3 Day Tour: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Merv – Ashgabat
A compact three-day journey designed for travelers who arrive and depart from Ashgabat and want to see Turkmenistan's main highlights in a short time. You explore the white-marble capital with its monuments, bazaars and horse farms, then head into the Karakum Desert to witness the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell." The route also takes in Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great Silk Road cities. With one night under the stars near the crater and one in a comfortable hotel in Ashgabat, this tour blends city comfort with desert adventure.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) → Ashgabat City Tour → Darvaza Gas Crater
Your English-speaking guide meets you at the Bajgiran border crossing with Iran and transfers you about 45 km (roughly one hour) to Ashgabat for a tour of the marble capital. You visit the Old Nisa Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an Akhal-Teke horse farm, the vast Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak and the National Museum. After lunch at a national restaurant you depart around 14:00 north across the Karakum Desert (about 4 hours), arriving near sunset at the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater. Dinner with grilled kebabs is served at the camp, and you spend the night in a traditional yurt near the crater.
Day 2 — Darvaza Sunrise → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat
You wake early for the unforgettable sunrise over the gas crater, then after breakfast drive east toward Merv, one of the oldest Silk Road cities (about 3 hours). Sightseeing in Ancient Merv includes the impressive mud-brick Kyz Kala, the ancient walled cities of Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala, the optional Yekedeshik Caves, and the famous turquoise-domed Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, with your guide sharing stories of Merv's role on the Silk Road. A picnic lunch is provided on the way. In the evening you return to Ashgabat (about 4 hours), check in at the Bagt Köşgi Hotel (3*) near the Wedding Palace, and stay overnight.
Day 3 — Ashgabat Highlights → Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you complete an additional city tour of sights not yet seen, including the Magtymguly Monument, Independence Park, the Monument of Neutrality and the Carpet Museum with its world-record Turkmen carpets. Following lunch at a local restaurant and some time for shopping, you are transferred about 45 km (roughly one hour) to the Bajgiran border crossing for exit formalities into Iran. End of services at the Bajgiran border.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and the yurt night stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All expenses of the driver and guide, including fuel, meals and accommodation, transfer to the meeting point and separation with the guest at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time, and the tour can be adjusted on the go as feasible
- 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 others as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
6 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 04Ancient MervDay 2
- 05AshgabatDay 2
- 06Bajgiran BorderDay 3
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- Tour
- 3 Day Tour: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Merv – Ashgabat
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- Within 1 working day
- Office
- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
