4-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Farap with Merv, Ashgabat and Darvaza

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the ancient city of Merv, a major trade centre on the Silk Road
• 02 Discover Ashgabat, noted for having more white marble buildings than any other city
• 03 Visit UNESCO-listed Old Nisa and other landmarks of Turkmenistan's capital
• 04 Witness the Darvaza gas crater and nearby mud and water craters in the Karakum Desert

Explore the ancient city of Merv, a major Silk Road centre, and visit landmarks such as the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, and Keshk Fortress. Discover Ashgabat's highlights, including Old Nisa, the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and Independence Park, in a city famed for its striking white marble buildings. Continue into the Karakum Desert to witness the dramatic Darvaza gas crater and nearby mud and water craters. This journey combines history, architecture, and natural wonders across Turkmenistan.

Continue into the Karakum Desert to witness the dramatic Darvaza gas crater and nearby mud and water craters.

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, Karakum Desert, Darvaza

Languages English, German, Japanese, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Farap Border Crossing, Merv and Transfer to Ashgabat

• Arrive at the border early in the morning at 7:40.
• Complete border formalities at both checkpoints.
• Have lunch in the city of Turkmenabat.
• Then drive to Merv, an ancient city that was a major centre 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, Keshk Fortress, and other monuments.
• Visit Merv.
• Have dinner in Mary, then continue with a late-evening drive to Ashgabat.
• Upon arrival in Ashgabat, transfer to the hotel.
• Overnight at the hotel.

2

Day 02

Ashgabat City Tour and Darvaza Desert Camp

• Start the day early with a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, which has 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, explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the newly built Independence Park, and the bazaar.
• Enjoy an intense and interesting excursion.
• Have lunch in a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, drive to the Darvaza gas crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert (280 km, 4 hours).
• On the way, visit the mud, water, and gas craters.
• Arrive at the crater and set up camp.
• Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked dinner nearby.
• Overnight in a yurt or tent.

3

Day 03

Darvaza to the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan Border

• In the morning, depart for the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point (280 km, 3 hours).
• Cross the border at 11:00-12:00.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transport throughout the tour by minivan or crossover-type car
• Accommodation on a double-room basis, with breakfasts included
• Dinner in Darvaza
• Sightseeing tour programme
• Visa support for the Turkmenistan visa (invitation $90)
• English-speaking guide accompanying you in Turkmenistan
• Entrance tickets to attractions according to the itinerary in Turkmenistan
• Personal travel insurance

What's Not Included

• Full board (lunches and dinners)
• Charges for additional services at the hotel
• Consular fees for issuing tourist visas in Turkmenistan ($100-120)
• Tickets for international flights before and after the tour
• Tips of $5-10 for each driver and guide are not included, but will be appreciated

Know before you go

• Visa support for the Turkmenistan visa is included, but the invitation costs $90.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Farap, Туркменистан

Tour start

Farab, Turkmenistan

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.