3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour: Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza - TmTourism
3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour: Farap, Merv, Ashgabat and Darvaza

3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour: Farap, Merv, Ashgabat and Darvaza

3
days
0
groups
2
options

Route: Farap border – Ancient MervAshgabatDarvaza Gas CraterKunya-Urgench – Border crossing (Shavat/Hojayli)

Embark on an epic 3-day transit journey through Turkmenistan. Starting from the Farap border, discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ancient Merv and the white-marble capital, Ashgabat. Spend a night in tents by the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert, explore the ancient monuments of Kunya-Urgench, and conclude your adventure at the Shavat or Hojayli border for your return to Uzbekistan.

There are currently no available dates for this tour. Contact us for a private tour.

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 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

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

Accommodations

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

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