum.
The drive generally takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
Along the way, enjoy the sweeping views of the desert and learn more from your guide about the region's geography and natural features.
Visit the Water and Mud Craters
During the return journey, stop to explore two other intriguing geological attractions associated with the Darvaza area.
Water Crater: Observe an unusual desert depression containing water, offering a striking contrast to the dry landscape surrounding it.
Mud Crater: Discover another distinctive crater site, where the terrain and geological features reveal a different side of the Karakum Desert.
These short sightseeing stops add variety to the journey and introduce visitors to the lesser-known attractions of the region.
Lunch Upon Arrival in Ashgabat
Continue toward Ashgabat and stop for lunch at a local restaurant upon arrival.
Enjoy time to relax after the desert drive before continuing your capital sightseeing programme.
Afternoon — Private Ashgabat City Tour
Spend the afternoon discovering additional landmarks and cultural attractions in Ashgabat with your private guide.
The sightseeing programme can be adapted to your interests and the time available.
Depending on opening hours and local access conditions, you may visit important monuments, explore cultural sites, discover traditional markets or photograph the capital's impressive modern architecture.
Your guide will help create a balanced sightseeing experience without unnecessary rushing.
Evening — Hotel Check-in and Leisure
After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel in Ashgabat.
Enjoy free time to relax, freshen up or arrange dinner at a local restaurant with assistance from your guide.
Overnight Accommodation
One night at a comfortable hotel in Ashgabat, with breakfast the following morning.
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Turkmenabat → Farap Border / Bukhara
07:30 AM — Departure from Ashgabat
After an early breakfast at your hotel, complete check-out and meet your private guide and driver.
Depart Ashgabat and travel east toward the historic Merv oasis along the modern Ashgabat–Mary motorway.
The journey covers approximately 360 km and generally takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and stops.
During the drive, observe the changing landscapes of southern Turkmenistan as your journey approaches the ancient Silk Road region of Mary.
Lunch in Mary or Bayramaly
Upon reaching the Mary region, stop at a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly for a traditional lunch.
Enjoy a short break before beginning your exploration of Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's most significant archaeological destinations.
Guided Exploration of Ancient Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Continue to the State Historical and Cultural Park of Ancient Merv, a remarkable archaeological complex preserving the remains of several historic cities that developed across centuries along the Silk Road.
With your knowledgeable local guide, explore the principal monuments and archaeological remains of this once-important centre of trade, learning about its historical development and the civilizations that shaped the region.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Discover one of the most impressive surviving monuments of the Great Seljuk period.
Built during the 12th century, the mausoleum is particularly admired for its monumental proportions, magnificent dome and sophisticated brick architecture.
Learn about Sultan Sanjar and Merv's influential role in the political and cultural history of the Seljuk Empire.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
Explore the distinctive remains of Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala, two remarkable mud-brick architectural monuments famous for their deeply corrugated exterior walls.
These ancient structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural traditions of the Merv oasis and are among the site's most recognizable landmarks.
Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba
Continue to the historic Askhabs complex, associated with figures traditionally identified as companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Discover the cultural and religious significance of these monuments, together with nearby archaeological features.
You will also learn about the ancient sardoba water-storage system, an important example of how communities managed essential water resources in this challenging environment.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Explore the remains of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, two major fortified settlements that formed part of the historical development of Ancient Merv.
Admire the surviving defensive earthworks and expansive archaeological landscape while your guide explains the evolution of the ancient city.
Additional minor monuments may be included where time, access and the agreed itinerary permit.
Afternoon — Drive to Turkmenabat
Following the guided archaeological tour, depart the Merv oasis and travel northeast toward Turkmenabat along the Mary–Turkmenabat motorway.
The journey covers approximately 240 km, with a driving time of around 2.5–3 hours depending on conditions.
Enjoy views of eastern Turkmenistan as you continue toward the Amu Darya River and the Uzbek border.
Farewell Dinner in Turkmenabat
Depending on the day's progress and border arrival schedule, stop for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Turkmenabat.
This is an opportunity to enjoy another traditional regional meal and reflect on your journey through Turkmenistan.
Evening — Transfer to Farap Border
Continue approximately 40–45 km from Turkmenabat to the Farap–Alat border crossing, which connects Turkmenistan with Uzbekistan.
Upon arrival, your guide will assist with the departure arrangements and provide directions for completing the required passport, customs and immigration formalities.
Cross into Uzbekistan and continue independently or with a separately arranged transfer toward Bukhara.
End of Darvaza Tour Services
Your private 3-day Turkmenistan transit tour concludes at the Farap border, marking the end of a memorable journey through Ashgabat, the Karakum Desert and Ancient Merv.
3-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,154
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
Tour prices are calculated per person according to the total number of travelers in your private group. Larger groups are also welcome, and customized quotations are available upon request.
Price includes:
- Visa support and registration: assistance with the e-Visa application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Darvaza accommodation: one night in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen and access to shower facilities.
- Hotel accommodation: one night at the 4-star Ak Altyn Hotel in Ashgabat with breakfast, based on twin-room sharing according to guests’ gender unless another room arrangement is agreed.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the land itinerary.
- Transfers: pick-up at Ashgabat International Airport, intercity and sightseeing transfers, and the final transfer to the Farap border for onward travel to Bukhara.
- Meals: dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp, plus hotel breakfast in Ashgabat.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided visits and entrance fees for sites included in the agreed programme, including Ashgabat, the Water and Mud Craters and Ancient Merv.
- 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.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to flight arrival, border processing, road conditions, local access 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.
Price doesn't include:
- 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.
- Arrival fees: about US$49 per person (migration registration and medical check), paid in cash at Ashgabat International Airport on arrival.
- International flights: flights arriving in Ashgabat are not included unless separately agreed.
- Meals: lunches, dinner in Ashgabat, the farewell dinner in Turkmenabat and any meals not listed under Price includes. Allow about USD 3–8 per person per meal; actual restaurant prices vary.
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, laundry, minibar and other personal purchases.
- Tips: for guides and drivers; optional and appreciated.
Accommodation
Ashgabat — 1 night
Ak Altyn Hotel 4*
Accommodation in Ashgabat is planned at Ak Altyn Hotel, a centrally located hotel with convenient access to the main sightseeing areas, restaurants and major city attractions.
The hotel is officially classified as a 4-star property, although it is an older-established hotel with a more traditional interior style compared with newer luxury hotels in Ashgabat. We use Ak Altyn because of its practical location, reliable service and easy access to the main places included in the city sightseeing programme.
Breakfast is included. Twin, double or single room arrangements can be provided according to the confirmed booking.
Darvaza — 1 night
Traditional Turkmen Yurt Camp
One night near the Darvaza Gas Crater. The stay includes bedding, dinner, breakfast and access to camp washing/shower facilities. Accommodation in the desert is simpler than a city hotel and is designed as part of the Karakum experience.
