2-Day Turkmenistan Express Transit Tour from Ashgabat to Bukhara via Merv

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Route: Ashgabat (ASB Airport) – Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Turkmenabat – Farap Border / Bukhara

A seamless 2-day express transit tour connecting Ashgabat International Airport with Uzbekistan via the Farap border! Start your journey with a customized exploration of Ashgabat's shimmering white-marble architecture, grand monuments, and vibrant local cuisine. On day two, travel east along the high-speed motorway to discover the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ancient Merv, including the double-domed Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the ancient fortresses of Kyz Kala. After a traditional farewell dinner in Turkmenabat, complete your trip with a comfortable evening transfer directly to the Farap border crossing for your onward journey to 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, domestic flights, and train tickets (as specified in your itinerary), along with a professional English-speaking guide for all designated routes.
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.
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, photo fees, and activities at Turkmen Ojagy (if included in your itinerary; lunch, folklore, dress-up, & masterclasses require min. 4 people).

Tour program

Day 1 Arrival in Ashgabat & Tailored Capital Discovery

Flight Arrival & Welcome: Upon your arrival at the Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), clear customs and immigration formalities.

Airport Transfer: Meet and greet by our team at the arrival gate (our guide/driver will recognize you based on your photo). Transfer to a restaurant for breakfast and a quick refresh.

Ashgabat City Highlights: Embark on a private, fully customizable tour of the "White Marble City." Your guide will craft a flexible route tailored to your pace and personal interests, blending ancient Silk Road history with grand futuristic landmarks.

Meals & Leisure: The day is designed around your comfort, featuring carefully timed breaks for a delicious lunch and a relaxed dinner at top local restaurants, where you can sample authentic Turkmen and regional cuisine while reflecting on the city's unique sights.

Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 2 Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Farap Border

07:30 AM: Morning departure from Ashgabat. Drive east along the Ashgabat–Mary High-Speed Motorway (Autobahn). Enjoy a smooth, comfortable journey across the changing landscapes (~360 km, approx. 3.5 to 4 hours).

Lunch: Arrive in the Mary region and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly.

Ancient Merv Guided Tour: Visit the spectacular archaeological park of Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore the key historical highlights in a streamlined route:

Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece featuring its legendary double-dome construction.
Greater & Lesser Kyz Kala: The iconic "corrugated" mud-brick desert fortresses (7th–12th centuries).
Askhabs Mausoleums & Ancient Sardoba: Visit the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, along with the adjacent medieval public baths and the sophisticated desert water storage system (Sardoba).
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala: Climb the massive ancient citadels for a panoramic view over the vast archaeological park.
Note: Ancient Merv hosts numerous other hidden ruins; additional minor historic sights within the archaeological park can be flexibly explored upon request, depending on your time and interest.

Fast Drive via Motorway: Depart Merv and head northeast toward the custom checkpoint via the Mary–Turkmenabat High-Speed Motorway (Autobahn) (~240 km, approx. 2.5 hours).

Farewell Dinner: Arrive in Turkmenabat and enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the conclusion of your Turkmenistan journey.

Arrival at Farap Border Checkpoint: After dinner, take a short drive to the 24-hour Farap-Alat border crossing (~40 km, approx. 40 minutes). Arrival at the border terminal. Our professional team will escort and assist you through all Turkmen customs and departure immigration formalities as per official border permit regulations.

End of Tour.

Accommodations

Ashgabat

1 nights

Standard: Hotel "Mizan", Bagt Koshgi Hotel

Comfort: Hotel "Oguzkent", Hotel "Archabil"

FAQ

Does this two-day tour include accommodation and meals?

This tour includes professional guide services, transfers along the entire route, and an excursion program. Please check the details regarding hotels and meals with your manager at the time of booking, as the package may vary depending on the chosen category of accommodation.

Is this tour suitable for travelers heading to Uzbekistan?

Yes, this itinerary is perfect for those who want to combine exploring the sights of Turkmenistan with a trip to Uzbekistan. The tour ends at the Farap border crossing, which provides a convenient transfer towards Bukhara.

What are the main attractions I will see during these 2 days?

The program covers a visit to Ashgabat, the capital with unique white marble architecture, as well as the ancient city of Merv, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a great opportunity to see both the modern face of the country and its rich historical past.

Do I need a visa to participate in this tour?

Citizens of most countries require a tourist visa to enter Turkmenistan. We recommend arranging visa support (LOI) in advance and checking current entry requirements at your local Turkmenistan consulate, as booking a tour does not exempt you from visa formalities.

Client Reviews (1)

Leave a Google Review

Adam Sandler

30.05.2026 21:05

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...