Introduction
This 4 day route from Shavat to Farab is a compact but very rich program created for travelers who want to see almost all key sights of Turkmenistan in a short time. It is an improved version of our 3 day Khiva-Bukhara tour, extended by popular request to include a full extra day in Ashgabat. With two nights in the capital and visits to Darvaza, Nisa, Merv, museums, monuments, and lively bazaars, this itinerary gives you nearly 80% of the country’s main highlights in just four days, offering the feeling of a much longer, deeper journey but with perfect efficiency.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Khiva (Uzbekistan) – Dashoguz – Darvaza
- Morning: We will meet you at the Shavat border crossing point, near Khiva (Uzbekistan). After completing all border formalities, we will transfer to Dashoguz.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Dashoguz, offering a taste of regional cuisine.
- Afternoon: Begin your exciting journey to the world-renowned Darvaza Gas Crater, often called the “Gates of Hell” (300 km, approximately 7 hours drive). Please note that road repairs are ongoing, which contributes to the travel time, but ensures a smoother path in the future across the Karakum Desert.
- Evening: Upon arrival in Darvaza, you’ll have ample free time to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the perpetually burning crater as dusk settles.
- Dinner: A traditional dinner featuring beef, chicken, or vegetable kebabs will be served at a nearby yurt camp (400 meters from the crater).
- Night: Spend more time observing the mesmerizing crater, and your guide will share the intriguing stories and legends associated with Darvaza. Experience an unforgettable night under the desert sky, staying in comfortable yurts or tents near the crater.
Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat
- Morning: After breakfast at Darvaza, we continue our journey through the vast Karakum Desert towards Ashgabat (271 km, about 4.5 hours drive), the gleaming capital of Turkmenistan.
- En Route: Along the way, we’ll make fascinating stops to explore the unique Water and Mud craters, natural phenomena sculpted by the desert. We’ll also visit a charming desert village, offering a glimpse into the traditional life of locals who raise goats and camels in this harsh yet beautiful environment.
- Lunch: Upon arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy lunch at a selected restaurant.
- Afternoon: Embark on a comprehensive tour of Ashgabat, a truly extraordinary city recognized by the Guinness Book of Records for its unparalleled concentration of white marble buildings. Your tour will include:
- National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Turkmen Carpet Museum
- Neutrality Arch
- Independence Monument
- Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Akhal-Teke Horse Stables
- Ashgabat Olympic City
- Dinner: Savor a delicious dinner at a traditional Turkmen restaurant, experiencing authentic local flavors.
- Overnight: Spend the night in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat – City Experiences – Overnight in Ashgabat
- 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.
- Optional: If time permits and you’re interested, your guide can take you to other specific places of interest you might have in mind within Ashgabat.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ashgabat – Merv (Mary) – Turkmenabat – Farap Border
- Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, we will start our journey towards one of the oldest and most important historical sites of Turkmenistan Ancient Merv. This is the heart of the Silk Road and one of the most significant archaeological areas in Central Asia. If you visit Turkmenistan, Merv is a must see you cannot leave the country without seeing it.
- Merv Sightseeing:
- We will explore all main attractions of ancient Merv, including:
- Kyz Kala (Kiskala)
- Gyaur Kala
- Erk Kala
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
- Yarty Gyuzyk / Yarty Teshik
- Time for walking, photography, and buying souvenirs.
- Afternoon: After finishing the tour in Merv, we drive on the modern Ashgabat–Turkmenabat autobahn (toll road). The road is excellent, comfortable, and makes the journey smooth.
- Arrival in Turkmenabat:
- We expect to arrive around 19:00–21:00.
- Turkmenabat was called “the second capital” during Soviet times and is still an important cultural and economic center. Here you will have dinner at a local restaurant and, if you wish, visit the Darvaza Tour office (our hometown).
- Evening: After dinner, we will drive to the Farap border. The border works 24 hours, so you can cross at any time convenient for you.
- Transfer Assistance:
- If needed, we can arrange an Uzbek taxi to wait for you on the Uzbek side in advance reliable, safe, and at a good price.
- End of the 4 day tour.
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