3-Day Tour: Shavat – Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Merv – Farab
A compact three-day crossing of Turkmenistan from the Shavat border near Khiva to the Farab border near Bukhara. A domestic flight from Dashoguz to Ashgabat makes it possible to combine the thermal cave of Kow Ata, the mountain village of Nokhur, the surreal Yangykala Canyon, and the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Merv in a single journey. Expect dramatic desert landscapes, the marble capital by night, and Silk Road history along the way.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Flight to Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi
We meet you at the Shavat border crossing opposite Khiva and assist with all formalities, then drive to Dashoguz for a domestic flight to Ashgabat (included in the price). After lunch we head into the Kopet Dag foothills to the Kow Ata underground thermal lake, a warm mineral-rich cavern. We continue to Nokhur, a traditional mountain village known for its ancient crafts and authentic rural life, then drive west to the Caspian coast for an overnight stay in Turkmenbashi.
Day 2 — Turkmenbashi – Yangykala Canyon – Balkanabat – Ashgabat – Night City Tour
The nature highlight of the tour: we drive to the legendary Yangykala Canyon, often called a lost world for its multicolored white, pink, red, and orange cliffs rising from the desert. You will walk the canyon rim, visit the main viewpoints, and take panoramic photos. After a simple lunch in Balkanabat we return to Ashgabat for an evening city tour, including the Alem entertainment center, Independence Monument and Park, the Neutrality Arch, the white-marble avenues, and the futuristic Wedding Palace. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Ancient Merv (UNESCO) – Turkmenabat – Farab Border
After breakfast we drive east to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. We explore the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the ancient quarters of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, impressive fortress ruins, and sacred mausoleums set against desert panoramas. We then continue via a short stop in Turkmenabat to the Farab border crossing, the most convenient exit for travelers heading to Bukhara, where the tour ends.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Domestic flight Dashoguz – Ashgabat
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, and accommodation
- Transfers and meeting/farewell at the border
- All taxes
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals ($3–8 per meal per person)
- Tips (welcomed but optional)
12 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02DashoguzDay 1
- 03AshgabatDay 1
- 04Kow-Ata LakeDay 1
- 05NokhurDay 1
- 06TurkmenbashiDay 1
- 07Yangykala CanyonsDay 2
- 08BalkanabatDay 2
- 09AshgabatDay 2
- 10Ancient MervDay 3
- 11TurkmenabatDay 3
- 12Farab BorderDay 3
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- 3-Day Tour: Shavat – Ashgabat – Kow Ata – Nokhur – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Merv – Farab
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
