4-Day Itinerary
This 4-day overland tour starts at Farap and ends at Shavat, combining the ancient ruins of Merv, an overnight stay in Mary, sightseeing in Ashgabat and a desert night at the Darvaza Gas Crater before continuing through Dashoguz to the border.
Farap → Shavat
Farap → Merv → Mary → Ashgabat → Darvaza → Dashoguz → Shavat
Day 1 — Farap → Merv → Mary
After completing the border formalities at Farap, meet your guide and driver and continue to the ancient city of Merv.
Explore the main historical sites of Merv, including Gyz Gala, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala, the Askhab Mausoleums and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.
After sightseeing, continue to Mary and check in at your hotel.
Overnight: Mary
Day 2 — Mary → Ashgabat
After breakfast, depart from Mary and drive to Ashgabat.
In the afternoon, begin sightseeing in the capital, known for its distinctive white-marble architecture.
Visit selected highlights of Ashgabat, including major monuments, museums, the ancient site of Nisa and an Akhal-Teke horse farm.
Overnight: Ashgabat
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Darvaza
Enjoy some free time in Ashgabat in the morning.
In the afternoon, drive north through the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Upon arrival, spend time at the burning crater and enjoy dinner at the nearby yurt camp.
Overnight: Yurt or tent at Darvaza
Day 4 — Darvaza → Dashoguz → Shavat
After breakfast, leave Darvaza and continue north towards Dashoguz.
Upon arrival in Dashoguz, spend some time exploring the city before continuing to the Shavat border crossing near Khiva.
The tour ends at the Shavat border crossing.
4-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,311
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 956
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 812
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 734
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.
