Introduction

This 7 days tour Turkmenistan traces the Silk Road from the Farab border to the Caspian Sea and back. Explore UNESCO-listed Merv and nearby Mary, then discover Ashgabat’s white-marble landmarks and ancient Nisa. Continue west to Kow Ata underground lake and the mountain village of Nokhur—linked by legend to Alexander the Great – before reaching seaside Turkmenbashi and the colorful Yangikala canyons. Turn north to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater for a yurt overnight, then return to Ashgabat and drive east to Turkmenabat/Farab for departure.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1, Farab Border – Merv – Mary

Upon your arrival at the Farab border crossing point with Uzbekistan, you will be met by our team. After completing border formalities, we will begin our journey towards the ancient city of Merv.
We will drive towards Mary, which is very close to Merv (33km away).
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant near Merv.
In the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves in the history of Merv, a significant Silk Road site. You will explore its main destinations, including Gyz-Gala, Askhabi mausoleums, the ancient castles of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala, and the impressive mausoleum of Soltan Sanjar.
Dinner will be at a restaurant in the city of Mary, the regional capital.
Overnight in Mary City.

Day 2, Mary – Ashgabat

After breakfast at your hotel in Mary, we will depart for Ashgabat, the gleaming capital city of Turkmenistan. This drive covers approximately 388km and takes about 4 hours on a very good highway.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a restaurant in Ashgabat.
Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have free time to relax or begin exploring the city at your leisure.
Dinner will be served at a traditional restaurant in Ashgabat.
Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 3, Ashgabat – Balkanabat – Turkmenbashi

Following breakfast, we will embark on a journey west from Ashgabat.
Our route will include visits to Kow Ata, a huge cave with a thermal lake (located 100 km west of Ashgabat), and the picturesque Nokhur Village (located 160 km west of Ashgabat).
We will continue our drive to Balkanabat (430km from Ashgabat, approximately 5 hours drive) and then proceed to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast (150km from Balkanabat, approximately 1.5 hours drive).
Lunch will be provided en route.
Upon arrival in Turkmenbashi, you will check into your hotel. Turkmenbashi is a very beautiful city located directly on the Caspian Sea shore, making it an ideal place to spend the night.
Free time to relax or explore the city’s surroundings.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Turkmenbashi.

Day 4, Turkmenbashi – Yangikala – Ashgabat

After breakfast, we will drive from Turkmenbashi to the magnificent Yangikala Canyons (142km, approximately 2 hours drive on a bad road).
You will have time to explore and photograph the stunning and colorful landscapes of Yangikala.
Following our visit, we will begin our long journey back towards Ashgabat. Our route will take us from Yangikala towards Balkanabat (147km, approximately 2 hours drive, with a bad road towards the end) and then continue to Ashgabat (430km, approximately 5 hours drive). This will be a full day of travel.
Lunch will be served during our journey.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, you will check into your hotel.
Free time in the evening.
Dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 5, Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater

After breakfast, we will set off on our journey north to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, widely known as the “Gates of Hell” (271km, approximately 4.5 hours drive on a bad road).
Our arrival at Darvaza will be timed just before sunset, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing sight of the crater as it ignites the desert night sky.
You will have some free time to take in the unique atmosphere around the Crater.
Dinner will be provided at the nearby Yurt camp (400 meters away), typically featuring delicious kebabs.
Spend more time at the Darvaza Burning Crater with your knowledgeable guide, who will share its captivating stories.
Overnight at Darvaza in traditional Yurts or tents.

Day 6, Darvaza – Ashgabat City Tour

After breakfast at the Darvaza camp, we will drive back towards Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan (300km, approximately 5 hours drive). On the way, we will make stops to visit the Water Crater and the Mud Crater, and pass by a desert village where local herders keep goats and camels.
Lunch will be at a restaurant in Ashgabat.
After lunch and checking into your hotel, you will embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Ashgabat city. Ashgabat holds a Guinness World Record for being the city with the most white marbled buildings in the world, and you will discover its unique architecture and impressive monuments.
Our city tour will include visits to the National Museum, Museum of Carpets, various monuments, the ruins of Nisa (the first capital of the Parthian Empire), and the ruins of Anau, among other main destinations.
Dinner at a restaurant in the city.
Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 7, Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Farab Border

After breakfast at your hotel in Ashgabat, we will begin our journey eastward towards the border with Uzbekistan.
We will drive to Turkmenabat (located near the Farab border crossing point). The drive from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat is long, approximately 639km and takes about 8.5 hours.
Lunch will be provided en route.
Upon reaching the Farab border crossing point near Turkmenabat, your tour of Turkmenistan concludes.

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

Accommodation

Ashgabat – 3 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

Mary – 1 nights

Standart: Mary Hotel / Merv Hotel

Comfort: Margush Hotel

7 Days Tour: Farab – Merv – Ashgabat – Yangikala – Darvaza – Farab