4-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Kunya-Urgench, Darvaza & Ashgabat
This four-day journey begins at the Shavat border near Khiva and leads you through the highlights of Turkmenistan. Watch the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater glow at sunset, enjoy a campfire dinner and an overnight in a yurt, then continue to Ashgabat. Explore the capital's white-marble avenues, lively bazaars, and the UNESCO-listed ruins of Old Nisa, along with monuments that showcase Turkmen culture. With comfortable hotels, guided city tours, and authentic desert experiences, the trip blends history, tradition, and modern Ashgabat life.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat Border – Kunya-Urgench – Karakum Desert – Darvaza
Your journey starts early in the morning at the border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, where you meet your Turkmen guide. First stop is Kunya-Urgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm, with its Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, the mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan, the towering Kutlug-Timur Minaret, and Kyrk-Molla Hill. After a long, calm drive across the Karakum Desert, you reach the Darvaza Crater (Gates of Hell), where the flames grow brighter as the sun sets. The evening brings a heartfelt campfire dinner and an overnight stay in yurts under a starry sky. Distance of the day: 500 km.
Day 2 — Darvaza – Ashgabat City Tour
After an early departure from Darvaza, the road leads to Ashgabat, the white-marble capital that holds a Guinness World Record as the world's most marble-clad city. Visit the colorful Russian Bazaar, piled high with fresh produce, spices, sweets, carpets, and handicrafts. Explore Old Nisa, the UNESCO-listed ruins of the ancient Parthian capital, and admire the graceful Akhal-Teke horses, the true pride of Turkmenistan. Continue to the Neutrality Arch and Independence Park before a well-earned evening of rest and dinner at a comfortable hotel. Meals: breakfast. Distance of the day: 260 km.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – Flexible City Day – Overnight in Ashgabat
After breakfast at your hotel, this flexible day can be tailored to your interests in Ashgabat. We suggest the vast Tolkuchka (Altyn Asyr) Bazaar, one of Central Asia's largest open-air markets, where you can find Turkmen rugs, textiles, jewelry, and everyday goods. You may also walk a section of the famous Health Path (Saglyk Yoly) along the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains, or visit modern shopping malls such as the Berkarar or Ashgabat shopping and entertainment centers. Your guide can also take you to other places of interest you have in mind. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Ashgabat – Early Transfer to International Airport
In the very early hours of the morning, your final day in Turkmenistan begins with a comfortable private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your international departure. After checking out from your hotel and meeting your English-speaking guide and driver in the lobby, you proceed to the airport with sufficient time for check-in and pre-departure formalities. Before entering the terminal, there is time for a warm farewell and a final exchange of contacts. This smoothly arranged transfer ensures a comfortable and stress-free end to your trip.
- 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, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and parting 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 sites as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
4 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02Kunya-UrgenchDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 2
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
