3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Khiva to Bukhara by Night Train

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

An action-packed three-day transit adventure connecting Khiva and Bukhara! Cross the Turkmenistan border through the Shavat checkpoint and head into the Karakum Desert for a night at a yurt camp by the spectacular burning Darvaza gas crater. Experience the gleaming white-marble architecture of Ashgabat before boarding a classic night train to Turkmenabat. Discover the vibrant markets and Silk Road heritage of the Lebap region before concluding your journey with a scenic drive across the Amu Darya river to the Farap border.

Available Departure Dates

1 open groups

25.09.2026 10:00

4/4 seats

1 person: $781 4 people: $497

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What is included/not included

What is included

Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors.
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).

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 → Turkmenabat (Overnight Train)

Day 3 Turkmenabat → Farap border