Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · Desert Adventure

3-Day Turkmenistan Highlights Tour with Darvaza Crater and Old Merv

3 Days Round trip from Дашогуз Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, capital of Khorezm in the X-XII centuries
02 See the Kutlug Timur minaret, the highest minaret in Central Asia
03 Witness the dramatic flaming Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert
04 Enjoy a picnic-style dinner and overnight camp stay under the starry sky
05 Tour the UNESCO World Heritage fortresses of Old Merv

Experience a captivating journey through Turkmenistan's rich history and stunning landscapes, from the ancient architectural monuments of Old Urgench to the dramatic Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert. Explore remarkable sites including the Kutlug Timur minaret, then enjoy a unique picnic-style dinner and overnight camp stay beside the flaming crater. Continue by train to Mary for a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage fortresses of Old Merv before concluding at the Farap border crossing to Uzbekistan.

Experience a captivating journey through Turkmenistan's rich history and stunning landscapes, from the ancient architectural monuments of Old Urgench to the dramatic Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Kunya Urgench and Darvaza Gas Crater Camp

Our guide will meet you at the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and help you complete all the necessary formalities. Please be prepared that a COVID testing procedure may cost $35 and must be paid in cash in US dollars.
A comfortable car with air conditioning will be waiting to drive you to the northern province of Turkmenistan, to the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, the capital of Khorezm in the X-XII centuries.
Visit the Mausoleums of Nejmeddin al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Alp-Arslan, and Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, as well as the Kutlug Timur minaret, the highest minaret in Central Asia.
At 14:00, after the excursion, drive through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza - Water, Clay, and Gas Craters - including the huge flaming gas crater located 270 km away, a journey of 4-5 hours.
Enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater in the evening. Visit the crater and stay in a camp with tasty catering and a picnic-style dinner, the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Observe the fantastic view of the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound this giant oven creates. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner nearby.
Overnight at the camp in a yurt or tent under the starry sky.

Day 02

Darvaza Camp to Mary by Train

At 06:00, enjoy breakfast at the camp.
Depart from Darvaza and board the train to Mary city.

Day 03

Old Merv Tour and Transfer to Farap Border

At 04:00, the train arrives in Mary city.
Transfer to Old Merv.
At 05:00, visit the historical monuments of the Old Merv fortresses (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE) on a guided tour, including Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Ibn Zeid Mausoleum, and more.
At 09:00, drive to Lebap province to the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border, a journey of 5-6 hours.
At 14:00, arrive at the Farap Road border crossing.
End of the tour.