This 3-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Farap to Shavat, or in reverse, is a compact overland journey covering Merv, Ashgabat, the Darvaza Gas Crater and Kunya-Urgench. It is ideal for travelers crossing Turkmenistan between Uzbekistan’s Bukhara and Khiva regions.
3-Day Itinerary
Farap → Shavat
Farap → Merv → Ashgabat → Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat
Day 1 — Farap → Merv → Ashgabat
After completing the border formalities at Farap, meet your guide and driver and travel to the archaeological park of Merv.
Explore Kyz Kala, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala, the Askhabi Mausoleums and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. After sightseeing in Merv, continue to Ashgabat.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 2 — Ashgabat → Darvaza
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. In the afternoon, travel north through the Karakum Desert toward the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Along the way, you may visit the water and mud craters and a desert settlement. Arrive at Darvaza in the evening and experience the glowing crater after dark.
Meals: Dinner at the yurt camp
Overnight: Yurt or tent near Darvaza
Day 3 — Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat
After breakfast, travel via Dashoguz to the historic complex of Kunya-Urgench.
Explore the monuments of the ancient city before continuing to the Shavat border crossing. The tour ends on the Turkmenistan side of the border after the departure formalities.
Shavat → Farap
Shavat → Kunya-Urgench → Darvaza → Ashgabat → Merv → Farap
Day 1 — Shavat → Kunya-Urgench → Darvaza
After completing the border formalities at Shavat, meet your guide and driver and continue to the historic complex of Kunya-Urgench.
After the visit, travel back toward Dashoguz and continue through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza. On arrival, visit the Gas Crater. If timing allows, you may experience sunset at the crater and see it glowing after dark.
Meals: Lunch in Dashoguz; dinner at the yurt camp
Overnight: Yurt or tent near Darvaza
Day 2 — Darvaza → Ashgabat
After breakfast, depart for Ashgabat. Along the way, stop at the water and mud craters and, if time permits, a desert settlement.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital before checking in at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast at the camp; lunch and dinner in Ashgabat
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Merv → Farap
After breakfast, travel to Merv. Following lunch, explore the archaeological park, including Kyz Kala, the Askhabi Mausoleums, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.
After sightseeing, continue via Turkmenabat to the Farap border crossing. The tour ends on the Turkmenistan side of the border.
Meals: Breakfast in Ashgabat; lunch near Merv
3-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,154
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 835
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 672
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 593
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Please note that the prices shown above are indicative and may vary depending on the final itinerary, travel dates, accommodation and overnight arrangements, room configuration, optional services, and other individual requirements. We will always confirm the final tour price with you before booking.
What’s Included
- Visa support. Full assistance with the Letter of Invitation (LOI) and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Accommodation. Hotel accommodation in Mary and Ashgabat according to the itinerary.
- Yurt night stay at Darvaza. Overnight in a traditional yurt or tent near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen, and shower facilities.
- Transport. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver throughout the tour.
- Transfers. Border pick-up, city-to-city transfers, sightseeing transfers, and drop-off at the Shavat border.
- Meals. Breakfasts according to the itinerary, plus dinner and breakfast at Darvaza.
- Guide. Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the route.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees. Sightseeing included in the itinerary and any required entrance fees are included.
- Medical insurance. Insurance coverage up to 64,000 USD per guest.
- Driver and guide expenses. Gasoline, meals, accommodation, and all route-related expenses for the driver and guide are included.
- Taxes and organization. All taxes, road fees, and organizational expenses are included.
- Border-to-border service. The tour starts at the Farap border and ends at the Shavat border.
- Flexible program. You will see everything possible within the available time. The tour can be adjusted on the go depending on time, logistics, road conditions, and local circumstances.
Not Included
- Visa & border fees. Paid separately upon arrival; the amount may vary depending on nationality and entry point.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, SIM cards, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Tips. Not included, but welcome.
