Tour Overview
Discover two very different chapters of Turkmenistan's Silk Road heritage on a compact private journey beginning and ending near Bukhara. Enter Turkmenistan through the Farap border and travel north across the landscapes of eastern Turkmenistan to remote Dayahatyn Caravanserai. Hidden away from the main tourist routes, this medieval roadside complex preserves impressive brickwork, fortified walls and architectural details that recall the centuries when traders and caravans crossed the region between the Amu Darya and Khorezm.
After returning toward Turkmenabat, continue west by sleeper train to Mary and spend the night in the Merv oasis region. The following morning is dedicated to Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's great historic Silk Road cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore monumental Seljuk architecture, ancient fortifications and archaeological landscapes representing different periods of the city's long history. The programme continues with a cultural experience at Turkmen Ojagy, where Turkmen traditions, national dress, bread making, Alabay dogs and camels offer a different perspective on the country's living heritage.
After the sightseeing programme, travel east along the modern motorway toward the Amu Darya and Farap border, completing a practical two-day round trip for travellers based in Bukhara who want to see considerably more of Turkmenistan than is possible on a standard day excursion.
2-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Bukhara / Farap Border → Dayahatyn Caravanserai → Turkmenabat → Evening Sleeper Train to Mary
Your two-day Turkmenistan journey begins at the Farap border crossing, one of the principal land gateways for travellers arriving from Bukhara.
The planned meeting time on the Turkmenistan side is approximately 09:00.
After completing passport, migration and entry procedures, meet your Darvaza Tour guide inside the permitted border area. Border processing times can vary, so the day's timing remains flexible around the actual completion of formalities.
Farap → Dayahatyn Caravanserai
Leave the border region and begin the journey north toward Dayahatyn Caravanserai.
The drive covers approximately 210 km and normally takes around 3 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
The route passes through increasingly remote landscapes, including stretches of open desert and rural settlements. Some sections of road are uneven or unpaved, making this one of the more adventurous road journeys in eastern Turkmenistan.
Lunch En Route
Stop during the journey for a traditional lunch at a local roadside restaurant.
After a short rest, continue deeper into the region toward Dayahatyn.
Dayahatyn Caravanserai
Arrive at Dayahatyn, an important medieval caravanserai associated with historic trade routes through the Amu Darya region.
Explore the complex with your guide and examine its monumental entrance, decorative brickwork, enclosed courtyard and surviving chambers.
Unlike the heavily visited monuments of major Silk Road cities, Dayahatyn stands in a remote desert environment, making the surrounding landscape an important part of the experience.
During the guided visit, learn how caravanserais provided merchants, travellers and their animals with shelter, storage and security during long journeys across Central Asia.
There will be time to walk through the site, examine its architectural details and take photographs before beginning the return journey.
Dayahatyn → Turkmenabat
Travel back toward Turkmenabat, with approximately 170 km of road travel planned for this section.
Depending on the exact arrival time, your guide may provide a short orientation through the city before the railway transfer.
When timing permits, the drive can pass selected local landmarks connected with the history of Turkmenabat and ancient Amul.
Turkmenabat Railway Station
Arrive at Turkmenabat Railway Station in time for boarding.
The planned sleeper train departs at approximately 18:45 for Mary.
Your guide will assist with boarding and the practical arrangements for the railway journey.
Evening Sleeper Train to Mary
Travel west across Turkmenistan in a sleeper compartment.
A packed dinner can be enjoyed during the journey while you relax after the day's long desert excursion.
The planned arrival in Mary is approximately 00:50, subject to the railway timetable.
Upon arrival, meet the local transfer team and continue directly to your hotel.
Overnight: Margush Hotel, Mary.
Day 2 — Mary → Ancient Merv → Turkmen Ojagy → Amu Darya → Farap Border / Bukhara
Enjoy breakfast at Margush Hotel and check out before beginning your historical programme in the Merv oasis.
Ancient Merv UNESCO World Heritage Site
Travel to Ancient Merv, one of Turkmenistan's most important archaeological destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For centuries, Merv stood at the crossroads of major trade and cultural routes across Central Asia. Rather than being a single ruined city, the archaeological landscape contains several historic settlements that developed during different periods.
Your guided visit focuses on its principal monuments.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Visit the monumental Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, one of the great surviving structures from the Seljuk period.
The building's scale reflects the political and cultural importance Merv reached during the medieval period.
Greater & Lesser Kyz Kala
Continue to Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala, immediately recognisable by their unusual corrugated mud-brick walls.
These structures are among the most photographed monuments in the Merv archaeological park and provide an excellent impression of the city's distinctive defensive and residential architecture.
Askhabs Mausoleums
Visit the sacred mausoleum complex traditionally associated with early Islamic figures connected with the region.
Your guide will explain its historical and religious significance within Merv.
Ancient Sardoba & Water Heritage
See remains connected with the storage and management of water in this arid environment.
Such systems were essential to the survival of settlements and travellers moving through the surrounding desert.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala
Explore the remains of some of the oldest fortified parts of the Merv complex.
These massive archaeological areas demonstrate the extraordinary scale of settlement that once existed here.
Additional ruins inside the archaeological park may be visited when timing permits.
Turkmen Ojagy Cultural Experience
After Ancient Merv, continue to Turkmen Ojagy for a cultural introduction to Turkmen traditions.
The programme can include encounters with Turkmen Alabay dogs and Bactrian camels, both closely connected with the country's traditional heritage.
Guests can also see or try traditional Turkmen clothing, including the famous telpek, and take photographs in a traditional setting.
Another highlight is the tamdyr bread-making experience, providing an introduction to the preparation of traditional Turkmen çörek.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch during the cultural programme before beginning the return journey east.
Merv Region → Turkmenabat
Depart the Merv oasis in the afternoon and travel east toward Turkmenabat via the main Mary–Turkmenabat motorway.
The planned distance is approximately 240 km, with an estimated driving time of around 2.5 hours under normal conditions.
Amu Darya River
As you approach the Turkmenabat and Farap region, make a short photo stop near the Amu Darya River when timing and local conditions allow.
The Amu Darya has played a central role in the development of settlements, agriculture and trade routes throughout this part of Central Asia.
Farap Border
Continue to the Farap border checkpoint for departure from Turkmenistan.
Our team will assist with exit procedures within the areas permitted by official border regulations.
After crossing into Uzbekistan, continue toward Bukhara.
End of tour services.
Overnight: None.
2-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 969
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 788
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 571
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 535
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Price includes:
- Visa support and registration: assistance with the e-visa application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- E-visa fee: the electronic visa fee is included in the tour price.
- Hotel accommodation: one night in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Ashgabat with breakfast, based on twin-room sharing according to guests’ gender unless another room arrangement is agreed.
- Darvaza accommodation: one night in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen and access to shower facilities.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the land itinerary.
- Transfers: pick-up on the Turkmenistan side of the Shavat border, intercity road transfers, sightseeing transfers and the confirmed final transfer to Haudan border or Ashgabat International Airport.
- Meals: breakfasts, plus dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided city tours and entrance fees for museums and sites included in the agreed programme.
- Medical insurance: coverage up to USD 64,000 per guest, subject to the policy terms.
- Driver and guide costs: fuel, meals, accommodation and other route-related expenses for the driver and guide.
- Taxes and organisation: applicable taxes, road fees and organisational costs for the included services.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to border processing, road conditions, local access, flight timing and the time available.
- Mobile internet: access to the guide’s portable Wi-Fi router where mobile network coverage is available, supporting up to 10 connected devices at a time.
- Happ VPN: the guide will provide an access key after arrival in Turkmenistan.
Price doesn't include:
- Meals not expressly listed as included. Allow approximately USD 3–8 per person per meal as an indicative budget; actual restaurant prices vary.
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, laundry, minibar purchases, additional hotel services and other personal purchases.
- Tips for guides and drivers, which are optional and appreciated.
- Onward transport and services after crossing into Iran, unless separately agreed.
- International flights departing from Ashgabat, unless specifically stated in the quotation.
Accommodation
Evening Sleeper Train — Turkmenabat to Mary
Turkmenabat → Mary Sleeper Train
Travel from Turkmenabat to Mary in a sleeper compartment, with seating and sleeping berths suitable for the evening journey.
The scheduled journey normally departs Turkmenabat at approximately 18:45 and reaches Mary shortly after midnight, although the final railway timetable is reconfirmed before travel.
Mary — 1 night
Margush Hotel 4*
Accommodation in Mary is planned at Margush Hotel, one of the preferred hotel options in the city and conveniently located for access to Mary and the Ancient Merv sightseeing programme.
The hotel offers both double and twin rooms and provides a comfortable place to rest after the late-night arrival by train.
Breakfast is included with the hotel stay.
