This 4-day private journey starts from the Bukhara/Farab side and finishes at Ashgabat International Airport, combining Ancient Merv, Ashgabat, Old Nisa and the Darvaza Gas Crater. The route is ideal for travelers who want to enter Turkmenistan overland from Uzbekistan and depart internationally from Ashgabat.
4-Day Itinerary
Bukhara / Farab → Ashgabat Airport
Bukhara → Farab Border → Turkmenabat → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat → Darvaza → Ashgabat Airport
Day 1 — Farab → Turkmenabat → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat
After completing the border formalities at Farab, meet your local guide and driver on the Turkmenistan side and begin the journey through eastern Turkmenistan.
Continue to Ancient Merv, one of the most important archaeological centres of the Silk Road. Visit major sites such as the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala and the Askhab Mausoleums.
After sightseeing, continue west to Ashgabat and check in at your hotel.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 2 — Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater
After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Ashgabat. Depending on opening hours and available time, visits may include Old Nisa, Gypjak Mosque, major monuments, panoramic viewpoints, museums and selected city landmarks.
Around midday, stop for lunch before leaving Ashgabat and driving north through the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. Spend time at the crater as daylight fades, enjoy dinner near the camp and return to the crater after dark.
Overnight: Traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater
Day 3 — Darvaza → Ashgabat
After breakfast at the camp, leave Darvaza and return to Ashgabat.
The afternoon is kept flexible for additional sightseeing, local markets, souvenir shopping or places that may not have been visited the previous day.
Depending on the day and your interests, the programme may include Tolkuchka Bazaar, Russian Bazaar, local handicraft shops, Berkarar Shopping and Entertainment Center or additional Ashgabat monuments.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 4 — Ashgabat → Airport Departure
Your final day is arranged according to your international flight schedule.
Your driver will collect you from the hotel and provide a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport with sufficient time for check-in and departure procedures.
If your flight leaves later in the day and time allows, additional sightseeing, shopping or restaurant arrangements can be organized before the airport transfer.
End of tour.
4-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,228
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 822
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 731
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 659
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 process and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Hotel accommodation: two nights in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Ashgabat with breakfast, based on twin-room sharing 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 pick-up: pick-up on the Turkmenistan side of the Farap border crossing after completion of border formalities.
- Intercity and sightseeing transfers: all road transfers required for the programme between Farap, Turkmenabat, Ancient Merv, Ashgabat and Darvaza.
- Airport transfer: private transfer from the hotel to Ashgabat International Airport according to the confirmed departure flight.
- Meals: hotel breakfasts according to the itinerary, plus dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided visits and entrance fees for the museums, historical monuments and sites included in the agreed programme, including Ancient Merv and selected Ashgabat attractions.
- 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 tour services.
- Border-to-airport service: full ground service from the Farap border crossing to Ashgabat International Airport.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to border processing, museum opening hours, flight timing, road conditions, weather, 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.
Not Included
- e-Visa fee. Paid by the traveller. The amount depends on your nationality and processing time. We prepare and submit your application after the tour is confirmed.
- Border fees on arrival. About US$49 per person for migration registration and the medical check, paid in cash at the border.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, SIM cards, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Tips. Not included, but welcome.
