Introduction
This 5 days tour Turkmenistan starts at the Shavat border near Khiva, a convenient entry point since flights to Uzbekistan are cheaper and more frequent. The route begins with the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, where you enjoy kebabs and an overnight in yurts, followed by two days in Ashgabat’s marble capital with its museums, bazaars, and ancient Nisa. Continue east to UNESCO-listed Merv, once a Silk Road metropolis, where locals still search for gold after rain—a legend our travelers have witnessed—before ending at the Farab border.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Khiva – Dashoguz – Darvaza
- Meet at the Turkmenistan side of the border near Khiva and Urgench
- Lunch at a restaurant in Dashoguz
- Journey to Darvaza (300 km) – road repairs may extend travel time
- Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater (“Gates of Hell”)
- Dinner at nearby yurt camp (kebabs: beef, chicken, or vegetarian options)
- Evening at the burning crater with guided storytelling
- Overnight in traditional yurts or tents at Darvaza
Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat
- Breakfast and departure to Ashgabat (300 km)
- En route visits to Water Crater, Mud Crater, and a desert village with goats and camels
- Lunch in Ashgabat
- Hotel check-in and free time
- Traditional dinner
- Overnight in Ashgabat
Day 3: Ashgabat City Tour
- Full day exploring this unique city with the Guinness World Record for most white marble buildings
- Visit the National Museum, Carpet Museum, monuments, Nisa ruins (first Parthian capital), Anau ruins, Akhal-Teke horse farm, and local bazaar
- Meals and overnight in Ashgabat
Day 4: Ashgabat – Merv (Mary)
- Drive to ancient Merv (400 km), legendary Silk Road city
- Explore Gyz-Gala, Askhabi mausoleums, Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala castles, and Sultan Sanjar mausoleum
- Overnight in Mary City
Day 5: Merv – Turkmenabat – Farap Border
- After breakfast drive to Turkmenabat
- Spend some time in Turkmenabat
- Drive to Farab border crossing close to Bukhara
- Tour ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border
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
Mary – 1 nights
Standart: Mary Hotel / Merv Hotel
Comfort: Margush Hotel