4-Day Turkmenistan Tour with Darvaza Crater, Merv and Kunya Urgench

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Ashgabat's grand monuments and the impressive Ertogrul Gazy Mosque
• 02 Discover UNESCO-listed Merv and the architectural masterpiece of Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
• 03 Witness the burning Darvaza Gas Crater and camp under the desert stars
• 04 Visit Kunya Urgench with Kutlug Timur Minaret and Turabek Hanum Mausoleum

Explore Turkmenistan on this 4-day private journey from Ashgabat to the Shavat border. Discover monumental architecture, visit ancient Merv, and witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert. Experience traditional yurt camping, meet legendary Akhal-Teke horses, and explore the historic city of Kunya Urgench. Enjoy guided visits, desert landscapes, and remarkable Silk Road heritage throughout this immersive Central Asian adventure.

Arrive at the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, a natural gas field that has been alight for over 50 years.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Ashgabat and City Tour with Akhal-Teke Horses

• Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport.
• Transfer to the hotel and check in for rest and refreshment.
• Visit the majestic Wedding Palace and admire the modern architecture of the "Yyldyz" Hotel.
• Explore the Constitution Monument and the Arch of Neutrality, key symbols of the Turkmen nation.
• Walk through the Monument and Park of Independence, showcasing national heritage.
• Tour the impressive Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Ashgabat.
• Drive to a nearby horse farm to witness the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, with a chance to ride these elegant animals in traditional surroundings.
• Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Ashgabat.

2

Day 02

Ashgabat to Mary and UNESCO-listed Merv

• Eat breakfast at the hotel.
• Check out and drive to Mary, passing through desert landscapes and small towns.
• Stop for lunch upon arrival in Mary.
• Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merv, once one of the great cities of the Islamic world.
• Visit the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the architectural gem of the Seljuk Empire.
• Explore the ruins of Small and Large Gyz Gala, ancient fortresses that once guarded the city.
• Discover the mausoleum of Muhammed ibn Zayd and various other remains, including the Keshk fortresses.
• Drive back to Ashgabat in the evening and return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Darvaza Gas Crater and Desert Camping Experience

• Eat breakfast at the hotel.
• Check out from the hotel and begin the drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater (275 km, approx. 4 hours).
• Pass through the Karakum Desert, one of Central Asia's most expansive arid zones.
• Arrive at the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, a natural gas field that has been alight for over 50 years.
• Explore the surrounding desert and visit nearby water and mud craters.
• Settle into traditional Turkmen yurts or private tents for a night under the stars.
• Enjoy a barbecue dinner beside the flaming crater and witness the surreal glow lighting up the desert night.

4

Day 04

Kunya Urgench Exploration and Transfer to Shavat Border

• Eat a picnic-style breakfast beside the crater.
• Depart from Darvaza and drive north to the ancient city of Kunya Urgench (267 km, approx. 6 hours).
• Explore the mausoleums of Il Arslan and Sultan Tekesh, notable leaders of Khorezm.
• See the Academy of Horezm and the elegant Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of the tallest in Central Asia.
• Visit the beautiful Turabek Hanum Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture.
• Drive to Dashoguz and then proceed to the Shavat border (106 km, approx. 2 hours).
• Cross into Uzbekistan and conclude your Turkmenistan journey.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Letter of Invitation
• Accommodation in a single room for two nights
• One night in a traditional yurt camp with sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and lighting
• English-speaking escort guide for the full duration of the tour
• All transportation as per the itinerary using air-conditioned road vehicles
• Entrance fees for all listed sites and attractions in the programme
• Daily breakfast during the tour
• 1.5 litres of still water per person per day

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Cost of Turkmen visa with border fees ranging from 70 to 130 USD
• PCR test
• Photo and video fees at historical parks and in museums
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Medical insurance
• Souvenirs and other personal items
• All other charges and services not mentioned under inclusions

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Ashgabat, Туркменистан

Tour start

Ашхабад, Туркменистан

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.