Introduction
This Turkmenistan 4 day tour starts at the Farab border and takes you through the ancient ruins of Merv, once a Silk Road gem, before continuing to the capital Ashgabat with its marble landmarks, museums, and the historic site of Nisa. From there, journey deep into the Karakum desert to witness the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater, with an unforgettable overnight in yurts. The adventure ends at the Shavat border, offering travelers a compact but rich experience of Turkmenistan’s history, culture, and desert wonders.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Farab – Merv – Mary
- Your journey begins with crossing the border from Uzbekistan at the Farab checkpoint.
- After border formalities, you’ll proceed to the ancient ruins of Merv – one of the greatest cities along the Silk Road and a significant historical site from the Persian and Islamic periods.
- You’ll spend time exploring Merv’s main attractions, including Gyz Gala fortress, the Askhab mausoleums, the ancient castles of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala, and the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar once the tallest structure of its time.After this enriching day of exploration, you’ll check into your hotel in Mary, the regional capital situated near the ancient site of Merv.
- Overnight at a hotel in Mary.
Day 2: Mary – Ashgabat
- After breakfast, you’ll depart for Ashgabat (388 km, approximately 4 hours drive), the capital of Turkmenistan. The road is excellent – a well-maintained toll highway.
- In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ashgabat – one of the world’s most unique cities. The city holds a Guinness World Record for having the highest concentration of white marble buildings.
- You’ll visit all major attractions in Ashgabat, including the National Museum, Carpet Museum, various monuments, the ruins of Nisa (the first capital of the Parthian Empire), and the prestigious Akhal-Teke horse farm.
- Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat – Darvaza
- Morning free time in Ashgabat for leisure or additional exploration.
- In the afternoon, you’ll begin your journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater (271 km, approximately 4.5 hours drive). Please note that the road conditions are challenging.
- Upon arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell,” you’ll have time to explore this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
- Evening dinner will be served at a nearby yurt camp, offering an authentic desert experience.
- Overnight at Darvaza in traditional yurts or tents.
Day 4: Darvaza – Dashoguz – Shavat
- After breakfast at Darvaza, you’ll continue your journey to Dashoguz (300 km, approximately 7 hours drive). Please be prepared for very challenging road conditions.
- Upon arrival in Dashoguz, you’ll spend some time exploring the city before crossing the border into Uzbekistan through the Shavat border crossing point.
- End of tour!
Price Includes:
- – Invitation letter support and Foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- – Accommodation. Standart rooms.
- – Ashgabat City tour
- – Transport and guide.
- – Meals at Darvaza and yurt night stay at Darvaza.
- – All breakfasts
- – All the expenses of the driver/guide, including gasoline, meals and accommodation, transfer to the point of meeting at border, and separating with the guest at the border.
- – All taxes
- – The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border.
- – You will see everything that is possible to see within that time. The tour can be changed on the go as possible.
Not included:
- – Visa and other fees at the border. (Usually costs not more than $110, per person)
- – Meals ($3-8/ 1meal/ 1person)
- – Entrance fees to Museums and others as per the tour. roughly not more 10$ per day if any.
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 1 nights
Standart: Bagt Kosgi / Mizan / Sport / Ashgabat
Comfort: Archabil / Yyldyz / Oguzkent
Darvaza – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request
Mary – 1 nights
Standart: Mary Hotel / Merv Hotel
Comfort: Margush Hotel