This 4-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Farap to Shavat takes you through Merv, Mary, Ashgabat and the Darvaza Gas Crater on a compact overland journey across Turkmenistan.
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 and registration: assistance with the Turkmenistan e-Visa application process and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Hotel accommodation: hotel accommodation in Mary and Ashgabat according to the itinerary, including breakfast and based on twin-room sharing 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 camp facilities.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver throughout the land itinerary.
- Border transfers: pick-up on the Turkmenistan side of the Farap border crossing and drop-off at the Shavat border crossing.
- Intercity and sightseeing transfers: all road transfers required for the programme between Farap, Merv, Mary, Ashgabat, Darvaza, Dashoguz and Shavat.
- Meals: hotel breakfasts according to the itinerary, plus dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided visits and entrance fees for museums, historical monuments 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 tour services.
- Border-to-border service: full ground service from the Farap border crossing to the Shavat border crossing.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to border processing, road conditions, weather, local access 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.
Not Included
- e-Visa fee: paid by the traveller; the amount depends on nationality and processing time. We prepare and submit your application after the tour is confirmed.
- Border fees on arrival: about US$49 per person (migration registration and medical check), paid in cash at the border.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, SIM cards, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Tips. Not included, but welcome.
