2-Day Tour: Farab Border – Merv – Ashgabat
A compact yet complete two-day journey across southern Turkmenistan, starting at the Farab border after crossing from Bukhara, Uzbekistan. On the first day you explore the ruins of ancient Merv, the UNESCO-listed "Pearl of the Silk Road," before continuing to the marble capital Ashgabat. The second day is a full-day discovery of Ashgabat, from the National Museum and Carpet Museum to the Parthian ruins of Nisa and the legendary Akhal-Teke horses. History, culture and modern city life packed into just two days.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Farab Border → Merv (UNESCO) → Ashgabat
We meet you at the Farab border crossing near Turkmenabat after your arrival from Bukhara, Uzbekistan. After completing border formalities, we set off on a scenic drive of around 4.5 hours to the ancient city of Merv, one of Central Asia's most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a flourishing oasis on the Great Silk Road, Merv preserves the ruins of fortresses, mausoleums and citadels; your guide will show you the highlights, including the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the Great Kyz Kala and Erk Kala. In the late afternoon we continue by modern highway (about 4 hours) to Ashgabat and check into the 4-star Bagt Köşgi Hotel for the night.
Day 2 — Ashgabat City Tour → Departure
After breakfast we set out on a full-day city tour of Ashgabat, exploring both its ancient heritage and gleaming modern landmarks. You visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen Carpet Museum, then the Neutrality Arch, the Monument of Independence and the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. The day continues at the UNESCO-listed Parthian ruins of Nisa and the stables of the famous Akhal-Teke horses, followed by a stop at the modern Olympic City complex. After dinner of traditional Turkmen cuisine and, if time permits, a stroll through a modern shopping center, you are transferred in the late evening to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms (4-star hotel in Ashgabat, 1 night)
- Full-day Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- All breakfasts
- All expenses of the driver and guide, including fuel, meals and accommodation, and transfers to and from the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals ($3–8 per meal per person)
- Entrance fees to museums and sites (roughly no more than $10 per day)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
3 STOPS
- 01Farab BorderDay 1
- 02Ancient MervDay 1
- 03AshgabatDay 1
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- 2-Day Tour: Farab Border – Merv – Ashgabat
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
