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 – Mary – Ancient Merv – Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy – Mary
- 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
- 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.
- – Entrance fees to Museums and others as per the tour. roughly not more 10$ per day if any.
- – 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)
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 1 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: Margus / Mary / Merv