3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour: Farap, Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza
Itinerary: Farap Border – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater – Kunya-Urgench – Border Crossing (Shavat/Hojaili)
Embark on an epic 3-day transit journey across Turkmenistan. Starting from the Farap border, discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ancient Merv and the white-marble capital of Ashgabat. Camp overnight by the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert, explore the ancient monuments of Kunya-Urgench, and conclude your adventure at either the Shavat or Hojaili border to cross back into Uzbekistan.
3
days
0
groups
2
options
There are currently no available dates for this tour. Contact us for a private tour.
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 not included in the program (estimated 3–8 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
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* Lunch at a local restaurant.
* Departure from Ashgabat heading North into the Karakum Desert (approx. 270 km).
* En route stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater.
* Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell").
* Sunset photography followed by a BBQ Dinner near the burning crater. The view is most spectacular after dark.
* Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen Yurt at the crater campsite.
* Lunch at a local restaurant.
* Departure from Ashgabat heading North into the Karakum Desert (approx. 270 km).
* En route stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater.
* Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell").
* Sunset photography followed by a BBQ Dinner near the burning crater. The view is most spectacular after dark.
* Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen Yurt at the crater campsite.
* A pre-dawn sunrise visit to the crater for a different perspective and final photos.
* Breakfast at the camp and direct drive from Darvaza to Kunya-Urgench via the desert highway (approx. 260 km)..
* Lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Kunya-Urgench.
* Guided Tour of the Historical Park (UNESCO):
Kutlug-Timur Minaret: The tallest minaret in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum: Famous for its exquisite and unique ceiling mosaic.
Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan: Iconic architectural landmarks of the Khorezmshah era.
Caravansaray Gate: Viewing the preserved monumental portal of the ancient city.
* Border Transfer (Upon Request):
Option A (Shavat Border): Transfer to the Shavat crossing (Best for Khiva).
Option B (Hojaili Border): Transfer to the Hojaili crossing (Best for Nukus).
* Assistance with border formalities and crossing into Uzbekistan.
* End of Tour.
* Breakfast at the camp and direct drive from Darvaza to Kunya-Urgench via the desert highway (approx. 260 km)..
* Lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Kunya-Urgench.
* Guided Tour of the Historical Park (UNESCO):
Kutlug-Timur Minaret: The tallest minaret in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum: Famous for its exquisite and unique ceiling mosaic.
Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan: Iconic architectural landmarks of the Khorezmshah era.
Caravansaray Gate: Viewing the preserved monumental portal of the ancient city.
* Border Transfer (Upon Request):
Option A (Shavat Border): Transfer to the Shavat crossing (Best for Khiva).
Option B (Hojaili Border): Transfer to the Hojaili crossing (Best for Nukus).
* 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
