3-Day Turkmenistan Heritage Tour with Darvaza Crater and Merv

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Konye-Urgench and its ancient ruins
• 02 Witness the Darvaza Gas Crater and camp under the stars in a yurt
• 03 Visit Ashgabat landmarks, including Ahalteke horses, Saparmurat Ruhy Mosque, and Old Nisa
• 04 Discover Ancient Merv with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Great Kyz Kala, and local bazaars

Discover Turkmenistan's history, culture, and natural wonders on this three-day private tour. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Konye-Urgench and marvel at its ancient mausoleums and minarets. Witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater and spend a night under the desert stars in a yurt. Visit Ashgabat to see Ahalteke horses, iconic landmarks, and Old Nisa, then continue to Ancient Merv, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, and local bazaars. Enjoy comfortable transport, expert guidance, and traditional meals on this easy-paced adventure for history and nature enthusiasts.

Witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater and spend a night under the desert stars in a yurt.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Ashgabat, Dasoguz, Kunya Urgench, Mari, Karakum Desert, Darvaza

Languages Azerbaijani, English, French, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Konye-Urgench and the Darvaza Gas Crater

• 08:00 AM - Meet your Turkmen guide at the Dashoguz border and complete customs formalities.
• 09:00 AM - Drive approximately 105 km to Konye-Urgench.
• 11:00 AM - Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Konye-Urgench, including mausoleums, minarets, and ancient city ruins. Learn about its history and resistance against Genghis Khan.
• 03:00 PM - Continue through the Karakum Desert for approximately 4 hours to the Darvaza Gas Crater.
• 07:00 PM - Arrive at Darvaza, admire the "Gates of Hell," and enjoy a barbecue dinner near the glowing crater.
• 09:00 PM - Overnight stay in a yurt camp under the desert stars.

2

Day 02

Ashgabat, Berkewe, and Old Nisa

• 07:00 AM - Breakfast near the Darvaza Gas Crater.
• 08:00 AM - Drive approximately 4 hours to Ashgabat.
• 12:00 PM - Visit the Ashgabat Hippodrome to see the world-famous Ahalteke horses.
• 01:00 PM - Lunch at a local restaurant.
• 02:30 PM - Explore Saparmurat Ruhy Mosque and the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex in Berkewe.
• 04:00 PM - Visit Old Nisa, the ancient Parthian fortress and UNESCO heritage site.
• 05:30 PM - Enjoy an evening city tour of Ashgabat, including marble landmarks and central squares.
• 07:30 PM - Dinner at a local restaurant.
• 09:00 PM - Overnight stay at a hotel in Ashgabat.

3

Day 03

Ancient Merv and Farap Border Crossing

• 06:00 AM - Early breakfast and depart for Mary (approx. 3 hours).
• 09:00 AM - Explore Ancient Merv, including Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Great Kyz Kala, and other historical sites.
• 12:00 PM - Visit the local market and enjoy lunch.
• 01:30 PM - Continue to Farap (approx. 4.5 hours) and complete border formalities.
• 06:00 PM - End of the tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Invitation letter for visa
• English-speaking guide
• Accommodation, including a yurt night
• Comfortable transport
• Meals
• Entrance fees to all sites
• All transfers and logistics

What's Not Included

• Turkmen visa fee (USD 70-100)
• Covid test (USD 35-40 if required)
• Photo/video fees at historical sites
• Personal expenses not mentioned above

What to bring

• Warm clothing and suitable footwear for the desert (boots)

Know before you go

• Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the tour end date.
• Yurt stays offer a basic but unique experience.
• Cash (USD) is recommended for bazaars and rural areas; card acceptance is limited.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Dashoguz, Türkmenistan

Tour start

Кёнеургенч, Туркменистан

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.