About This Bukhara Round-Trip via Turkmenistan
This 3-day Turkmenistan round-trip from Bukhara combines UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv, an overnight stay in Ashgabat, a sleeper train to Turkmenabat and a cultural visit to the Lebap region before returning to Uzbekistan through the Farap Border.
Enter Turkmenistan from Bukhara via the Farap Border and travel across the Karakum region to Ancient Merv, one of the most important Silk Road cities in Central Asia. After exploring its main monuments, continue along the modern motorway to Ashgabat for an overnight stay.
On the second day, discover the white-marble architecture and cultural landmarks of the capital before boarding the overnight train to Turkmenabat.
The final day includes a flexible city programme in Turkmenabat, with visits to Gok Bazaar, the ruins of Amul Fortress and the Amu Darya River, before returning to the Farap Border for your onward journey to Bukhara.
This route is well suited to travellers based in Bukhara who want to explore southern and eastern Turkmenistan and return to Uzbekistan without continuing towards Iran, Khiva or Nukus.
Route
Bukhara / Farap Border → Ancient Merv → Mary → Ashgabat → Overnight Train → Turkmenabat → Amu Darya River → Farap Border / Bukhara
Tour Highlights
- Enter Turkmenistan from Bukhara through the Farap Border
- Explore UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv
- Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Kyz Kala fortresses
- Travel from Mary to Ashgabat via the modern motorway
- Spend the night at a hotel in Ashgabat
- Explore the capital’s white-marble architecture
- Travel overnight from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat by sleeper train
- Visit Gok Bazaar and the ruins of Amul Fortress
- Stop beside the Amu Darya River
- Return to Bukhara via the Farap Border
Day 1 – Farap Border, Ancient Merv and Ashgabat
Meeting at Farap Border
At approximately 09:00, meet our local guide inside the main hall of the Farap Border Control Terminal on the Turkmen side.
While you complete migration and passport procedures, the border officers will contact our team. Your guide will then enter the terminal and meet you directly using your photograph for identification.
Transfer to Ancient Merv
After completing the border formalities, depart the terminal and travel southwest through the Karakum region towards the Merv oasis.
The journey covers approximately 250 km and takes around 3.5–4 hours.
Lunch in Mary
Stop in Mary for a traditional local lunch before continuing to the archaeological complex.
Guided Tour of Ancient Merv
Explore Ancient Merv, one of the most important historic cities of the Silk Road and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the visit, see the main monuments of the archaeological park.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Visit the monumental 12th-century Seljuk mausoleum, recognised for its impressive architecture and double-dome structure.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
Explore the distinctive corrugated mud-brick fortresses dating from the 7th to 12th centuries.
Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba
See the historic mausoleum complex together with an ancient desert water-storage structure.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Discover the remains of massive ancient citadels overlooking the broader archaeological landscape of Merv.
Additional smaller historical sites within the park may also be visited upon request, depending on the available time.
Drive to Ashgabat
After completing the Merv programme, continue towards Ashgabat along the modern high-speed motorway.
The journey covers approximately 360 km and takes around 3.5–4 hours.
Evening and Dinner in Ashgabat
Arrive in Ashgabat in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Ashgabat
Stay overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2 – Ashgabat City Tour and Overnight Train to Turkmenabat
Breakfast and Check-out
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and complete check-out before beginning the day’s programme.
Ashgabat City Highlights
Explore Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan and a city known for its distinctive white-marble architecture.
Your private guided programme is flexible and can be adapted to your preferred pace and interests.
The route can combine monumental architecture, cultural sites and locations connected with the wider history of Turkmenistan and the Silk Road.
Lunch and Leisure
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant during the day.
The programme is designed with comfortable breaks between visits, allowing enough time to explore the city without unnecessary rush.
Continue Exploring Ashgabat
After lunch, continue discovering the capital’s architectural landmarks and cultural sites with your guide.
Dinner
Before departure, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Train to Turkmenabat
Transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station and board the overnight sleeper train to Turkmenabat.
Departure: 19:50
Spend the night aboard the train in a comfortable 4-berth compartment.
Overnight: Overnight train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat.
Day 3 – Turkmenabat, Amul Fortress, Amu Darya and Farap Border
Arrival in Turkmenabat
Arrive at Turkmenabat Railway Station at 09:30.
Meet your private driver at the platform and take some time to refresh before starting the day’s programme.
Flexible Turkmenabat City Tour
Enjoy a flexible morning programme designed around your pace and interests.
Possible highlights include the following.
Gok Bazaar
Visit Gok Bazaar and experience the atmosphere of a traditional oriental market.
Explore stalls with regional products, spices and dried fruits while observing everyday life in Turkmenabat.
Amul Fortress Ruins
Visit the historic ruins of Amul-Gala, an ancient Silk Road citadel that once linked Merv, Bukhara and Khorezm.
Walk among the surviving earthwork ramparts and learn more about the region’s historic role in long-distance trade.
Turkmenabat City Centre
Take a driving tour through the city centre to see modern avenues, central squares and architectural landmarks of eastern Turkmenistan.
Lunch in Turkmenabat
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant and sample regional dishes.
Amu Darya River Stop
After lunch, depart Turkmenabat and travel northeast towards the Uzbekistan border.
The journey covers approximately 45 km and takes around 45 minutes.
Stop beside the Amu Darya River for photographs before continuing to Farap.
Farap Border Checkpoint
Arrive at the Farap Border Control Terminal.
Our team will escort and assist you with Turkmen customs and departure immigration procedures in accordance with official border regulations.
End of Tour Services
