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

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

3
days
1
groups
2
options

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 free
1 booked 3 free
1 person: $697 4 people: $547
Secure payment via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Processed by TMTOURISM LLC (Wyoming, USA).
Choose a convenient date and book your spot in the group

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.
  • 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, 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 Farap Border → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat

  • 🛂 09:00: Border meeting and start

    Farap Point (Alat): Meeting on the Turkmen side of the border checkpoint. Departure and direct transfer to the historical oasis of Merv (approx. 250 km).

  • 🏛️ Day: Ancient Merv (UNESCO)

    Lunch: Traditional meal in a local teahouse in the city of Bayramaly.

    Full guided tour of the archaeological park:

    • Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A masterpiece of 12th-century Seljuk architecture, once the largest building in the Islamic world.
    • Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: Famous "corrugated" mud-brick fortresses in the desert (7th–12th centuries).
    • Mausoleums of the Ashab: Visit to the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Hakim ibn Jabir and Burayda ibn Al-Husayb).
    • Ancient Hammam and Sardoba: Discover the remains of medieval public baths and sophisticated water storage systems in the desert.
    • Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala: Climb the ancient citadels for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park.

  • 🚗 Evening: Road to the capital

    Departure to Ashgabat: Comfortable transfer by car (approx. 350 km).

  • 🌃 Arrival in Ashgabat

    Direct option: Transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest.

    Optional (upon request) — "Ashgabat by Night": A short panoramic drive to enjoy the unique city illumination. We will pass by the main white marble monuments and stop at a viewing point to photograph the city lights before heading to your hotel.

    Overnight: Accommodation in an Ashgabat hotel.

Day 2 Ashgabat → Darvaza

  • 🏙️ Morning: Customized Ashgabat

    After breakfast — Sightseeing tour: Embark on a tour of Ashgabat, fully tailored to your schedule. Your experienced guide will design a route that makes the most of your time. We will adjust the pace and sights to match your personal interests, ensuring the perfect blend of ancient history, rich culture, and the striking modern architecture of Turkmenistan.

  • 🍽️ Day: Journey into the Desert

    • Lunch: A traditional meal at a local restaurant.
    • Departure: Depart from Ashgabat heading north into the vast Karakum Desert (approx. 270 km).
    • Stops along the way: Visit unique natural phenomena — the Water and Mud craters.

  • 🔥 Evening: Gateway to Hell

    Arrival at the Darvaza gas crater. Enjoy photography against the backdrop of the setting sun, followed by an atmospheric barbecue dinner next to the burning crater. The view becomes truly spectacular after dark.

  • ⛺ Overnight: Nomadic Romance

    Accommodation: Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt in a specially equipped camp near the crater.

Day 3 Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Border

  • 🌅 Morning: Sunrise at the crater and the road

    Morning Magic: Visit the crater at sunrise to capture a different perspective and stunning final photos.

    Departure: Breakfast at the camp and direct transfer from Darvaza to Kunya-Urgench along a colorful desert highway (approx. 260 km).

  • 🏛️ Afternoon: Ancient Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO)

    Lunch: A delicious meal at a local restaurant in Kunya-Urgench city.

    Guided tour of the Historical Park:

    • Kutlug Timur Minaret: The tallest minaret in Central Asia.
    • Torebeg Hanym Mausoleum: Known for its exquisite and unique ceiling mosaic.
    • Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan: Iconic architectural monuments of the Khorezmshahs era.
    • Caravanserai Gate: Exploration of the majestic, well-preserved portal of the ancient city.

  • 🛂 Evening: Transfer and border crossing

    Transfer to the border (your choice):

    • Option A (Shavat border): Transfer to the Shavat checkpoint (optimal for continuing the journey to Khiva).
    • Option B (Khodjeyli border): Transfer to the Khodjeyli checkpoint (optimal for traveling to Nukus).

    Border Crossing: Our guide will provide full assistance with border formalities and crossing into Uzbekistan.

    🏁 End of tour.

Accommodations

Ashgabat
1 nights
Standard: Hotel "Mizan", Bagt Koshgi Hotel
Comfort: Hotel "Oguzkent", Hotel "Archabil"
Darvaza
1 nights
Standard: Yurt Camp

Tags

From Farap / Bukhara
Category: Kunya-Urgench (Dashoguz) Ancient Merv Ashgabat City & Around Darvaza Gas Crater Short Breaks (1–3 days)
4 months ago

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Categories
Yangykala & Caspian 10 Kunya-Urgench (Dashoguz) 18 Ancient Merv 32 Ashgabat City & Around 40 Darvaza Gas Crater 37 Classic Turkmenistan (5–10 days) 12 Short Breaks (1–3 days) 23 All Tours 47 Tour Groups
Tags
From Shavat / Khiva 17 From Farap / Bukhara 13 From Ashgabat 16
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