Introduction
This 3 days tour Turkmenistan links Khiva with Bukhara through Turkmenistan’s greatest highlights. Enter at the Shavat border to explore UNESCO-listed Kunya Urgench and sample local favorites ichlekli and dogramabefore the long desert drive to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater for sunset, kebabs, and a yurt overnight. Continue to Ashgabat, the white-marble capital, for a guided city tour covering the National Museum, Carpet Museum, Nisa, the Akhal-Teke horse farm, and bazaars. Finish at the Silk Road ruins of ancient Merv and exit via the Farab border.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Khiva – Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz – Darvaza
- Meet at Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan border (Shavat crossing near Khiva)
- Visit historic Kunya Urgench for sightseeing
- Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (300 km, ~7 hours – challenging road conditions)
- Explore the famous "Gates of Hell" crater
- Traditional dinner and overnight in yurts near the crater
Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat
- Breakfast at Darvaza
- Visit Water and Mud Craters en route
- Drive to Ashgabat (271 km, ~4.5 hours)
- Check into hotel
- Comprehensive Ashgabat city tour including National Museum, Carpet Museum, Nisa ruins, Akhal Teke horse farm, and local bazaar
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 3: Ashgabat – Merv – Border (toward Bukhara)
- Drive to ancient Merv (388 km, ~4 hours on good highway)
- Explore Silk Road sites: Gyz-Gala, Askhabi mausoleums, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala, and Sultan Sanjar mausoleum
- Continue to Turkmenabat and exit at Farab border crossing (near Uzbekistan border for your journey to Bukhara)
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 - 1 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