5-Day Tour: Khiva – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Merv – Farab
This 5-day journey across Turkmenistan begins at the Shavat border near Khiva, a handy entry point since flights into Uzbekistan are cheaper and more frequent. You start with the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, with kebabs and a night in yurts, then spend two days in Ashgabat's marble capital with its museums, bazaars, and ancient Nisa. The route continues east to UNESCO-listed Merv, once a great Silk Road metropolis, before ending at the Farab border.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Khiva – Dashoguz – Darvaza
Meet on the Turkmenistan side of the border near Khiva and Urgench, then enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Dashoguz. Drive 300 km to Darvaza (road repairs may extend travel time) and arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, the famous "Gates of Hell". Have dinner at a nearby yurt camp with kebabs (beef, chicken, or vegetarian) and spend the evening at the burning crater with guided storytelling. Overnight in traditional yurts or tents at Darvaza.
Day 2 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast, depart for Ashgabat (300 km). En route, visit the Water Crater, the Mud Crater, and a desert village with goats and camels. Have lunch in Ashgabat, check into your hotel, and enjoy some free time before a traditional dinner. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat City Tour
Spend a full day exploring this unique city, which holds the Guinness World Record for the most white marble buildings. Visit the National Museum, the Carpet Museum, the city monuments, the ruins of Nisa (the first Parthian capital), the Anau ruins, an Akhal-Teke horse farm, and a local bazaar. Meals and overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Ashgabat – Merv (Mary)
Drive to the ancient city of Merv (400 km), a legendary stop on the Silk Road. Explore Gyz-Gala, the Askhabi mausoleums, the Gyaur Kala and Erk Kala fortresses, and the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum. Overnight in the city of Mary.
Day 5 — Merv – Turkmenabat – Farab Border
After breakfast, drive to Turkmenabat and spend some time in the city. Continue to the Farab border crossing close to Bukhara. The tour ends on the Turkmenistan side of the border.
- 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 expenses of the driver/guide, including fuel, meals, and accommodation, plus 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 tour can be adjusted on the go where 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
- 01KhivaDay 1
- 02DashoguzDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 2
- 05Ancient MervDay 4
- 06MaryDay 4
- 07Ancient MervDay 5
- 08TurkmenabatDay 5
- 09Farab BorderDay 5
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- 5-Day Tour: Khiva – Darvaza – Ashgabat – Merv – Farab
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
