Introduction
This 7 Day Farab Merv Yangikala Darvaza Tour is designed for travelers arriving from Bukhara who want to explore the best of Turkmenistan in one week. Begin with the ancient ruins of Merv and Gonur Depe, continue through the marble capital Ashgabat, and journey west to the colorful Yangikala Canyons and Caspian coast. Experience the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater at night, then finish at UNESCO-listed Kunya Urgench before exiting at the Shavat border. A complete journey of history, culture, and nature.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1, Farab Border – Merv – Mary City
- After breakfast, drive to the ruins of the Margush civilization, also known as Gonur Depe (approximately 100km).
- Explore the archaeological site of Gonur Depe, considered one of the most ancient civilizations in Central Asia.
- Drive towards Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
- Lunch en route at a local restaurant. Arrive in Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Enjoy free time in Ashgabat.
- Dinner at a restaurant in Ashgabat.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2, Mary City – Gonur Depe – Ashgabat
- After breakfast, drive to the ruins of the Margush civilization, also known as Gonur Depe (approximately 100km).
- Explore the archaeological site of Gonur Depe, considered one of the most ancient civilizations in Central Asia.
- Drive towards Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
- Lunch en route at a local restaurant. Arrive in Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Enjoy free time in Ashgabat.
- Dinner at a restaurant in Ashgabat.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3, Ashgabat – Yangikala Canyons – Turkmenbashi
- After breakfast, depart from Ashgabat and drive towards the stunning Yangikala Canyons.
- Visit and explore the colorful landscapes of Yangikala Canyons. Continue your drive towards Turkmenbashi, located on the Caspian Sea coast.
- Arrive in Turkmenbashi and check into your hotel.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 4, Turkmenbashi – Nokhur – Kow Ata – Ashgabat
- After breakfast, begin a Turkmenbashi city tour until approximately 11:00. Depart from Turkmenbashi and drive towards Ashgabat (approximately 600km).
- The road is good. En route, stop to visit the unique Nokhur Village, nestled in the mountains.
- Continue your journey, stopping to visit the Kow Ata underground thermal lake and cave.
- Arrive back in Ashgabat in the evening. Check into your hotel in Ashgabat. Dinner at a restaurant.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5, Ashgabat City Tour
- After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive Ashgabat city tour for the full day.
- Discover the city’s unique architecture, including its white-marbled buildings and impressive monuments.
- Visit key sites such as the National Museum, Museum of Carpets, and explore some of the significant monuments.
- Visit the nearby ruins of Nisa, the first capital of the Parthian Empire, and the ruins of Anau.
- Depending on interest, visit an Akhal Teke horse farm, a local bazaar, or a shopping center.
- Lunch and dinner will be arranged at restaurants in Ashgabat.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 6, Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
- After breakfast, enjoy free time in Ashgabat until approximately 11:00, with an opportunity to visit the Russian Bazar.
- Depart from Ashgabat and drive north towards the Darvaza Gas Crater (approximately 271km).
- The road conditions are challenging on this route. Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater in the late afternoon.
- Spend time exploring the area around the spectacular burning crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell.“
- Enjoy dinner at the nearby Yurt camp, typically featuring kebabs.
- Your guide will share stories and information about the crater.
- Overnight at Darvaza in a Yurt camp or tents.
Day 7, Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Shavat Border
- After breakfast at Darvaza, begin your drive north towards Dashoguz (approximately 300km).
- Please note that the road conditions on this stretch are very poor, and the drive will take a significant amount of time.
- Spend some time in Dashoguz before continuing your journey.
- Drive towards the historical site of Kunya Urgench (approximately 94km from Dashoguz).
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kunya Urgench, including its mausoleums and minarets.
- Drive towards the Shavat border crossing point with Uzbekistan, located near Dashoguz and Khiva.
- Complete border formalities and cross into Uzbekistan.
- End of the tour in Turkmenistan.
Price Includes:
- – Invitation letter support and Foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- – Accommodation. Standart rooms.
- – Ashgabat City tour
- – Transport and guide.
- – Meals at Darvaza and yurt night stay at Darvaza.
- – All breakfasts
- – All the expenses of the driver/guide, including gasoline, meals and accommodation, transfer to the point of meeting at border, and separating with the guest at the border.
- – All taxes
- – The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border.
- – You will see everything that is possible to see within that time. The tour can be changed on the go as possible
Not included:
- – Visa and other fees at the border. (Usually costs not more than $110, per person)
- – Meals ($3-8/ 1meal/ 1person)
- – Entrance fees to Museums and others as per the tour. roughly not more 10$ per day if any.
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 4 nights
Standart: Bagt Kosgi / Mizan / Sport / Ashgabat
Comfort: Archabil / Yyldyz / Oguzkent
Darvaza – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request
Turkmenbashy – 1 nights
Standart: Beyik Yupek yoly / Nebitchi
Comfort: Carlak Hotel