4 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara: Merv – Ashgabat – Darvaza
This 4-day Turkmenistan tour is perfect for travelers crossing from Uzbekistan who want to see the country's top highlights before flying home from Ashgabat. Starting at the Farab border, our team assists with all formalities and takes you to Merv, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the ancient Silk Road. You will discover the marble capital Ashgabat with its landmarks and legendary Akhal-Teke horses, then travel deep into the Karakum Desert to witness the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell," and spend a night in a yurt camp under the stars. It is the perfect balance of history, nature, and authentic desert adventure in four unforgettable days.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Farab Border – Mary – Merv (UNESCO) – Ashgabat
Meet your guide at the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border crossing at Farab. After border formalities, drive to Mary for lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. You will visit the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Kyz Kala, the Askhab Mausoleums and the mysterious Ulu Deshik site. Continue driving about 4 hours to Ashgabat, where you enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner at a national restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat Sightseeing – Darvaza Gas Crater
After breakfast, begin a full-day tour of Ashgabat, the "White-Marble City." Visit the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum in Gypjak, the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa (UNESCO), the Akhal-Teke horse farm with the legendary Turkmen horses, and the Carpet Museum, home to the world's largest handwoven carpet. After lunch at a national restaurant with traditional dishes such as ishlekli or khan palaw, drive about 4.5 hours to the Darvaza Gas Crater, arriving before sunset to watch the flaming "Gates of Hell." Enjoy a BBQ dinner with shashlyk under the desert sky and an optional camel ride around the crater. Overnight in a Turkmen yurt camp near the crater.
Day 3 — Darvaza – Ashgabat (Bazaars & City Life)
After breakfast, return to Ashgabat (about 4.5 hours) and have lunch in the city. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the vibrant side of the capital, starting at the Tolkuchka Bazaar, the largest traditional market in the country, full of colorful carpets, handmade jewelry and Turkmen clothes. Continue to the modern Berkarar Shopping Mall and stop by the Russian Bazaar for local souvenirs and spices. Dinner at a nice city restaurant and overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Departure from Ashgabat
Early morning transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your flight home.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and the yurt night stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All expenses of the driver/guide, including fuel, meals and 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 time; the tour 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)
- Entrance fees to museums and others as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
6 STOPS
- 01Farab BorderDay 1
- 02MaryDay 1
- 03Ancient MervDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 1
- 05Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 06AshgabatDay 3
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
