Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

4-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Shavat with Darwaza and Merv

4 Days Round trip from Туркменистан Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience the mesmerizing Fiery Gas Crater in Darwaza
02 Explore Ashgabat, noted for having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world
03 Visit the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
04 Discover Old Nisa, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site near Ashgabat
05 See the Turkmenbashy Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia

Tour Turkmenistan on a 4-day journey from the border at Shavat through the Karakum Desert, the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, and the striking white-marble capital of Ashgabat. This immersive experience combines geological wonders such as the Fiery Gas Crater in Darwaza with major historical and cultural sites, including Old Nisa, the Turkmenbashy Spiritual Mosque, and Merv History Park. Along the way, enjoy the traditions and culture of Turkmenistan while travelling between sand dunes, ancient ruins, and modern cityscapes.

This immersive experience combines geological wonders such as the Fiery Gas Crater in Darwaza with major historical and cultural sites, including Old Nisa, the Turkmenbashy Spiritual Mosque, and Merv History Park.

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 Gas Craters

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.
Sightseeing at the site.
Camp in the area.
Overnight in a yurt.

Included meal: dinner.

Day 02

Ashgabat City Tour and Old Nisa

In the morning, depart for Ashgabat.
Arrive in Ashgabat by lunchtime. After lunch, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, which has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as 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, and visit the Turkmenbashy 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 night tour in Ashgabat.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03

Mary and Ancient Merv History Park

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, enjoy an excursion to Merv, an ancient city that was a major center 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. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04