Tour Overview
Our 5-day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara to Ashgabat is the perfect way to discover the country's fascinating Silk Road history, cultural traditions and extraordinary desert landscapes. Beginning at the Farap border near Bukhara, this private journey takes you through Turkmenabat, the UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv archaeological site and the magnificent white-marble capital of Ashgabat.
During your five-day adventure, explore ancient fortresses, experience Turkmen hospitality and discover the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Door to Hell. Enjoy an authentic desert barbecue, spend a memorable night in a traditional Turkmen yurt and discover the highlights of Ashgabat before your departure from Ashgabat International Airport. With experienced local guides, private transportation and carefully selected accommodation, Darvaza Tour provides a comfortable and culturally enriching journey through Turkmenistan.
5-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Farap Border → Turkmenabat City Tour → Mary
09:00 AM — Arrival at Farap Border
Begin your five-day journey through Turkmenistan at the Farap–Alat border crossing, connecting Bukhara in Uzbekistan with the eastern Lebap region of Turkmenistan.
After completing the required immigration and customs formalities, meet your professional English-speaking guide and private driver on the Turkmenistan side of the border.
Your guide will introduce you to the programme and accompany you throughout your journey.
Transfer to Turkmenabat
Continue to Turkmenabat, one of the most important cities in eastern Turkmenistan, situated near the historic Amu Darya River.
This region has played an essential role in trade and cultural exchange for centuries, linking the Silk Road cities of Central Asia.
Amul Fortress — Ancient Silk Road Heritage
Your first historical destination is the ancient settlement of Amul, also known as Amul-Gala.
Discover the remains of this important trading settlement and learn how merchants once travelled between the major commercial centres of the region.
The surviving earthen fortifications provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's historical importance.
Lebap Regional History Museum
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to the regional history museum, where archaeological discoveries, traditional costumes, carpets and ethnographic collections illustrate the cultural identity of eastern Turkmenistan.
Your guide will introduce you to the region's history, traditions and everyday life.
Traditional Lunch in Turkmenabat
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant or chaikhana, where you can try regional Turkmen dishes.
Green Bazaar — Experience Local Life
After lunch, visit Turkmenabat's lively Green Bazaar, also known as Gok Bazaar.
Walk among stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, dried goods, spices and other local products. The market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the everyday atmosphere of a traditional Central Asian city.
Afternoon Journey to Mary
Later in the afternoon, leave Turkmenabat and travel southwest toward Mary along the modern road connecting the two regions.
The journey covers approximately 250 km, with driving time depending on traffic and road conditions.
Enjoy views of eastern Turkmenistan's changing landscapes along the way.
Evening Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Upon arrival in Mary, transfer directly to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is reserved for dinner and relaxation before the next day's historical discoveries.
Overnight: Margush Hotel 4★ in Mary.
Day 2 — Mary → Ancient Merv → Turkmen Ojagy → Mary City Tour → Ashgabat
Breakfast and Hotel Check-out
Start the morning with breakfast at your hotel in Mary. After checking out, meet your guide and depart toward the celebrated archaeological site of Ancient Merv.
Ancient Merv — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover one of the most extraordinary historical sites in Central Asia.
Ancient Merv was once a major centre of commerce, learning and culture along the Great Silk Road. Today, its extensive archaeological landscape preserves the remains of several ancient and medieval settlements.
Your private guided tour includes the following principal monuments.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Admire the monumental 12th-century mausoleum associated with the powerful Seljuk ruler Sultan Sanjar.
Its massive brick walls, elegant architectural proportions and impressive dome make it one of the most remarkable surviving monuments of medieval Turkmenistan.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
Explore the famous fortified buildings distinguished by their unusual corrugated mud-brick walls.
Your guide will explain their architectural features and their significance within the historical landscape of Merv.
Askhabs Mausoleums
Continue to this important religious and historical complex dedicated to two companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Discover its distinctive architecture and learn about the traditions associated with the site.
Ancient Hammam and Sardoba
Examine the remains of medieval bathing facilities and water-storage infrastructure.
These historical features offer fascinating insights into how communities managed water and daily life in the dry climate of Central Asia.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Visit the impressive remains of two ancient fortified settlements.
Observe the enormous defensive earthworks and enjoy wide views across the archaeological landscape as your guide explains the different periods of Merv's development.
Additional archaeological monuments may be visited depending on the available time.
Turkmen Ojagy Ethnographic Experience
Following your historical exploration, continue to Turkmen Ojagy, a traditional cultural complex near Ancient Merv.
Enjoy lunch and discover aspects of Turkmen hospitality, craftsmanship and customs.
Alabay Dogs and Bactrian Camels
Meet Turkmen Alabay dogs, an important symbol of the country's cultural heritage, and enjoy opportunities to photograph Bactrian camels.
Traditional Turkmen Clothing
Discover colourful national garments and traditional accessories. Try on a distinctive telpek sheepskin hat and Turkmen clothing for memorable photographs.
Traditional Bread-Baking Experience
Learn how local flatbread, known as chorek, is prepared in a traditional clay oven called a tamdyr.
This activity offers an engaging introduction to everyday Turkmen culinary traditions.
Afternoon Mary City Tour
Before leaving the Mary region, explore two of the city's notable cultural attractions.
Mary State History Museum
Visit the regional museum and discover archaeological and ethnographic collections associated with Ancient Merv, Bronze Age Margiana and the broader cultural history of the Mary oasis.
Pokrovskaya Orthodox Church
Continue to the historic Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary, a distinctive red-brick building representing an important part of the city's architectural heritage.
Evening Transfer to Ashgabat
After completing the sightseeing programme, begin your journey west toward Ashgabat.
Travel approximately 360 km along the modern highway, with an estimated driving time of around four hours.
On arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Overnight: Sport Hotel 4★ in Ashgabat.
Please note: This is a full sightseeing and travel day. The sequence and duration of visits may be adjusted according to border timing, museum opening hours and road conditions.
Day 3 — Ashgabat City Tour → Water & Mud Craters → Darvaza Gas Crater
Discover the White Marble Capital and the Famous Door to Hell
Breakfast and Morning Sightseeing
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before continuing your five-day Turkmenistan adventure with a private sightseeing tour of Ashgabat.
The capital is famous for its wide avenues, monumental buildings and distinctive white-marble architecture.
Your experienced local guide will design the morning itinerary according to your interests, available time and sightseeing priorities.
Suggested Ashgabat Highlights
Depending on the schedule, your sightseeing may include:
- Independence Monument: Admire one of the capital's most recognisable monuments and its surrounding landscaped gardens.
- Neutrality Monument: Discover a striking landmark associated with Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality.
- Ertogrul Gazi Mosque: Explore the impressive mosque inspired by Ottoman architectural traditions.
- National Museum of History: Learn more about Turkmenistan's archaeology and cultural heritage.
- Ashgabat's Marble Architecture: Enjoy photo stops at prominent squares, broad boulevards and monumental government buildings, where access is permitted.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
After the morning tour, enjoy lunch at a recommended restaurant in Ashgabat.
Journey into the Karakum Desert
In the afternoon, leave the capital and travel north toward the remarkable Darvaza Gas Crater.
The journey covers approximately 270 km and usually takes several hours.
As the city gradually disappears behind you, enjoy the vast desert scenery and changing landscapes of the Karakum.
Please be aware that portions of the journey include uneven surfaces and rough desert tracks.
Water Crater
Make a brief sightseeing stop at the unusual Water Crater, a water-filled depression surrounded by the arid desert landscape.
Mud Crater
Continue to another distinctive desert feature, the Mud Crater, where your guide will explain the characteristics of the surrounding geological environment.
Arrival at Darvaza Gas Crater
Reach the extraordinary Darvaza Gas Crater, internationally recognised as the “Door to Hell.”
Explore the designated viewing area and observe the famous crater as daylight fades.
The evening atmosphere offers memorable photography opportunities, with the crater's glow standing out against the darkening desert.
Traditional Desert Barbecue Dinner
After sunset, enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue dinner at your campsite.
Relax under the open desert sky and experience a peaceful night surrounded by the landscapes of the Karakum.
Your guide will provide the necessary safety instructions for visiting the crater area.
Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt at the Darvaza desert camp.
Day 4 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat City Tour
Sunrise in the Karakum Desert and Return to Ashgabat
Optional Early Morning Crater Visit
Begin the day with an optional sunrise excursion to the Darvaza Gas Crater.
The early morning provides a different perspective on this remarkable landscape, with soft natural light and peaceful desert surroundings.
Enjoy a final opportunity to take photographs before leaving the area.
Breakfast at the Desert Camp
Return to your accommodation for breakfast and prepare for the journey south.
Drive from Darvaza to Ashgabat
Depart the desert camp and travel approximately 270 km back to the capital.
The drive takes several hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
As you approach Ashgabat, the desert scenery gradually gives way to the impressive urban landscape of Turkmenistan's capital.
Lunch in Ashgabat
After arriving in the city, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon Ashgabat Sightseeing
Continue exploring the capital with your private guide.
This afternoon's programme is designed to complement the sightseeing completed on Day 3, allowing you to discover additional cultural attractions and architectural highlights.
Depending on your preferences and available time, the programme may include:
Ancient Nisa — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the archaeological remains of the Parthian fortress located near Ashgabat and learn about the ancient kingdom that once influenced a large part of the region.
Gypjak Mosque
Admire the monumental mosque complex renowned for its impressive architecture and expansive grounds.
Russian Bazaar
Experience the atmosphere of one of Ashgabat's best-known local markets, where residents shop for food, traditional products and everyday goods.
Modern Ashgabat Landmarks
Continue discovering selected monuments, cultural sites and photogenic architectural landmarks, depending on the interests of your group.
Evening and Hotel Check-in
After sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Relax and prepare for the final day of your journey.
Overnight: Sport Hotel 4★ in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat Sightseeing → Ashgabat International Airport
Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and begin your final day in Ashgabat.
The programme will be arranged according to your international flight departure time.
Flexible Morning City Tour
If your flight schedule allows, enjoy a final guided exploration of the capital.
Your guide can recommend additional cultural attractions, photography locations or sightseeing experiences that were not covered during the previous days.
Shopping for Traditional Souvenirs
Depending on the available time, visit a local market or selected shops to purchase souvenirs, traditional textiles, Turkmen handicrafts or gifts.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Enjoy a final meal at a local restaurant, where you can sample your favourite Turkmen dishes before leaving the country.
Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfer
Complete your hotel check-out and meet your driver for the transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
Your departure transfer will be scheduled according to your flight time, with sufficient allowance for international check-in and airport formalities.
The Darvaza Tour team will assist with the planned transfer and provide guidance regarding departure procedures.
End of Tour Services.
Thank you for travelling with Darvaza Tour. We hope your five-day journey through Turkmenistan leaves you with unforgettable memories of its ancient Silk Road heritage, remarkable landscapes and warm hospitality.
5-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$ 1,154
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,154
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
Ashgabat — 2 night
Ak Altyn Hotel 4*
Accommodation in Ashgabat is planned at Ak Altyn Hotel, a centrally located hotel with convenient access to the main sightseeing areas, restaurants and major city attractions.
The hotel is officially classified as a 4-star property, although it is an older-established hotel with a more traditional interior style compared with newer luxury hotels in Ashgabat. We use Ak Altyn because of its practical location, reliable service and easy access to the main places included in the city sightseeing programme.
Breakfast is included. Twin, double or single room arrangements can be provided according to the confirmed booking.
Mary — 1 Night
Margush Hotel 4★
Guests will stay at Margush Hotel in Mary, conveniently located for exploring the historic Mary region and Ancient Merv. The hotel provides a comfortable place to relax after the journey from Turkmenabat. Breakfast is included in the planned accommodation.
Darvaza — 1 night
Traditional Turkmen Yurt Camp
One night near the Darvaza Gas Crater. The stay includes bedding, dinner, breakfast and access to camp washing/shower facilities. Accommodation in the desert is simpler than a city hotel and is designed as part of the Karakum experience.
