Introduction
This 3 Day Turkmenistan Tour begins at the Farab border and leads you through the UNESCO treasures of Merv before reaching Ashgabat, the white-marble capital. Travel across both rough desert tracks and smooth modern highways, discovering contrasts between ancient Silk Road ruins and modern city life. Continue north toward Darvaza, where the burning gas crater glows brightest under the night sky. Dinner by the fire, yurt overnight, and a challenging drive to Dashoguz complete this short but unforgettable journey.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1, Bukhara – Turkmenabat – Merv – Ashgabat
- Meeting at the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border crossing point at Farab.
- (The time depends on how early you will pass the border.)
- Drive to Turkmenabat city and have lunch there.
- After lunch, continue towards the ancient city of Merv (250 km, ~4.5 hours).
- Upon arrival, start the sightseeing tour of Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – one of the most important cities of the ancient Silk Road.
- Visit the historical complex including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and Kyz Kala fortresses.
- After exploring Merv, drive to Ashgabat (400 km, ~4 hours).
- Arrival in Ashgabat, dinner at a local restaurant.
- Check in to the hotel.
- Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Darvaza
- 09:00 – After breakfast, start a full-day sightseeing tour in Ashgabat, the white-marble capital of Turkmenistan.
- National Museum of Turkmenistan – discover the rich history and culture of the Turkmen people, from ancient civilizations like Merv and Kunya-Urgench to modern Turkmenistan.
- Turkmen Carpet Museum – admire the craftsmanship and heritage of Turkmen carpets, symbols of national pride.
- Monuments and Landmarks – see the Neutrality Arch, Monument of Independence, and the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Central Asia.
- Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – explore the ancient ruins of the first Parthian Empire capital.
- Akhal-Teke Horse Stables – meet the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, famous for their beauty, grace, and endurance.
- 13:00 – Lunch at a restaurant.
- 15:00 – Drive towards Darvaza (Gas Crater).
- On the way, stop at small desert villages for coffee and photos of local life. Visit two other craters – the Water Crater and the Mud Crater.
- 20:00 – Arrive at the Burning Gas Crater of Darvaza, known as the “Gates of Hell”.
- Enjoy a walk and photo session around the crater.
- 21:00 – Dinner prepared by the driver and locals near the crater.
- Free time to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the fire under the stars.
- Overnight at Darvaza in traditional yurts.
Day 3: Darvaza – Dashoguz – Khiva
- 07:00 – After breakfast, drive towards Dashoguz.
- 13:00 – Arrival in Dashoguz and lunch at a local restaurant.
- 15:00 – Short city tour, then transfer to the Shavat border crossing (near Khiva and Urgench).
- End of the 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 – 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