3-day Transit Tour of Turkmenistan: Farap, Merv, Ashgabat, Darvaza and Kunya-Urgench

days

groups

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Route: Farap border (from Bukhara) – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat – Darvaza gas crater – Kunya-Urgench – border crossing (Shavat/Khiva or Khodjeyli/Nukus)

Embark on an epic 3-day transit journey through Turkmenistan, which perfectly connects Bukhara with Khiva or Nukus. Starting from the Farap border crossing, discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ancient Merv and the white-marble capital — Ashgabat. Venture into the Karakum Desert to spend an unforgettable night in a yurt camp by the spectacular burning Darvaza gas crater. Conclude your adventure by exploring the ancient monuments of Kunya-Urgench before returning to Uzbekistan via the Shavat or Khodjeyli border crossings.

Available Departure Dates

1 open groups

08.10.2026 09:00

3/4 seats

1 person: $697 4 people: $547

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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 1 Farap Border → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat

* 09:00 AM: Meet and greet at the Turkmen side of the Farap (Alat) Border Checkpoint.
* Departure and direct drive to the Merv oasis (approx. 250 km).
* Lunch at a local teahouse in Baýramaly.
* 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.
* Departure for Ashgabat (approx. 350 km).
* Arrival in Ashgabat:
Direct Option: Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Optional Activity (Upon Request) Ashgabat by Night: A short panoramic drive to experience the city's unique illumination. We will pass the main white-marble monuments and stop at a viewpoint for photos of the city lights before heading to your hotel.
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 2 Ashgabat → Darvaza

Day 3 Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Border