Tour Overview
The 5-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva to Bukhara is designed for travelers who want to see much more than the classic Darvaza–Ashgabat route. Enter through the Shavat border near Khiva, travel through northern Turkmenistan to the Darvaza Gas Crater, continue to Ashgabat and western Turkmenistan, explore Yangykala Canyon and the Caspian coast, then finish with Ancient Merv before exiting toward Bukhara via Farap.
The route begins at the Shavat border and heads deep into the Karakum Desert for an overnight stay beside the Darvaza Gas Crater. Watch the crater glow after sunset, enjoy dinner at the desert camp and sleep in a traditional Turkmen yurt. Continue south to Ashgabat, stopping at the Water and Mud craters before exploring the capital's distinctive white-marble architecture and monumental cityscape.
The journey then shifts west toward the Caspian region. Fly to Turkmenbashi and travel onward to the dramatic Yangykala Canyon, where red, pink and white limestone formations create some of the most spectacular landscapes in Turkmenistan. Depending on local access and timing, the programme can also include the Caspian coast and Gozli Ata pilgrimage site. From the Balkan region, continue through the Kopet Dag foothills to the mountain village of Nokhur and the underground thermal lake of Kow Ata before returning to Ashgabat.
On the final day, cross eastern Turkmenistan toward Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's great Silk Road archaeological sites, before continuing through Turkmenabat to the Farap border for your onward journey to Bukhara. This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to see far more than the classic Darvaza–Ashgabat route and experience Turkmenistan's desert, mountains, coastline, canyons and ancient Silk Road heritage in one compact programme.
5-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Khiva / Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater
Your journey begins at the Shavat border crossing near Khiva, one of the most convenient land entry points into northern Turkmenistan.
The planned meeting time on the Turkmenistan side is approximately 10:00. After completing passport and immigration procedures, meet your local guide within the permitted border area.
Continue to Dashoguz for lunch and a short introduction to local life in northern Turkmenistan.
When timing allows, visit a local bazaar where you can purchase water, fruit or snacks before entering the Karakum Desert.
After lunch, travel south toward Darvaza.
The planned distance is approximately 300 km and the journey normally takes around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road are rough and uneven, so driving time may vary depending on road conditions.
Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater toward late afternoon or evening.
As darkness approaches, the flames become increasingly dramatic against the surrounding desert landscape.
At the nearby yurt camp, enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue dinner.
After dinner, spend additional time near the crater for night-time viewing and photography.
Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt camp near Darvaza Gas Crater.
Included meals: Dinner.
Day 2 — Darvaza → Water & Mud Craters → Ashgabat
Guests who wish to wake early can make an optional pre-sunrise visit to the crater.
Return to the camp for breakfast before beginning the journey south toward Ashgabat.
The planned route covers approximately 270 km and normally takes around 3.5 hours.
Along the way, stop at the Water Crater and Mud Crater, two additional geological features of the Darvaza region.
Continue to Ashgabat and stop for lunch on arrival.
In the afternoon, begin your private guided exploration of the capital.
Ashgabat is famous for its monumental white-marble architecture, wide ceremonial avenues, landscaped public spaces and distinctive modern buildings.
The sightseeing route can be adapted to arrival time and your interests.
Possible visits may include major monuments, mosques, viewpoints, public squares and selected cultural landmarks.
After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel and check in.
Overnight: Ak Altyn Hotel 4*, Ashgabat.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi by Flight → Yangykala Canyon → Balkan Region
Begin the day with an early transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the domestic flight to Turkmenbashi.
The planned departure is around 06:20, subject to the confirmed domestic flight schedule.
After arrival on the Caspian coast, meet your driver and begin a short orientation programme in Turkmenbashi.
See selected parts of the old port city, including architecture dating from the pre-Soviet and early modern periods, the historic railway station and coastal viewpoints.
If access is available on the travel date, an optional visit to the Awaza resort area can also be arranged.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, with the option of seafood or traditional Turkmen dishes.
After lunch, leave the Caspian coast and travel east toward Yangykala Canyon.
Depending on timing and access, an optional stop can be made at Gozli Ata, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in western Turkmenistan.
Continue toward Yangykala Canyon, one of the country's most impressive natural landscapes.
The final section of the route includes rough desert tracks.
Explore the canyon plateau and see the dramatic layers of red, pink, orange and white limestone formed by the ancient Tethys Sea.
Depending on season, weather and timing, enjoy a picnic dinner near the canyon or continue to the hotel for a warm evening meal.
After sunset, continue south toward the Balkan region.
Overnight: Hotel in the Balkan region.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Day 4 — Balkan Region → Nokhur → Kow Ata → Ashgabat
After breakfast, leave the Balkan region and travel east toward the Kopet Dag Mountains.
Turn into the foothills and continue toward Nokhur, one of Turkmenistan's most distinctive mountain villages.
The road into the village includes winding mountain sections, and access may depend on weather and road conditions.
In Nokhur, explore local cultural sites and learn about the village's distinctive traditions.
Visit the unusual cemetery, where many graves are decorated with mountain goat horns, and see examples of local mountain life.
Enjoy a traditional home-style lunch in the village or at a local restaurant.
Afterwards, descend from the mountains and continue toward Kow Ata Underground Lake.
Walk down into the limestone cave and visit the naturally warm mineral-rich underground lake.
Guests who wish can swim in the thermal water, which remains warm throughout the year.
Continue back toward Ashgabat, approximately 100 km away.
Arrive in the capital in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Ak Altyn Hotel 4*, Ashgabat.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Day 5 — Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Turkmenabat → Farap Border / Bukhara
Depart Ashgabat early in the morning, around 07:30.
Travel east toward the Mary region along the main Ashgabat–Mary motorway.
The planned distance is approximately 360 km, with a driving time of around 3.5 to 4 hours under normal conditions.
Stop for lunch in Mary or Bayramaly before beginning your guided visit to Ancient Merv.
Ancient Merv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological complexes on the historic Silk Road.
Main highlights include:
- Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar — one of the most important surviving monuments of the Seljuk period.
- Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala — monumental mud-brick structures distinguished by their corrugated walls.
- Askhabs Mausoleums — sacred monuments associated with early Islamic history.
- Ancient Sardoba and water-storage structures — evidence of the sophisticated water-management systems once used in the desert.
- Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala — fortified areas illustrating the scale and historical depth of the Merv settlement complex.
If time permits, additional archaeological remains can be visited according to your interests.
After the Merv programme, continue northeast toward Turkmenabat.
The planned road distance is approximately 240 km, with an estimated driving time of around 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Turkmenabat, stop for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
After dinner, continue to the Farap border crossing, approximately 40 km from the city.
Our team will assist with Turkmenistan departure procedures within the areas permitted by border regulations.
After crossing into Uzbekistan, continue onward toward Bukhara.
Overnight: None.
Included meals: Breakfast.
5-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,772
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 1,295
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,217
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,111
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.
- Domestic flight: one-way economy ticket from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi; the flight schedule is reconfirmed closer to the travel date.
- Hotel accommodation: two nights in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Ashgabat and one night in a hotel in the Balkan region, 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 shower facilities.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the land itinerary, including suitable vehicles for the desert and canyon routes.
- Transfers: pick-up on the Turkmenistan side of the Shavat border, airport, intercity and sightseeing transfers, and the final transfer to the Farap border for onward travel to Bukhara.
- Meals: hotel breakfasts, 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 sites included in the agreed programme, including Yangykala Canyon, Nokhur, Kow Ata Underground Lake 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 border processing, flight schedules, 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.
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, 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.
- Kow Ata swimming: if you wish to swim in the underground lake, a small local fee may apply.
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, laundry, minibar and other personal purchases.
- Tips: for guides and drivers; optional and appreciated.
Accommodation
Ashgabat — 2 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.
Balkanabat — 1 night
Hotel in Balkanabat or Nearby Transit Area
Accommodation is arranged in the Balkan region after the Yangykala Canyon excursion.
The exact hotel depends on route timing, availability and operational conditions on the travel date. A comfortable room with breakfast will be provided according to the confirmed accommodation category.
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.
