4 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva: Darvaza, Ashgabat & Merv
This unhurried four-day journey across Turkmenistan begins at the Shavat border near Khiva and crosses the Karakum Desert to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater. From there you reach the white-marble capital of Ashgabat and the ancient Silk Road city of Merv. An overnight stay in Mary gives you time to fully explore Merv's UNESCO heritage before continuing comfortably to the Farab border and on to Bukhara. It blends culture, relaxation, and adventure with good roads, comfortable hotels, and genuine Turkmen hospitality.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat – Dashoguz – Darvaza
You are met on the Turkmenistan side of the Shavat border near Khiva and Urgench, then drive south through the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza. You arrive at the famous Darvaza gas crater, the "Gates of Hell," in time to watch the flames against the sunset. Dinner is served under the stars at a traditional yurt camp, where you spend the night in a comfortable yurt or tent.
Day 2 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
After an early morning drive toward Ashgabat, you stop en route to see the geological water crater and mud crater. In the afternoon you check in at your hotel in the capital and set out on a city tour of Ashgabat's main monuments and attractions. You spend the night in a comfortable hotel in the white-marble city.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Merv / Mary
You travel to the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, pausing for lunch at a local restaurant nearby. The afternoon is devoted to the Merv archaeological park, including Gyz-Gala, the Askhabi mausoleum, the ancient fortresses of Gyaur-Kala and Erk-Kala, and the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum. Afterward you check into your hotel in Mary for a free evening and overnight stay.
Day 4 — Merv – Turkmenabat – Farab Border
In the morning you drive to Turkmenabat and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. From there it is a short 40 km drive, about 30 minutes, to the Farab border crossing. You cross into Uzbekistan at Farab and continue your journey toward Bukhara.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and the yurt overnight stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals, 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 available time; the itinerary can be adjusted on the go as feasible
- 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 along the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
9 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02DashoguzDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 2
- 05Ancient MervDay 3
- 06MaryDay 3
- 07Ancient MervDay 4
- 08TurkmenabatDay 4
- 09Farab BorderDay 4
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
