3-Day Turkmenistan Tour with Darvaza Crater and UNESCO Sites

3 Days Round trip from Кёнеургенч Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Köneürgench, the former capital of the Khorezmshah Empire
  • 02 Witness the spectacular flames of the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the Gates of Hell
  • 03 Admire the extraordinary collection of handwoven masterpieces at the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets
  • 04 Visit the People's Memory Memorial Complex and learn about Turkmenistan's modern history
  • 05 Explore the impressive Independence Monument and its surrounding park in Ashgabat
  • 06 Experience the futuristic Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, home to the world's largest indoor Ferris wheel
  • 07 Uncover the remarkable archaeological treasures of Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • 08 Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the iconic Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala structures

Discover the wonders of Turkmenistan on this immersive 3-day journey from the Shavat border to the Farap border. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Köneürgench, Old Nisa, and Ancient Merv, and uncover the legacy of the Silk Road and the powerful empires that once flourished across Central Asia. Journey through the vast landscapes of the Karakum Desert to witness the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the Gates of Hell, and spend a memorable night beneath the desert stars. Visit the dazzling white-marble capital of Ashgabat, encounter the famous Akhal-Teke horses, and admire remarkable museums, monuments, and modern architectural landmarks.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Ashgabat, Kunya Urgench, Turkmenabat, Mari, Karakum Desert, Darvaza
Languages English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Shavat Border, Köneürgench and Darvaza Gas Crater

Border Arrival and Formalities

  • Meet your personal guide and driver at the Shavat border post near Dashoguz.

  • Complete passport control, visa procedures, and PCR testing at the border medical checkpoint.

The Ruins of Ancient Khorezm

  • Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Köneürgench.

  • Explore the magnificent monuments and architectural treasures of the former capital of the Khorezmshah Empire.

Journey into the Karakum Desert

  • Drive through the vast landscapes of the Karakum Desert.

  • Witness the changing scenery of endless sand dunes.

Darvaza Gas Crater

  • Arrive at the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the Gates of Hell.

  • Admire the spectacular flames illuminating the desert at sunset.

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional dinner beside the crater.

  • Spend the night at a desert camp beneath the star-filled sky.

2
Day 02

Darvaza to Ashgabat via Old Nisa

Morning

  • Enjoy breakfast at the desert camp.

  • Drive south through the Karakum Desert towards Ashgabat.

Old Nisa

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Nisa.

  • Discover the remains of the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire.

Akhal-Teke Horse Farm

  • Visit a private horse farm and meet the legendary Akhal-Teke horses.

National Museum of Turkmen Carpets

  • Explore the remarkable collection of handwoven carpets and historical masterpieces.

People's Memory Memorial Complex

  • Visit the memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake and national heroes.

Independence Monument and Park

  • Explore the impressive monument and surrounding park.

Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center

  • Visit the futuristic complex featuring the world's largest indoor Ferris wheel.

Evening

  • Transfer to your hotel in Ashgabat.

Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

3
Day 03

Ashgabat, Ancient Merv and Farap Border

Morning

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

  • Travel east towards Mary.

Mary City

  • Take a brief orientation tour of the city and view its public squares and landmarks.

Ancient Merv

  • Explore one of Central Asia's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Discover the remains of the ancient Silk Road metropolis.

The Great Monuments of Merv

  • Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.

  • Explore the Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala structures.

Journey to the Eastern Frontier

  • Continue through the desert towards the Farap border near Turkmenabat.

Farewell and Departure

  • Receive assistance with immigration and customs procedures.

  • Conclude your three-day journey and cross into Uzbekistan with unforgettable memories of Turkmenistan.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Кёнеургенч 6 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Tour package (LOI, registration fee, permit fee)
  • Accommodation: camping - 1 night
  • Guide - 3 days
  • Transport - 3 days (all our vehicles are equipped with air conditioning)
  • Meals - dinner and breakfast at the camp
  • Entry tickets to museums
  • Daily water

What's Not Included

  • Visa fee: $55 - $85
  • Migration tax: $12 + $4 bank fee
  • COVID test: $35
  • Meals, services
  • Private expenses, gratuities
  • Insurance
  • Fee for using cameras in monuments

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Shavat, Uzbekistan
Tour start
Кёнеургенч, Туркменистан
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Кёнеургенч.

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Starting from

USD 560 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $560.00 — $1,230.00
Double Sharing $560.00 — $770.00

When

Travellers

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