5-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Kunya-Urgench, Darvaza & Merv
Discover the highlights of Turkmenistan on this 5-day journey from the marble capital of Ashgabat to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater. Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kunya-Urgench and ancient Merv, cross the vast Karakum Desert, and spend a magical night in a traditional yurt beside the "Gates of Hell." The tour ends at the Farap border for an easy crossing into Uzbekistan.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat & City Tour
Meet and greet at Ashgabat International Airport with a transfer to your hotel for immediate check-in and rest. After breakfast, embark on a private Ashgabat city tour led by an expert guide who tailors the pace to your interests. Experience the perfect mix of ancient history, rich culture, and striking modern marble architecture. Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Ashgabat – Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza
Take an early morning domestic flight from Ashgabat to Dashoguz, then drive to the UNESCO Historical Park of Kunya-Urgench to see the Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum, and the monumental Caravanserai Gate. After lunch and a stop at the local market, journey across the Central Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater (around 300 km, 5 hours). Watch the sunset over the "Gates of Hell," enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner at the campsite, and admire the burning crater by night. Overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt or tent.
Day 3 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
Enjoy breakfast at the camp, with an optional pre-dawn visit to watch the sunrise over the crater. Drive back to Ashgabat with short photo stops at the unique natural water and mud craters in the desert. In the afternoon, continue your private Ashgabat city tour to see any highlights missed on Day 1. Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Ashgabat – Merv – Mary
After breakfast, depart Ashgabat heading east toward Merv. At the Turkmen Ojagy ethnographic complex, enjoy a traditional lunch and folklore show, meet majestic Alabay dogs, photograph Bactrian camels, try on Turkmen national dress, and take part in a hands-on bread-baking masterclass. Then explore ancient Merv (UNESCO), visiting the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the Kyz Kala fortresses, and the Erk Kala citadel. Arrive in Mary and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Mary.
Day 5 — Mary – Turkmenabat – Farap Border
Depart early from Mary for the final leg of your journey to Turkmenabat. Explore the ruins of Amul Fortress, an ancient Silk Road site, enjoy a short city tour with lunch, and visit the lively Green Bazaar for an authentic Oriental market atmosphere. Make a photo stop by the majestic Amu Darya, the largest river in Central Asia. Finally, drive to the Farap border, where your guide assists with the formalities for your exit to Uzbekistan. End of tour.
- 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 that starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- A flexible itinerary that lets you see everything possible within the available time
- 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)
9 STOPS
- 01AshgabatDay 1
- 02DashoguzDay 2
- 03Kunya-UrgenchDay 2
- 04Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 05AshgabatDay 3
- 06Ancient MervDay 4
- 07MaryDay 4
- 08TurkmenabatDay 5
- 09Farab BorderDay 5
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
