6 Day Tour: Farab – Merv – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Darvaza
This six-day journey crosses Turkmenistan from the Farab border in the east to the Shavat border in the north, taking in the country's greatest highlights. Explore the UNESCO ruins of ancient Merv, the white-marble capital Ashgabat, the Caspian shore at Turkmenbashi and the breathtaking Yangykala Canyons. The adventure culminates at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell", with an overnight stay in a desert yurt camp. It is an ideal overland route for travelers combining Turkmenistan with neighbouring countries.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Farab Border → Ancient Merv → Mary
Meet your guide at the Farab border crossing and complete the formalities. Drive towards Mary, visiting the ancient city of Merv en route. After sightseeing among the UNESCO-listed ruins, you continue to Mary. Overnight in Mary.
Day 2 — Mary → Ashgabat
After breakfast you begin the drive to Ashgabat. Arriving in the afternoon, you check in to your hotel. Enjoy free time to relax or start exploring this unique white-marble city. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat → Kow Ata → Nokhur → Turkmenbashi
In the morning you drive from Ashgabat towards Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast. En route you visit the Kow Ata underground thermal lake inside a cave and the picturesque Nokhur Village, known for its traditional houses and culture. Overnight in Turkmenbashi.
Day 4 — Turkmenbashi → Yangykala Canyons → Balkanabat → Ashgabat
After breakfast you drive from Turkmenbashi to the spectacular Yangykala Canyons. After exploring the canyons you continue towards Ashgabat, passing through Balkanabat. Arriving back in Ashgabat in the evening, you check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 5 — Ashgabat City Tour → Darvaza Gas Crater
The morning is dedicated to the highlights of Ashgabat. In the afternoon you drive north into the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell", stopping at the lesser-known Water and Mud Craters on the way. Your arrival is timed to witness the burning crater as dusk settles. Dinner is served at the nearby yurt camp and you spend the night at Darvaza in yurts or tents.
Day 6 — Darvaza → Dashoguz → Shavat Border
After breakfast at Darvaza you drive north towards Dashoguz. Spend some time there before heading to the Shavat border crossing for your exit from Turkmenistan. End of the 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 expenses of the driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time, and the itinerary 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 as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
13 STOPS
- 01Farab BorderDay 1
- 02Ancient MervDay 1
- 03MaryDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 2
- 05Kow-Ata LakeDay 3
- 06NokhurDay 3
- 07TurkmenbashiDay 3
- 08Yangykala CanyonsDay 4
- 09BalkanabatDay 4
- 10AshgabatDay 4
- 11Darvaza Gas CraterDay 5
- 12DashoguzDay 6
- 13Shavat BorderDay 6
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- Tour
- 6 Day Tour: Farab – Merv – Turkmenbashi – Yangykala – Darvaza
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
