Tour Overview
Our 3-day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara combines the ancient Silk Road heritage of Merv with the remarkable modern architecture of Ashgabat. Starting at the Farap border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, this private journey offers a fascinating introduction to the country's history, culture and most impressive landmarks.
Begin your adventure with a guided visit to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will explore the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the distinctive Kyz Kala fortresses, the historic Askhabs Mausoleums and the ancient settlements of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala. Continue to Ashgabat, where you will spend two nights in a comfortable hotel and discover the capital's famous white-marble buildings, monumental squares, cultural attractions and local traditions with your experienced guide.
On the final day, enjoy additional sightseeing in Ashgabat before your private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB). An alternative departure toward the Howdan–Bajgiran border with Iran may be arranged separately, subject to confirmed passenger crossing availability and official permissions. With private transportation, comfortable accommodation and professional local guiding, Darvaza Tour makes this three-day journey a convenient way to explore two of Turkmenistan's most captivating destinations.
3-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Farap Border → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat
🛂 09:00 AM (Approx.) — Welcome at Farap Border
Your 3-day Turkmenistan journey begins at the Farap border crossing, the main overland gateway for travellers arriving from Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
After completing the required immigration and passport formalities, meet your local Darvaza Tour guide at the designated meeting area on the Turkmenistan side of the checkpoint. Our team will coordinate the meeting in advance using your confirmed travel information and identification details.
Once everyone is ready, begin the journey toward the historic Merv oasis in southeastern Turkmenistan.
🚗 Overland Journey to the Ancient Merv Region
Travel southwest through eastern Turkmenistan, passing the landscapes of the Lebap and Mary regions.
The road journey introduces you to the vast plains and desert scenery surrounding the historic Silk Road routes.
Your driver will use the principal road connections toward the Merv archaeological area. Travel time depends on border processing, road conditions and any planned stops along the way.
🍽️ Traditional Lunch in Mary or Bayramaly
Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant in the Mary region.
This is an opportunity to sample traditional Turkmen cuisine, relax after the morning journey and prepare for the historical sightseeing programme.
🏛️ Guided Exploration of Ancient Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's greatest archaeological complexes and an important centre of civilization along the Silk Road.
The site preserves monuments from different historical periods, revealing the development of a remarkable oasis city that once connected major trade routes across Central Asia.
Your guided visit includes the following principal attractions.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Explore one of the most remarkable surviving buildings of the Seljuk period. Constructed in the 12th century, this monumental mausoleum is celebrated for its impressive proportions, brick architecture and distinctive dome structure.
Your guide will explain the historical importance of Sultan Sanjar and the role of Merv during the height of Seljuk power.
Greater & Lesser Kyz Kala
Discover the extraordinary remains of these early medieval mud-brick structures, immediately recognizable by their deeply fluted exterior walls.
These monuments represent some of the most distinctive architectural features of the Merv archaeological landscape and provide exceptional photography opportunities.
Askhabs Mausoleums & Ancient Sardoba
Continue to the historic Askhabs complex, associated with religious traditions and pilgrimage.
Explore the monuments dedicated to early Islamic figures and discover how water-storage structures such as the sardoba supported communities and travellers in the arid environment of Central Asia.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala
Visit two ancient fortified settlements that reveal the long history of urban development at Merv.
Erk Kala is associated with the earliest stages of settlement, while Gyaur Kala preserves the remains of a much larger fortified urban centre.
From accessible elevated areas, enjoy views across the archaeological landscape and appreciate the extraordinary scale of Ancient Merv.
Additional monuments may be visited where time, local access and the day's travel schedule permit.
🚙 Drive from Mary to Ashgabat
Following the archaeological tour, continue west toward Ashgabat along the main Mary–Ashgabat road connection.
The approximate distance is 360 km, with a typical driving estimate of around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on conditions.
Enjoy the changing landscapes during the journey from the historical Merv oasis toward Turkmenistan's modern capital.
🌃 Evening Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrive in Ashgabat in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on the arrival time and your preferred pace, your guide can arrange a dinner stop at a local restaurant before hotel check-in or recommend a convenient restaurant near your accommodation.
After a full day of travel and historical exploration, enjoy a comfortable night's rest.
🏨 Overnight: Ak Altyn Hotel, Ashgabat — Night 1.
Day 2 — Ashgabat Full-Day Private City Tour
🍳 Breakfast at the Hotel
Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel before meeting your private local guide for a full day exploring Ashgabat.
Unlike the previous day's archaeological adventure, today's programme focuses on Turkmenistan's modern capital, its architecture, cultural heritage and urban landmarks.
🏛️ Discover Ashgabat — The White-Marble City
Ashgabat is renowned for its broad avenues, carefully landscaped parks, monumental squares and impressive marble-clad public buildings.
Your private guide will introduce you to the city's transformation into a distinctive modern capital while providing insight into Turkmenistan's history, national traditions and cultural identity.
The route can be tailored according to your interests, opening times and local sightseeing arrangements.
Possible sightseeing highlights include:
Independence Monument
Discover one of the capital's prominent national landmarks and learn about the symbolism behind Turkmenistan's independence and modern national identity.
Neutrality Monument
Admire the famous monument dedicated to Turkmenistan's internationally recognized policy of permanent neutrality and its significance in the country's modern history.
Ertogrul Gazi Mosque
Visit one of Ashgabat's most recognizable mosques, known for its elegant domes, minarets and architectural influences inspired by Ottoman traditions.
Gypjak Mosque & Memorial Complex
Depending on the day's arrangements, visit the impressive mosque complex outside central Ashgabat and learn about its architectural and cultural significance.
Old Nisa Archaeological Site
For travellers interested in ancient history, a visit to the UNESCO-listed Parthian site of Old Nisa may be included in the agreed programme, subject to available time and access arrangements.
Cultural Museums & Local Markets
Depending on your preferences, explore selected museums, traditional market areas or other cultural attractions that provide a closer look at Turkmenistan's crafts, history and contemporary life.
Your guide will organize the sightseeing schedule to make the most of your time without making the day unnecessarily rushed.
🍽️ Traditional Lunch in Ashgabat
Take a relaxing lunch break at a local restaurant.
Enjoy traditional dishes and regional specialities while discussing your sightseeing experiences with your guide.
🌆 Afternoon Architecture & City Highlights
Continue exploring Ashgabat through its monumental avenues, public squares and architectural landmarks.
The afternoon can include photography stops, additional cultural visits or a relaxed introduction to the city's local neighbourhoods and markets.
Because this is a private tour, your guide can adjust the pace according to your interests, comfort and the time available.
🍢 Dinner & Relaxed Evening
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you can experience more of Turkmenistan's regional cuisine.
After dinner, return to your hotel and prepare for the final day of your journey.
🏨 Overnight: Ak Altyn Hotel, Ashgabat — Night 2.
Day 3 — Ashgabat City Highlights → Ashgabat Airport / Conditional Iran Border Transfer
🌅 Breakfast & Hotel Check-Out
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Your guide will coordinate the day's programme based on your confirmed departure arrangements, whether you are flying from Ashgabat International Airport or have separately arranged an authorised overland departure.
🏙️ Morning Sightseeing in Ashgabat
Spend the final morning visiting selected attractions that were not covered during the previous day's programme.
Depending on your interests and available time, your guide may arrange additional photography stops, cultural attractions, shopping opportunities or a relaxing drive through the capital's principal avenues.
This flexible approach allows you to enjoy the final part of your journey without unnecessary rushing before departure.
🍽️ Farewell Lunch
Where your schedule permits, stop at a local restaurant for a farewell lunch.
Enjoy a final opportunity to sample Turkmen cuisine and reflect on your experiences at Ancient Merv and Ashgabat.
✈️ Option A — Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)
For travellers departing by air, Darvaza Tour will arrange a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
Your guide and driver will coordinate the transfer according to your confirmed flight details, allowing appropriate time for airport check-in, security and departure formalities.
This is the standard departure option for the programme.
🛂 Option B — Howdan–Bajgiran Border Transfer (Iran), Subject to Confirmation
For travellers planning to continue into Iran, an alternative private transfer toward the Howdan–Bajgiran border checkpoint may be arranged only after confirmation that the crossing is available for the intended passenger movement.
The route travels south from Ashgabat toward the Kopetdag Mountains, approximately 40 km from the city.
Travel time to the checkpoint area is generally around one hour, although actual conditions may vary.
This option is strictly subject to current border regulations, nationality-specific requirements, entry permissions and confirmation of operating arrangements.
If the crossing cannot be authorised or is unavailable to passengers, the Iran departure option cannot be provided as advertised. An alternative itinerary must be agreed before booking.
🏁 End of Tour Services
Your three-day tour concludes with the confirmed departure transfer.
Thank you for exploring Turkmenistan with Darvaza Tour. We hope your journey through Ancient Merv and Ashgabat has provided unforgettable memories of the country's Silk Road heritage and contemporary culture.
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
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Price includes:
- Visa support and registration: assistance with the e-Visa application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Hotel accommodation: two nights 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 on the Turkmenistan side of the Farap border, intercity and sightseeing transfers, and the final transfer to Ashgabat International Airport or, subject to confirmation, to the Howdan border for Iran.
- Meals: hotel breakfasts in Ashgabat.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: a full-day private city tour of Ashgabat, plus guided visits and entrance fees for sites included in the agreed programme, including 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 border processing, road conditions, local access, flight timing 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.
- Border fees on arrival: about US$49 per person (migration registration and medical check), paid in cash at the border.
- Meals: lunches, dinners 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.
- Services in Iran: onward transport and services after crossing into Iran, unless separately agreed.
- International flights: flights departing from Ashgabat, unless specifically stated in the quotation.
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.
