4-Day Tour: Shavat Border – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Ancient Merv
Cross into Turkmenistan from Uzbekistan and dive into the heart of the Karakum Desert on this four-day adventure. Stand before the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, the burning "Gates of Hell", and spend the night in a yurt under the desert sky. Explore the white-marble capital Ashgabat, the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, and immerse yourself in living Turkmen traditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat Border (Khiva) – Dashoguz – Darvaza
We meet you at the Shavat border crossing near Khiva in Uzbekistan and, after border formalities, transfer to Dashoguz for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we begin the drive to the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell" (about 300 km / 7 hours across the Karakum Desert). At dusk you have ample free time to witness the perpetually burning crater, followed by a traditional kebab dinner at a nearby yurt camp. Spend an unforgettable night beside the crater in comfortable yurts or tents while your guide shares the legends of Darvaza.
Day 2 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast we cross the vast Karakum Desert toward Ashgabat (about 271 km / 4.5 hours), stopping along the way at the unique Water and Mud craters and a charming desert village where locals raise goats and camels. After lunch in Ashgabat we set out on a full city tour of this extraordinary capital, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records for its white-marble buildings. Highlights include the National Museum of Turkmenistan, the Carpet Museum, the Neutrality Arch, the Independence Monument, the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the UNESCO-listed Nisa, the Akhal-Teke horse stables and the Olympic City. We finish with dinner at a traditional Turkmen restaurant and overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Mary – Ancient Merv – Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy
After breakfast we drive from Ashgabat to Mary on the excellent new highway, arriving around midday. We explore the highlights of Ancient Merv, one of the most important Silk Road cities of Central Asia, including Kyz Kala, Gyaur Kala, Erk Kala, the impressively restored Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the Merv Ice House. After lunch we visit Gadymy Turkmen Ojagy, a cultural site where you can meet camels and Akhal-Teke horses, try on Turkmen national costumes, encounter Alabai dogs and enjoy genuine Turkmen yurt hospitality. In the evening we drive to Mary for a short walk and dinner, with overnight at the Margush Hotel.
Day 4 — Mary – Ashgabat – City Experiences – Airport Transfer
After breakfast this flexible day is tailored to your interests in Ashgabat. You may explore the lively Tolkuchka (Altyn Asyr) Bazaar, one of Central Asia's largest open-air markets, walk a section of the famous Health Path in the foothills of the Kopet Dag, or visit modern shopping malls such as Berkarar. As evening falls we admire the illuminated Magtymguly Pyragy Monument and the iconic Wedding Palace (Bagt Koshgi). Finally we transfer you to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure, as most international flights leave after midnight.
- 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
- Entrance fees to museums and sites as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- All taxes
- Tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the itinerary may be adjusted as needed
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals ($3–8 per meal per person)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
9 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02KhivaDay 1
- 03DashoguzDay 1
- 04Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 05AshgabatDay 2
- 06MaryDay 3
- 07Ancient MervDay 3
- 08MaryDay 4
- 09AshgabatDay 4
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
