Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

4-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Shavat with Darwaza and UNESCO Sites

4 Days Round trip from Shavat Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the renowned Fiery Gas Crater, also known as the Door to Hell
02 Tour Ashgabat, noted by Guinness World Records for its white marble buildings
03 Explore Old Nisa and Merv, two UNESCO-listed historical sites
04 Discover Merv, an ancient Silk Road center of trade and crafts
05 Experience Turkmenistan's landscapes, traditions, and culture

You will visit popular tourist destinations, from sand dunes to ancient and modern cities, while immersing yourself in the traditions and culture of Turkmenistan. This 4-day tour includes diverse experiences such as visiting the Fiery Gas Crater, exploring Ashgabat's white-marble architecture, and discovering the historical wonders of Merv along the Silk Road.

You will visit popular tourist destinations, from sand dunes to ancient and modern cities, while immersing yourself in the traditions and culture of Turkmenistan.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Ashgabat, Turkmenabat, Mari, Darvaza

Languages English, German, Japanese, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Shavat Border Crossing and Darwaza Camp

In the morning, meet at the border.
Go to a local bazaar to buy food and snacks.
After lunch, start driving to Darwaza.
Stop at the Mud and Water gas craters.
Arrive at the Fiery Gas Crater.
Enjoy sightseeing at the site.
Camp in the area.
Overnight in a yurt.

Included meal: dinner.

Day 02

Ashgabat City Tour and Landmarks

In the morning, depart for Ashgabat.
Arrive in Ashgabat by lunchtime. After lunch, enjoy a sightseeing city tour of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, which has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records for having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world.
During the city tour, you will explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Turkmenbashi Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia.
Visit the Bazaar (Russian Bazaar).
You will also visit the Monument of Neutrality and the newly built Independence Park.
This intense and interesting excursion also includes a stop at the Akhalteke horse stables.
Dinner and a night tour of Ashgabat.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03

Mary and Ancient Merv Exploration

Start at 8:30 and drive to Mary for a full-day sightseeing tour of Mary town and Merv History Park, a UNESCO site.
In the afternoon, continue with an excursion to Merv, an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road.
Discover the historical park with the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and other sites.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04