3-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza
This three-day journey begins at the Farab border and carries you through the UNESCO treasures of ancient Merv to Ashgabat, the white-marble capital. Cross both rough desert tracks and smooth modern highways while discovering the contrast between Silk Road ruins and a futuristic city. The adventure peaks at the burning gas crater of Darvaza, where you dine by the flames and sleep in a traditional yurt under the stars before crossing to the Shavat border.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Farab Border – Turkmenabat – Merv – Ashgabat
Meet at the Farab border crossing between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, then drive to Turkmenabat for lunch. Continue to the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and Kyz Kala fortresses. In the evening, drive on to Ashgabat for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 — Ashgabat – Darvaza
Spend the morning sightseeing in Ashgabat, the white-marble capital, visiting the National Museum, the Turkmen Carpet Museum, the Neutrality Arch, the Independence Monument, and the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. Explore the Parthian ruins of Nisa and meet the legendary Akhal-Teke horses. After lunch, drive toward Darvaza, stopping at the water and mud craters along the way, and arrive at the burning gas crater known as the Gates of Hell for dinner, a photo session, and an overnight stay in traditional yurts.
Day 3 — Darvaza – Dashoguz – Shavat
After breakfast, drive north to Dashoguz for lunch and a short city tour. In the afternoon, transfer to the Shavat border crossing near Khiva and Urgench, where the tour comes to an end.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and overnight yurt stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, accommodation, and transfers to and from the border meeting point
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the itinerary may be adjusted on the go as needed
- 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 sites (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
7 STOPS
- 01Farab BorderDay 1
- 02TurkmenabatDay 1
- 03Ancient MervDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 1
- 05Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 06DashoguzDay 3
- 07Shavat BorderDay 3
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
