Introduction
This 3-day Turkmenistan tour offers a compact yet immersive mix of desert landscapes, cultural sites, and Silk Road heritage. Your journey begins at the Shavat border near Khiva, followed by a short stop in Dashoguz before entering the Karakum Desert. By sunset you’ll reach the famous Darvaza Gas Crater — a glowing natural fire pit that creates an unforgettable evening. A kebab dinner beside the yurts and an overnight stay complete your first day. For many travelers this is the highlight of Turkmenistan, though the rest of the tour is just as fascinating.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Shavat Border (Turkmenistan side) – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Meet at Turkmenistan side of Shavat border crossing (opposite Khiva/Urgench, Uzbekistan)
- Border formalities completion and departure to Dashoguz
- Arrival in Dashoguz city
- Lunch in local restaurant
- Departure to Darvaza Gas Crater (300km journey)
- Arrival at Darvaza before sunset to witness spectacular burning
- Free time to explore the crater area
- Dinner at nearby yurt camp
- Evening viewing of the crater illuminated in darkness
- Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurts or tents at Darvaza
Day 2: Darvaza – Water & Mud Craters – Ashgabat Exploration
- 07:00 breakfast at the campsite.
- Drive south towards Ashgabat, with stops at:
- Water Crater
- Mud Crater
- A local desert village
- 13:00 arrival in Ashgabat, lunch at a local restaurant.
- 14:30 sightseeing tour of Ashgabat’s highlights:
- Independence Park & Monument
- Arch of Neutrality
- Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Modern marble buildings and city views
- 19:30 hotel check-in.
- 20:30 dinner in Ashgabat.
- Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Ashgabat – Merv UNESCO Site – Turkmenabat – Farab Border (Turkmenistan side)
- Breakfast and departure from Ashgabat
- Arrival at ancient Silk Road city of Merv, lunch
- Comprehensive sightseeing tour of Merv archaeological park (UNESCO World Heritage site):
- Gyz-Gala fortress
- Askhabi mausoleums
- Ancient castles of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala
- Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
- Departure to Turkmenabat
- Brief stop in Turkmenabat
- Drive to Farab border crossing
- Tour ends at Turkmenistan side of Farab border crossing (opposite Bukhara area, Uzbekistan) – perfect for your onward journey to Arab countries
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 possi
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 – 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