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5 Day Tour: Shavat – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Turkmenbashi – Yangikala – Merv – Farab

by | Jul 8, 2025 | English, From Shavat, Popular, Tours

This Turkmenistan 5 day tour offers an extraordinary journey through Central Asia’s most captivating destinations. Our comprehensive Turkmenistan 5 day tour package takes you from the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater to the marble magnificence of Ashgabat, ensuring you experience the very best of this mysterious country.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1 person: 1236 $
  • 2 person: 768 $
  • 3 person: 601 $
  • 4 person: 543 $

Day 1: Shavat – Dashoguz – Darvaza

  • * Upon arrival, you will be met at the Uzbekistan border, near Shavat and Khiva. After completing customs and border formalities, we will proceed to Dashoguz for lunch.
  • * After lunch, we begin our journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater (approximately 300 km, 7 hours drive). Road conditions may be challenging.
  • * Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell,” shortly before sunset. You will have free time to explore the surroundings of the burning crater.
  • * Enjoy dinner at the nearby yurt camp.
  • * Spend more time at the burning Darvaza crater to witness its spectacular display under the night sky.
  • * Overnight at Darvaza in traditional yurts or tents.

Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat

  • * After breakfast at Darvaza, we continue our journey to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan (approximately 271 km, 4.5 hours drive).
  • * Along the way, we will make stops to visit two more interesting craters: the Water Crater and the Mud Crater. We will also pass through a village in the middle of the desert.
  • * Upon arrival in Ashgabat, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
  • * In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat. Explore the stunning white marble city, famous for holding the Guinness World Record for the most white marble-clad buildings in the world. We will visit key landmarks and monuments.
  • * Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ashgabat restaurant.
  • * Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 3: Ashgabat – Kov-Ata – Nohur Village – Turkmenbashi

  • * After breakfast, we depart from Ashgabat for a scenic drive towards Turkmenbashi (approximately 600 km, 7 hours drive).
  • * En route, we will visit Kov-Ata, a unique underground thermal lake located in a massive cave. You can even refresh yourself in its mineral-rich waters.
  • * We continue to Nohur village, a traditional mountain village known for its distinctive culture and architecture. You will have the opportunity to experience local life.
  • * Arrival in Turkmenbashi, a beautiful city located on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
  • * Check into hotel and dinner in Turkmenbashi.
  • * Overnight in Turkmenbashi.

Day 4: Turkmenbashi – Yangikala Canyons – Balkanabat – Ashgabat

  • * After breakfast, we will head to the breathtaking Yangikala Canyons (approximately 142 km, 2 hours drive), known for their vibrant, multi-colored rock formations resembling a Martian landscape.
  • * Spend time exploring and photographing the stunning canyons.
  • * From Yangikala, we continue our journey towards Ashgabat, passing through Balkanabat (approximately 147 km to Balkanabat, 2 hours drive; then 430 km to Ashgabat, 5 hours drive). This will be a long but incredibly scenic journey.
  • * Arrival in Ashgabat in the evening and dinner at a local restaurant.
  • * Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 5: Ashgabat – Merv – Farab Border Crossing

  • * After breakfast, we will travel to the ancient city of Merv (approximately 388 km, 4 hours drive), a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cities of the ancient Silk Road.
  • * Upon arrival, we will explore the historical ruins of Merv, including sites such as Gyz-Kala, the Askhabi mausoleums, the ancient fortresses of Gyaur-Kala and Erk-Kala, and the impressive Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. We will also visit the nearby city of Mary, the regional center.
  • * Enjoy lunch near Merv.
  • * After sightseeing, we continue our journey to the Farab border crossing with Uzbekistan (approximately 291 km, 5 hours drive from Merv, including passage through Turkmenbabad).
  • * The tour concludes upon your arrival at the Farab border point.

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

For solo travelers or those planning to visit Turkmenistan with a small group we recommend considering our Group tour of Turkmenistan. Joining a small group of travelers significantly increases your chances of successfully obtaining a Visa to Turkmenistan.