Introduction
This 7 day route from Shavat to Farab is one of the most complete ways to explore Turkmenistan in a short time. The program covers almost all major highlights Darvaza Gas Crater, Ashgabat, Merv, Yangykala Canyon giving travelers nearly 90% of the country’s top sights in one trip. It’s ideal for visitors who enter from Khiva and want to exit through Bukhara without losing any important places. The itinerary is structured very efficiently: after crossing from Shavat, you visit Kunya Urgench, continue through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza, spend a full day in Ashgabat, explore Yangykala and Turkmenbashi, and finish in the ancient city of Merv before leaving via Farab. A rich, balanced, and time saving program for anyone who wants to see the true Turkmenistan.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Kunya Urgench & Dashoguz Province
- Meet at the Turkmenistan side of the Shavat border at 9:30 AM
- Visit Kunya Urgench (UNESCO World Heritage Site), including:
- Turabek Khanum Mausoleum (14th century, famous for its stunning blue dome and intricate tile work)
- Kutlug Timur Minaret (highest minaret in Central Asia at 62 meters, built in 11th-12th century)
- Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum (conical dome structure from 12th century)
- Kyrk Molla Hill (ancient settlement mound)
- Il Arslan Mausoleum
- Soltan Ali Mausoleum
- Visit Shasenem fortress and Zmukshir fortress (ancient Khorezm fortifications dating back to 4th century BC)
- Explore other historical sites in Dashoguz province
- Overnight in Kunya Urgench at Gurgench Hotel
Day 2: Dashoguz to Darvaza Gas Crater
- Morning visit to Dashoguz city and local market (experience local life and traditional crafts)
- Drive across the Karakum Desert to Darvaza (approximately 4-5 hours)
- En route, stop at desert landscapes and observe nomadic settlements if available
- Arrive at Darvaza Gas Crater before sunset to witness the spectacular “Door to Hell” in full flame
- Enjoy traditional Turkmen dinner and overnight in yurt camp near the crater
- Experience stargazing in the desert (Karakum Desert has incredibly clear night skies with minimal light pollution)
- Listen to stories about the crater’s formation in 1971
Day 3: Darvaza to Ashgabat
- Early morning final views of the gas crater (different atmosphere in daylight)
- Drive to Ashgabat (approximately 4 hours)
- En route visit:
- Water crater (turquoise-colored lake in the desert formed by underground water)
- Mud craters (bubbling mud formations – natural phenomenon)
- Afternoon Ashgabat city tour including:
- Independence Monument and Arch of Neutrality (95 meters tall with rotating golden statue)
- Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center (world’s largest enclosed Ferris wheel in Guinness Book)
- Turkmenbashi Mosque (one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, accommodating 10,000 people)
- Constitution Monument
- White marble buildings of central Ashgabat (the city holds Guinness World Record for most white marble buildings)
- Wedding Palace
- Overnight in Ashgabat (comfortable hotel)
Day 4: Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi (Caspian Sea)
- Drive to Turkmenbashi city on the Caspian Sea coast
- En route visit:
- Kow Ata Underground Lake (thermal sulfur lake in a cave, 60 meters underground, 37°C water temperature – you can swim here, very healing properties for skin and joints)
- Nokhur village (traditional mountain village at 1,000 meters altitude with unique culture, ancient petroglyphs, and traditional carpet weaving)
- Arrive at Turkmenbashi, Caspian Sea coast (opportunity to see the sea)
- Overnight in Turkmenbashi (hotel near the sea)
Day 5: Yangykala Canyons & Return to Ashgabat
- Early morning drive to Yangykala Canyons (approximately 2-3 hours)
- Explore the spectacular multi-colored canyon formations (red, orange, yellow, pink, and white cliffs up to 60 meters high – often called the “Grand Canyon of Turkmenistan”)
- Walk along the plateau rim with breathtaking views
- Photography opportunities at sunrise/morning light (best time for colors)
- Learn about the ancient Tethys Ocean that once covered this area
- Continue to Balkanabat city
- Return to Ashgabat via scenic route through the desert
- Overnight in Arkadag city (the new smart and modern city built with latest technology, opened in 2023, featuring futuristic architecture and green spaces)
Day 6: Full Day Ashgabat City Tour
- Comprehensive Ashgabat exploration including:
- Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient Parthian capital from 3rd century BC, former royal residence)
- National Museum of Turkmenistan (extensive historical and cultural collections spanning from ancient times to present, including Golden Age artifacts)
- Carpet Museum (displaying the world’s largest hand-woven carpet – 301 square meters, and rare historical carpets)
- Tolkuchka Bazaar (if Sunday – largest market in Central Asia with traditional crafts, carpets, jewelry, and local products)
- Ertugrul Gazi Mosque (Ottoman-style architecture, built in 1990s)
- Russian Bazaar/Gulistan Bazaar (colorful local market with fresh produce, spices, and traditional foods)
- Drive along the famous white marble avenues (Ashgabat has over 543 new buildings faced with white marble)
- Visit local parks and monuments
- Olympic Stadium and Sports Complex area
- Overnight in Ashgabat (hotel)
Day 7: Ashgabat to Merv & Border Crossing
- Early morning drive to Mary city and Ancient Merv (approximately 4 hours)
- Explore Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis cities on the Silk Road):
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (12th century, impressive 38-meter high architectural monument with unique acoustics)
- Erk Gala (oldest part of Merv, 6th century BC, massive walls up to 30 meters high)
- Gyaur Gala (citadel walls from Sassanid period)
- Greater and Lesser Gyz Gala fortresses (unique corrugated walls from 6th-7th centuries)
- Ice house (ancient cooling and ice storage system)
- Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zeid (important pilgrimage site)
- Learn about Merv’s history as one of the largest cities in the world during 12th century
- Continue to Farap border crossing (border with Uzbekistan, crossing to Alat station)
- End of tour at 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 – 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
Gurgench – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request