3-Day Tour: Bukhara/Farab – Turkmenabat – Merv – Ashgabat – Bajgiran/Iran
Cross Turkmenistan from the Uzbek border at Farab to the Iranian border at Bajgiran on this compact three-day journey. Explore the vast ruins of ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then discover the gleaming white-marble capital of Ashgabat with its monuments, museums and Parthian fortress of Nisa. Along the way you'll meet Akhal-Teke horses, wander lively bazaars and savour Turkmen cuisine.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Farab Border – Turkmenabat – Merv (UNESCO) – Ashgabat
Meet your Turkmen guide at the Farab border crossing from Bukhara and complete the border formalities (about 1.5–2 hours) with assistance on visa procedures. Drive to Turkmenabat for lunch at a national restaurant, then continue on the new high-speed highway to ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala, Kyz Kala, the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the surrounding fortresses and viewpoints, with an optional camel ride and meeting a Turkmen Alabay dog. In the evening, drive on to Ashgabat, the world's whitest marble city, and check in at your hotel.
Day 2 — Full Ashgabat City Tour (sights, museums and Nisa)
After breakfast, set out on a full-day city tour of Ashgabat. Visit the Independence Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Magtymguly Fragi Monument and the Turkmenbashi Mosque with the largest dome in Central Asia, then explore the Parthian royal capital of Ancient Nisa (UNESCO) and the National Museum of Turkmenistan. After a national lunch of khan-plov, ishlekli and local bread, continue to the Carpet Museum with its world-record giant carpet, the Lenin Monument and the Geokdepe area. In the evening enjoy the Alem Center with its Guinness-record indoor Ferris wheel and dinner at an Italian restaurant before overnighting in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Bazaars – Akhal-Teke Horses – Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast, explore Ashgabat's bazaars, including the famous Tolkuchka Bazaar and the Russian Bazaar. Visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm with time for a walk and photos of these legendary golden horses. In the afternoon, around 16:00, transfer to the Bajgiran border with Iran, where your guide assists with all exit formalities. The tour ends here.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals and accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the itinerary 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 other sites along the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
6 STOPS
- 01Farab BorderDay 1
- 02TurkmenabatDay 1
- 03Ancient MervDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 1
- 05Old NisaDay 2
- 06Bajgiran BorderDay 3
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
