Turkmenistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

4-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Ashgabat with Merv and Darvaza

4 Days Round trip from Ашхабад Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the modern capital of Ashgabat
02 Visit the ancient site of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
03 Witness the awe-inspiring Darvaza Gas Crater
04 Discover tribal cemeteries and pilgrimage sites in Nohur village

Discover Turkmenistan in just four days, exploring Ashgabat, the ancient city of Merv, and the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater. Visit tribal cemeteries and pilgrimage sites in Nohur village while experiencing the country's cultural and natural highlights. This concise itinerary helps you maximize your time with a blend of history, architecture, and geological wonders, offering a memorable introduction to Turkmenistan's unique heritage and landscapes.

Discover Turkmenistan in just four days, exploring Ashgabat, the ancient city of Merv, and the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Ashgabat, Mari, Darvaza

Languages Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Ashgabat Arrival and Darwaza Gas Crater

Meet your guide at Ashgabat International Airport.
Complete visa formalities and take a COVID test at the airport ($35).
Explore the Old Nisa archaeological site (UNESCO).
Drive to Darwaza, stopping at the Mud and Water gas craters.
Visit the Fiery Gas Crater. Overnight in a yurt near the crater.

Meals: Dinner

Day 02

Darwaza to Ashgabat via Nohur Village

Depart for Ashgabat in the morning.
Lunch in a traditional restaurant upon arrival.
Visit Nohur village in the Kopetdag Mountains, exploring tribal cemeteries and pilgrimage sites.
Return to Ashgabat for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03

Full-Day Excursion to Mary and Ancient Merv

Start at 9:00 and drive to Mary for a full day of sightseeing in Mary town and Merv History Park (UNESCO sites). Excursion to Merv, an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts on the Silk Road.
Discover the historical park with the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, and Keshk Fortress. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church.
Drive back to Ashgabat. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04

Ashgabat City Tour and Departure

A sightseeing tour of Ashgabat city.
Visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and Mausoleum in Gypjak city. In the evening, visit one of the city's shopping and entertainment centers, such as Arkach.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport depending on your flight time.

The route