3-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Khiva to Bukhara via Darvaza, Ashgabat and Merv
Cross overland from Khiva into Turkmenistan and discover the country's greatest highlights in three full days. Watch the famous Darvaza Gas Crater glow at night, explore the UNESCO sites of Kunya-Urgench, ancient Nisa and Merv, soak in the warm Kow-Ata underground lake and feel the traditional mountain life of Nokhur Village. The journey ends at the Farap border, with an easy onward transfer to Bukhara.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza Gas Crater – Ashgabat
Cross the Shavat border (opens 09:00), where an English-speaking guide helps with visa formalities and your passport is stamped. Enjoy lunch in Dashoguz, then explore the UNESCO historical park of Kunya-Urgench, including the Turabek-Khanum, Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan mausoleums and the Kutlug-Timur Minaret. In the late afternoon drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater to watch it in daylight, at sunset and fully dark, while the guide prepares a BBQ shashlik dinner. Around 23:00 take a night drive to Ashgabat and check in to a 4-star hotel.
Day 2 — Nokhur Village – Kow-Ata Underground Lake – Ashgabat sightseeing
After breakfast drive into the Kopetdag Mountains to traditional Nokhur Village, with its legendary plane trees, the Gyz Bibi holy place and local honey and herbs. Continue to the Kow-Ata underground lake inside a cave, where the water stays warm (around 38°C) year-round for a natural spa swim, followed by lunch. Back in Ashgabat, tour the Turkmenbashi Ruhy (Gypjak) Mosque, ancient Nisa (UNESCO), the National Museum and the Russian Bazaar. In the evening admire the floodlit Independence and Neutrality monuments, the Alem center and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, then enjoy dinner on the terrace of Central Park Restaurant.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Mary – Ancient Merv – Turkmenabat – Farap Border
After breakfast drive on the fast new highway to Mary (about 3 hours), the heart of the Silk Road. Explore Ancient Merv, including Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, the Great Ice House and the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Visit the popular Gadymy Ojak cultural spot to see Turkmen Alabay dogs, Akhal-Teke horses and camels, with a tasty Turkmen lunch. In the afternoon drive to Turkmenabat and reach the Farap border (open 24/7) around 21:00, where the tour ends with an optional onward transfer to Bukhara.
- Invitation letter (LOI) support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and yurt-area dinner at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, accommodation, and transfer to and from the meeting point at the border
- Entrance fees to museums and sites per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- All taxes
- The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the time; the itinerary can be adjusted on the go where possible
- 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
- 03Kunya-UrgenchDay 1
- 04Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 05AshgabatDay 1
- 06NokhurDay 2
- 07Kow-Ata LakeDay 2
- 08AshgabatDay 2
- 09MaryDay 3
- 10Ancient MervDay 3
- 11TurkmenabatDay 3
- 12Farab BorderDay 3
No reviews yet — be the first to leave one.
Leave a review
THIS ROUTE
Drop a short note. A curator replies within one working day with available departures, a draft day-by-day and a fixed quote.
- Tour
- 3-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Khiva to Bukhara via Darvaza, Ashgabat and Merv
- Reply
- Within 1 working day
- Office
- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
