3-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza
This 3-day Turkmenistan tour is designed for travelers entering from the Farab border near Bukhara and exiting via Shavat near Khiva. Begin with ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of mausoleums, castles, and the ruins of Sultan Sanjar, then enjoy a guided tour of the marble capital Ashgabat. Head into the desert to witness the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset with an overnight in yurts, and conclude at Kunya-Urgench before leaving Turkmenistan.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Farab Border – Merv – Ashgabat
Meet your guide and driver at the Farab border crossing and travel to the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its highlights, including Gyz-Gala, the Askhab mausoleums, the Gyaur-Kala and Erk-Kala castles, and the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum. Afterward, transfer to Ashgabat for an overnight stay in the capital.
Day 2 — Ashgabat – Darvaza
Enjoy a guided city tour of Ashgabat, the white-marble capital, in the morning. In the afternoon, depart for Darvaza, stopping en route at the Water Crater, the Mud Crater, and a desert village. Arrive in the evening at the Darvaza Gas Crater, the famous 'Gates of Hell', for dinner at the yurt camp and an overnight in yurts or tents.
Day 3 — Darvaza – Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat Border
Drive north to Dashoguz and visit the historical site of Kunya-Urgench, with its ancient mausoleums and the tallest minaret in Central Asia. After exploring the monuments, continue to the Shavat border crossing and exit Turkmenistan into Uzbekistan.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and the yurt overnight stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, 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 tour can be adjusted on the go where 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)
7 STOPS
- 01Farab BorderDay 1
- 02Ancient MervDay 1
- 03AshgabatDay 1
- 04Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 05DashoguzDay 3
- 06Kunya-UrgenchDay 3
- 07Shavat BorderDay 3
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- 3-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
