3-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Darvaza & Night Train to Turkmenabat
This budget-friendly 3-day adventure is perfect for travelers heading on to Bukhara, Uzbekistan. With no hotels included, it keeps costs low while covering all the major highlights. You'll spend one night under the stars at the Darvaza Gas Crater and another aboard the comfortable night train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat, one of the most authentic travel experiences in Central Asia. From the marble capital to the fiery Gates of Hell, it's a memorable mix of culture, adventure and desert landscapes.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Ashgabat Arrival & Drive to Darvaza
Meet at Ashgabat International Airport upon arrival, then enjoy a quick breakfast and freshen up at a local café. In the morning, see the highlights of Ashgabat and visit the Melon Festival to sample local melons and festival foods. In the early afternoon, depart by car for the Darvaza Gas Crater (about a 3.5-hour drive, 270–300 km). Arrive at sunset for dinner at the yurt camp and explore the legendary Gates of Hell. Overnight in a yurt or tent near the crater (basic comfort).
Day 2 — Darvaza to Ashgabat & Night Train to Turkmenabat
After breakfast at the camp, take an optional short walk around the gas crater. Drive back to Ashgabat with stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater along the way. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant known for authentic Turkmen food, followed by an afternoon city tour of Ashgabat. In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board the night train to Turkmenabat in a comfortable sleeper berth.
Day 3 — Turkmenabat & Farab Border Crossing
Arrive in Turkmenabat in the morning for a short city visit and breakfast. After lunch, transfer to the Farab border crossing for your exit into Uzbekistan. The tour ends at the border.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and an overnight yurt stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, accommodation, transfer to the meeting point and parting at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the time available; the itinerary can be adjusted on the go
- 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 (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (welcomed but optional)
5 STOPS
- 01AshgabatDay 1
- 02Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 03AshgabatDay 2
- 04TurkmenabatDay 2
- 05Farab BorderDay 3
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
