Arrive in Ashgabat and transfer to Uzbekistan on this guided 2-day transit. Explore the white-marble capital, visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ancient Merv, and take a direct transfer to the Farap border. An ideal itinerary connecting Ashgabat with Bukhara.
No dates scheduled yet. Contact us to request a private tour or specific date.
What is included/not included
What is included
Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors.
Accommodation in standard hotel rooms: twin rooms shared by same-gender guests; double rooms for couples; single rooms arranged when needed (other room categories on request).
Private transport and English-speaking guide for the days and routes specified in your itinerary.
All expenses of your driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, meeting you at the border and seeing you off at the border.
Daily breakfasts during the tour.
Dinner and overnight in a yurt at the Darvaza gas crater and at Gozli Ata (if included in your itinerary).
Entrance fees and photography permits for museums and attractions visited with your guide.
Travel insurance.
All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour.
The tour usually starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (other pick-up or drop-off points can be arranged on request).
What is not included
Visa and other border fees are not included. The visa can be obtained either at the embassy or at the border.
International flights and any transport to/from Turkmenistan at the start and end of the tour.
Meals are not included in the program (approximately 5–10 USD per meal per person, depending on the location and restaurant).
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated).
Drones (not allowed in Turkmenistan).
Entrance fees. meal costs and photo fees at the Turkmen Ojagy Ethnographic Complex (if included in your itinerary).
Tour program
Day 1Arrival in Ashgabat & Ashgabat City Tour
* Morning Arrival: Meet and greet at the Ashgabat International Airport and transfer to the city.
* After breakfast Ashgabat City Tour: Embark on a private tour of Ashgabat that is completely tailored to your schedule. Your expert guide will design a route that maximizes your time. We will adapt the pace and landmarks to your personal interests, ensuring you experience the perfect mix of Turkmenistan's ancient history, rich culture, and striking modern architecture.
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Farap Border
* Early departure from Ashgabat heading to Mary/Merv.
* Traditional lunch in a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly.
* Full Guided Tour of Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece, once the largest building in the Islamic world.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: The iconic "corrugated" mud-brick desert fortresses (7th–12th centuries).
Askhabs Mausoleums: Visit the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Hakim ibn Jabir and Buraidah ibn Al-Husaib).
Ancient Hammam & Sardoba: Discover the remains of medieval public baths and the sophisticated water storage systems of the desert.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala: Climb the ancient citadels for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park.
* Long-distance drive via Turkmenabat towards the border.
* Arrival at Farap Border Checkpoint.
* End of Tour
I used TM Tourism while traveling from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, and the experience was smooth from start to finish. The team was responsive, organized, and helped me with all the necessary arrangements and border-crossing information. Everything went as planned, which made the trip much less stre...
I used TM Tourism while traveling from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, and the experience was smooth from start to finish. The team was responsive, organized, and helped me with all the necessary arrangements and border-crossing information. Everything went as planned, which made the trip much less stressful. I really appreciated their professionalism and local knowledge. I would definitely recommend TM Tourism to anyone traveling in the region.
★★★★★
