Tour Overview
Our 7-day Turkmenistan tour from Khiva to Bukhara is an extraordinary overland adventure combining spectacular desert landscapes, ancient Silk Road cities and authentic Turkmen culture.
Begin your journey at the Shavat border and travel through the Karakum Desert for a memorable overnight stay beside the Darvaza Gas Crater. Discover Ashgabat's impressive white-marble architecture before continuing by overnight train toward the Caspian Sea. Explore the colorful cliffs of Yangykala Canyon, the remote medieval ruins of Ancient Dehistan, the traditional mountain village of Nokhur and the thermal waters of Kow Ata Underground Lake. Finish your adventure at UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv before crossing the Farap border toward Bukhara. Travel with Darvaza Tour and discover the remarkable contrasts of Turkmenistan in one carefully planned seven-day journey.
7-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater
10:00 AM – Arrival at the Shavat Border
Your seven-day journey through Turkmenistan begins at the Shavat border crossing near Khiva, Uzbekistan. After completing passport control and immigration procedures, meet your professional local guide inside the Turkmen border terminal. Our team will coordinate your arrival and assist with the necessary entry arrangements.
Drive to Dashoguz and Local Lunch
Continue to Dashoguz, one of the principal cities of northern Turkmenistan. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and discover a little of the region's everyday culture.
If time permits, visit a traditional market to observe local trading traditions and purchase fresh fruit, snacks or other supplies for your desert adventure.
Journey Across the Karakum Desert
Depart Dashoguz for the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, approximately 300 km away. The journey takes around 4–4.5 hours under suitable road conditions, passing through the expansive landscapes of the Karakum Desert.
Some sections of the desert road are uneven and bumpy. This is part of the adventurous character of the journey.
Darvaza Gas Crater at Sunset
Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, widely known as the Door to Hell and locally celebrated as the Shining of Karakum.
Explore the crater surroundings with your guide and watch the changing desert colors as evening approaches. The crater offers memorable photographic opportunities, particularly after sunset.
Traditional Desert Barbecue Dinner
Spend the evening at our desert campsite, where the team will prepare a traditional open-air barbecue dinner. Relax beneath the stars and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Karakum Desert.
Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt at the Darvaza campsite.
Day 2 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Water & Mud Craters → Ashgabat
Optional Sunrise Experience
Early risers may visit the crater again before breakfast to experience the quiet desert atmosphere and capture photographs in the gentle morning light.
Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast at the campsite, begin your journey south toward Ashgabat, approximately 270 km away.
The drive normally takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on road conditions and sightseeing stops.
Water Crater and Mud Crater
During the journey, stop at two distinctive natural sites in the Karakum Desert.
The Water Crater contains a pool of water within its circular depression, offering an unusual contrast with the surrounding desert.
The Mud Crater reveals a different side of the region's geological landscape. Your guide will explain the background of these formations during the visit.
Arrival in Ashgabat and Lunch
Reach Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your afternoon sightseeing.
Private Ashgabat City Tour
Discover the capital's monumental avenues, landscaped parks and striking white-marble buildings.
Your guide will organize the sightseeing program according to available time and your interests. Possible highlights include Independence Monument, Neutrality Monument, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, important city squares and other cultural landmarks.
This introduction provides an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable contrast between the remote Karakum Desert and modern Ashgabat.
Evening and Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a recommended local restaurant and return to your hotel for a comfortable night's rest.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat City Tour → Overnight Train to Turkmenbashi
Breakfast and Morning Sightseeing
Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a further guided exploration of Ashgabat.
Today offers additional time to discover the city's cultural heritage, monumental architecture and historical attractions.
Ashgabat's Historical and Cultural Highlights
Depending on your interests, opening hours and the departure schedule, your guide may recommend several of the following attractions:
Ancient Nisa: Discover the archaeological remains of the Parthian royal stronghold, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
National Museum of Turkmenistan: Explore historical collections displaying artifacts associated with ancient civilizations, traditional culture and archaeological discoveries.
Independence and Neutrality Monuments: Admire the monumental architecture that characterizes Ashgabat's modern identity.
Traditional Markets: Experience everyday local life and browse Turkmen textiles, crafts, sweets and souvenirs.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Take a comfortable break for lunch at a local restaurant during the city tour.
Preparation for the Overnight Train
In the late afternoon, transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station for your overnight journey west toward Turkmenbashi on the Caspian coast.
Before boarding, your guide can assist you in purchasing drinking water, fruit, sandwiches and other food for dinner on board.
Overnight Train Experience
Travel by sleeper train across western Turkmenistan, enjoying a different perspective on the country's landscapes and railway traditions.
Accommodation is planned in a four-berth sleeping compartment.
Train departure and arrival times are subject to the railway operator's confirmed schedule.
Overnight: Sleeper train from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi.
Day 4 — Turkmenbashi → Caspian Sea → Yangykala Canyon → Balkan Region
Morning Arrival in Turkmenbashi
Arrive at Turkmenbashi Railway Station, where your local driver will meet you for the next stage of your western Turkmenistan expedition.
Turkmenbashi City and Caspian Coast
Enjoy a brief orientation tour of Turkmenbashi, the country's important port city on the Caspian Sea.
Discover the city's historical character, including its distinctive older architecture and historic railway station. Stop at suitable viewpoints to admire the Caspian coastline and take photographs.
An optional visit to the Awaza tourism zone may be possible upon request, depending on access regulations and available time.
Lunch in Turkmenbashi
Enjoy a traditional Turkmen meal or locally available seafood at a restaurant before departing toward the desert canyons.
Scenic Drive to Yangykala Canyon
Travel approximately 160 km into the remote landscapes of the Balkan region to reach Yangykala Canyon.
The journey usually takes around three hours, depending on road and track conditions. Some of the final sections are rough and unpaved.
Exploration of Yangykala Canyon
Discover one of Turkmenistan's most extraordinary natural attractions.
Yangykala is celebrated for its immense limestone cliffs, layered rock formations and striking shades of red, white, pink and orange.
Explore selected viewpoints overlooking the dramatic canyon landscape and learn about the ancient geological history of the region.
Sunset at the Canyon
Weather, daylight and road conditions permitting, remain at the canyon for sunset photography, when the changing light can reveal spectacular colors across the cliffs.
Dinner and Drive to Accommodation
Depending on the season and travel conditions, enjoy a packed picnic dinner in the canyon area or dinner at your accommodation destination.
Continue toward Balkanabat or another suitable accommodation location in the Balkan region.
Overnight: Hotel in Balkanabat or a nearby regional hub, depending on the confirmed arrangements.
Day 5 — Balkan Region → Ancient Dehistan → Mashat Necropolis → Gyzylarbat
Breakfast and Departure
After breakfast, leave your hotel and begin an expedition into the remote archaeological landscapes of southwestern Turkmenistan.
Today's journey takes you away from the more frequently visited tourist routes and into a region rich in medieval Silk Road history.
Drive to Ancient Dehistan
Travel approximately 180 km toward the historical ruins of Ancient Dehistan, also known as Misrian or Mashat-Misrian.
Allow around 3.5 hours for the journey under suitable conditions, including sections of unpaved desert tracks.
Guided Exploration of Ancient Dehistan
Discover the surviving monuments of a once-important medieval trading center that connected northern Iran with Khorezm and other Central Asian destinations.
Explore the atmospheric archaeological remains, including:
Medieval Minarets: Admire the surviving brick minarets that once dominated the ancient settlement.
Historic Mosque Portal: Examine the monumental decorative entrance associated with the Khorezmshah period.
Ancient City Ruins: Walk among the remains of fortifications, historic buildings and structures connected with the city's trading past.
Silk Road Heritage: Learn how Dehistan developed as an important caravan settlement before its eventual decline.
Mashat Necropolis and Shir-Kabir
Continue approximately 7 km north to the historical Mashat burial complex.
Visit the surviving mausoleums and the celebrated Shir-Kabir mosque, renowned for its medieval architectural decoration.
This historical area remains significant for understanding the region's religious and cultural traditions.
Picnic Lunch at the Historical Site
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in a suitable location near the archaeological complex, surrounded by the quiet landscapes of the western desert.
Journey to Gyzylarbat
Following the archaeological tour, continue toward Gyzylarbat, passing through the region's varied desert and rural scenery.
Arrive at your hotel, check in and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel in Gyzylarbat.
Day 6 — Gyzylarbat → Moon Mountains → Nokhur Village → Kow Ata → Ashgabat
Breakfast and Morning Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and begin the journey east along the scenic foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains.
Today's program combines unusual natural landscapes, traditional village culture and the underground waters of Kow Ata.
Moon Mountains Photo Stop
Stop at the distinctive Moon Mountains, an area characterized by sculpted clay hills, soft ridges and unusual colors.
Take photographs of the undulating formations and enjoy the scenery of this less-visited part of Turkmenistan.
Drive to Nokhur Mountain Village
Continue toward Nokhur, a traditional settlement situated among the slopes of the Kopetdag Mountains.
The final ascent follows winding mountain roads, offering changing views of the valleys and surrounding countryside.
Traditional Village Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local family home or village restaurant, where arrangements permit.
This provides an opportunity to sample traditional regional dishes and experience local hospitality.
Cultural Tour of Nokhur
Explore the village with your guide and discover some of its distinctive cultural traditions.
Nokhur Cemetery: Visit the unusual cemetery where many gravestones are decorated with the horns of mountain goats.
Kyz Bibi Shrine: Learn about the local religious and cultural significance of this traditional pilgrimage site.
Traditional Handicrafts: Discover the region's association with textile production, including Keteni silk weaving, where local demonstrations are available.
Village Life: Walk through selected parts of the settlement and observe the traditional mountain environment.
Visits to Nokhur depend on weather and safe road access. Alternative arrangements may be necessary in poor conditions.
Kow Ata Underground Lake
Continue to the remarkable Kow Ata cave, known for its naturally warm, mineral-rich water.
Descend the cave's staircase to reach the underground lake, where swimming may be possible subject to opening conditions and personal comfort.
The water temperature is generally around 35°C, making this one of the country's most distinctive natural bathing experiences.
Return to Ashgabat
Travel approximately 100 km back to Ashgabat, with the final drive taking around 1.5 hours under normal road conditions.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for the final day of your journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 7 — Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Turkmenabat → Farap Border / Bukhara
07:30 AM – Departure from Ashgabat
Following an early breakfast and hotel check-out, depart Ashgabat for the Mary region along the modern highway.
The journey covers approximately 360 km and usually takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Lunch in Mary or Bayramaly
Arrive in the Merv oasis region and enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly.
Guided Tour of Ancient Merv – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the impressive archaeological remains of Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's most important historical Silk Road cities.
Your professional guide will introduce the different civilizations that shaped the Merv oasis over thousands of years.
The main historical monuments include:
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: Admire this outstanding 12th-century Seljuk monument, celebrated for its monumental proportions and architectural significance.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: Discover the distinctive corrugated mud-brick structures associated with the historical development of the Merv region.
Askhabs Mausoleums: Visit the historic religious complex traditionally associated with companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Ancient Sardoba and Hammam: Explore the remains of historical water-storage facilities and bathing structures that illustrate daily life in the oasis.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala: Discover the ancient fortified settlements and impressive defensive earthworks that testify to Merv's long and complex history.
Additional historical remains may be visited depending on available time and the group's interests.
Drive to Turkmenabat
Following the archaeological program, continue northeast toward Turkmenabat via the Mary–Turkmenabat road, covering approximately 240 km.
Allow around 2.5–3 hours for the journey under suitable conditions.
Farewell Dinner in Turkmenabat
Arrive in Turkmenabat and enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant, concluding your seven-day exploration of Turkmenistan.
Transfer to the Farap Border
After dinner, travel approximately 40 km to the Farap–Alat border crossing, the principal crossing connecting Turkmenabat with the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan.
Your guide will provide assistance with the Turkmenistan departure procedures in accordance with border regulations.
After completing the border formalities, continue your independent or separately arranged onward transfer toward Bukhara.
End of Tour Services.
7-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
Overnight Train — 1 night
Ashgabat → Turkmenbashi Sleeper Train
Travel overnight from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi, a coastal city on the Caspian Sea, in a comfortable 4-berth sleeper compartment.
Even for solo travellers or couples, Darvaza Tour will arrange a full 4-berth compartment exclusively for your booking whenever availability allows, providing additional privacy, comfort and personal space throughout the journey.
The sleeper compartment is designed for overnight travel and includes comfortable sleeping berths, clean bedding and pillows, allowing you to relax and enjoy a restful night while travelling across the landscapes of western Turkmenistan.
The overnight train offers a practical and authentic way to experience Turkmenistan's railway system while travelling from the capital to the Caspian coast.
The exact train departure and arrival times, compartment arrangements and carriage allocation will be reconfirmed before travel according to the official railway schedule and ticket availability.
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.
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.
Balkan Region — 1 Night
Hotel accommodation in Balkanabat or a suitable nearby regional town, selected according to the confirmed travel arrangements.
Gyzylarbat — 1 Night
Accommodation at an available local hotel in Gyzylarbat, providing an overnight rest stop following the Ancient Dehistan expedition.
