Introduction

This 4 days tour Turkmenistan is ideal for travelers who arrive directly in Ashgabat and wish to spend more time in the capital while also visiting the country’s iconic sites. Begin with a drive into the Karakum desert to witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, with dinner and a night in yurts. Return to Ashgabat for a guided city tour of marble monuments, museums, bazaars, and UNESCO-listed Nisa. A day trip to ancient Merv, once a Silk Road gem, completes this compact journey.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Ashgabat Highlights – Old Nisa (UNESCO) – Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (Overnight in Desert Camp) (08 August)

Our professional English-speaking guide will meet you in the morning at your hotel in Ashgabat. After a short introduction, we will begin with the key highlights of the capital before heading into the Karakum Desert.
Morning / Late Morning – Ashgabat & Old Nisa
Old Nisa Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — the first capital of the Parthian Empire and one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkmenistan. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak — the largest mosque in Central Asia, famous for its monumental marble architecture and impressive dome. Lunch & Local Bazaar
Russian Bazaar — the most popular local market for souvenirs, traditional items, and local sweets (a great place for authentic everyday atmosphere).
Lunch at a national restaurant (we recommend trying Turkmen plov or ichlekli meat pie). Afternoon – Drive to Darvaza
Around 14:00, depart north toward the Darvaza Gas Crater across the Karakum Desert (approx. 4 hours). Enjoy desert landscapes, photo stops, and stories from your guide. Evening – “Gates of Hell” Experience
Arrive around sunset to witness the spectacular flaming crater, often called the “Gates of Hell.” Dinner at the camp (freshly grilled kebabs).
Relax by the fire and enjoy the unique desert atmosphere under the stars. Overnight in a traditional yurt camp near the crater.

Day 2: Darvaza – Return to Ashgabat – Melon Day Festivities – Ashgabat City Tour (Overnight in Ashgabat) (09 August)

Morning – Desert Stops & Drive Back
After breakfast at Darvaza, we drive back toward Ashgabat through the vast Karakum Desert (approx. 4–4.5 hours).
En route (interesting natural & local-life stops): Short stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater — unusual natural phenomena of the desert. Visit a small desert village to see the traditional life of locals who raise goats and camels in this harsh but beautiful environment. Midday / Afternoon – Melon Day in Ashgabat (9 August 2026) Upon arrival in Ashgabat, we will join the atmosphere of Turkmenistan’s Melon Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of August. Depending on the official city program and locations, we will focus on the best accessible public celebrations such as: Melon exhibitions / displays and festive market atmosphere
Melon tasting and local seasonal products
Folk performances and cultural festivities (when available)
Late Afternoon – Ashgabat City Tour
After the Melon Day experience, continue with the main city highlights:
National Museum of Turkmenistan — a strong introduction to Turkmen history, including artifacts connected to Nisa and Ancient Merv.
Turkmen Carpet Museum — famous for unique handmade carpets and national textile heritage.
Neutrality Arch and key city viewpoints / photo stops
Independence Monument and ceremonial avenues of white-marble Ashgabat
Ertugrul Gazi Mosque (time permitting)
Ashgabat Olympic City (external visit / photo stop)
Dinner at a traditional restaurant with authentic local cuisine.
Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 3: Ashgabat – Mary – Ancient Merv – Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy – Mary (10 August)

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Ashgabat towards Mary. We will travel on the new highway (toll road / autobahn) built recently — the road quality is excellent. We recommend keeping water with you during the drive.
Late Morning: Arrival to Mary / Merv area approximately around 11:00 (depending on departure time).
Sightseeing: Begin visiting the highlights of Ancient Merv, one of the most important Silk Road cities in Central Asia. We will explore the main historical sites, including:
Kyz Kala (Gyz-Gala)
Gyaur Kala
Erk Kala
Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (recently restored and very impressive)
Merv Ice House
Small local museum / souvenir area (if available)
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant / in the Merv area.
Afternoon (Cultural Experience): Visit Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy — a special cultural place created for travelers to experience real Turkmen traditions. Here you can: See camels and (if available) enjoy a camel ride (Silk Road caravan experience)
See Akhal-Teke horses and learn about them (horse riding may be available upon request) Try on Turkmen national clothes and take memorable photos
Meet Alabai dogs and interact with local people
Enjoy the atmosphere of Turkmen yurts, traditional life, and hospitality
Instagram: @gadymy_turkmen_ojagy
Evening: Drive to Mary city. Short city walk / photo stops. Dinner at a good restaurant in Mary.
Overnight: Overnight at Margush Hotel (Mary).

Day 4: Mary – Ashgabat – City Experiences – Transfer to Airport (10 August)

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. This day is flexible and can be tailored to your interests in Ashgabat. We suggest:
Tolkuchka Bazaar (Altyn Asyr Bazaar): Experience one of Central Asia’s largest and most vibrant open-air markets. Here, you can find everything from traditional Turkmen rugs, textiles, and jewelry to livestock and everyday goods. It’s a fantastic place to absorb the local culture and do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Health Path (Saglyk Yoly): For those interested in a unique experience and a bit of activity, we can visit a section of the famous “Health Path” along the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains. This concrete pathway offers scenic views and is a testament to the country’s focus on health.
Shopping Malls: Discover modern Ashgabat by visiting one of its prominent shopping malls like Berkarar Shopping and Entertainment Center or Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Center. These offer a stark contrast to the traditional bazaars, with international brands, cafes, and entertainment options.
Magtymguly Pyragy Monument (night view)
The monument of the most respected Turkmen poet and symbol of Turkmen culture — especially beautiful at night.
Wedding Palace (Bagt Koshgi)
One of Ashgabat’s most iconic modern buildings — looks amazing with night lights.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your international flight departure Please note that international flights from Ashgabat typically depart in the night after midnight Flight Time:____

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 – 2 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

4 Day Tour: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Merv – Ashgabat Internatonal Airport