Introduction
This 4 day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara is perfect for travelers crossing from Uzbekistan who wish to explore Turkmenistan’s top highlights before flying home from Ashgabat. Starting at the Farab/Alat border, our team will assist with all formalities and take you to Merv, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the ancient Silk Road. Continue to the marble capital Ashgabat, discovering its landmarks, museums, and the legendary Akhal-Teke horses. Travel deep into the Karakum Desert to witness the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Gates of Hell,” and spend a memorable night in a yurt camp under the stars. This 4 day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara offers the perfect balance of history, nature, and authentic desert adventure the best of Turkmenistan in just four unforgettable days.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Farab – Mary – Merv – Ashgabat
- Meet your guide at the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border crossing point at Farab.
- After border formalities, drive to Mary and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- In the afternoon, explore the ancient city of Merv — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. Visit Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Kyz Kala, Askhab Mausoleums, and the mysterious Ulu Deşik site.
- After sightseeing, continue driving to Ashgabat (approx. 4 hours).
- Arrive in Ashgabat and enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner at a national restaurant.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat Sightseeing – Darvaza Gas Crater
- After breakfast, start your full-day sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the “White-Marble City.”
- Visit the impressive Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum in Gypjak, the resting place of the first president of Turkmenistan. Continue to Nisa, the ancient Parthian fortress and UNESCO site.
- Next, stop at the Akhal-Teke horse farm to see the legendary Turkmen horses — known worldwide for their beauty and speed. Then visit the Carpet Museum, one of the most popular museums in Turkmenistan, where you can see the world’s largest handwoven carpet (listed by UNESCO).
- Enjoy lunch at a national restaurant, where you will taste traditional dishes such as ishlekli or khan palaw — a royal-style Turkmen pilaf.
- In the afternoon, drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (approx. 4.5 hours).
- Arrive before sunset and watch the incredible view of the flaming crater, known as the “Gates of Hell.”
- Enjoy a BBQ dinner with shashlyk under the desert sky and take an optional camel ride around the crater area — a special new experience offered by Darvaza Tour.
- Overnight in a Turkmen yurt camp near the crater.
Day 3: Darvaza – Ashgabat (Shopping & City Life)
- After breakfast, return to Ashgabat (approx. 4.5 hours).
- Have lunch in the city and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the vibrant side of Ashgabat:
- Visit the Tolkuchka Bazaar — the largest traditional market in the country, full of colorful carpets, handmade jewelry, and Turkmen clothes.
- Continue to the modern Berkarar Shopping Mall for some leisure and shopping, and later stop by the Russian Bazaar, where you can find local souvenirs and spices.
- Dinner at a nice city restaurant.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Departure
- Early morning transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your flight home.
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