3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Khiva to Bukhara via Merv

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Route: Khiva / Shavat border – Dashoguz – Darvaza gas crater – Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Turkmenabat – Farap border / Bukhara

Connect Khiva and Bukhara on this action-packed 3-day transit journey through Turkmenistan! Enter through the Shavat border and cross the Karakum Desert to spend an unforgettable night camping in a traditional yurt near the spectacular burning Darvaza gas crater. Discover the sparkling white-stone architecture of Ashgabat before heading along the expressway to the vast UNESCO-listed ancient monuments of Merv. Complete your historical adventure with a farewell dinner in Turkmenabat before returning to Uzbekistan via the Farap border.

Available Departure Dates

4 open groups

15.08.2026 10:00

4/4 seats

1 person: $913 4 people: $545

Secure payment via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Processed by TMTOURISM LLC (Wyoming, USA).

05.09.2026 10:00

4/4 seats

1 person: $913 4 people: $545

Secure payment via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Processed by TMTOURISM LLC (Wyoming, USA).

01.10.2026 10:00

4/4 seats

1 person: $913 4 people: $545

Secure payment via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Processed by TMTOURISM LLC (Wyoming, USA).

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 Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater

* 10:00 AM (Approx.): Meet and greet inside the main hall of the Shavat Border Control Terminal on the Turkmen side; as you process your migration and passport check, the border officers will contact our team, and our local guide will enter the hall to meet you directly based on your photo.
* Dashoguz Stop: Short drive to Dashoguz for a traditional local lunch. Visit the local bazaar to experience the culture and shop for desert supplies/snacks.
* Desert Journey: Begin the drive to Darvaza (~300 km, approx. 4 to 4.5 hours) crossing the Central Karakum Desert. Please note that certain sections of the road are rough and uneven, making the drive bumpy, this is a true off-road desert adventure.
* Darvaza Gas Crater ("Shining of Karakum"): Arrive at the spectacular burning gas crater. Experience the desert sunset as the crater’s fiery glow begins to intensify.
* Evening & Dinner: Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner prepared by our team at the campsite. The night offers the ultimate viewing and photography opportunities under the desert stars.
* Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen yurt or a comfortable tent campsite near the crater.

Day 2 Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat

Day 3 Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Farap Border