About This 3-Day Turkmenistan Highlights Tour
This 3-day Turkmenistan highlights tour from Ashgabat combines the country’s modern capital, the Karakum Desert, the Darvaza Gas Crater and UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv in one compact circular journey.
Starting and ending at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), the tour begins with an introduction to the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture before heading north into the Karakum Desert for a night beside the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater.
On the second day, return to Ashgabat with stops at the unusual Water and Mud craters, then continue exploring the capital before an overnight hotel stay.
The final day takes you east along the modern Ashgabat–Mary motorway to Ancient Merv, one of the most important cities of the historic Silk Road. After visiting its major monuments, return to Ashgabat for a farewell dinner and airport transfer.
This route is particularly suitable for travellers with limited time who want to experience several of Turkmenistan’s most recognisable highlights in just three days.
Route
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) → Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Mary → Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)
Tour Highlights
- Start and finish at Ashgabat International Airport
- Explore Ashgabat’s white-marble architecture
- Cross the Karakum Desert
- Watch sunset at Darvaza Gas Crater
- Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt or comfortable tent
- Visit the Water Crater and Mud Crater
- Stay overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat
- Explore UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv
- Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and Kyz Kala fortresses
- Return to Ashgabat for a farewell dinner and airport transfer
Day 1 – Ashgabat, Karakum Desert and Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), complete customs and immigration formalities.
Our guide or driver will meet you at the arrival gate and recognise you using your photograph.
Breakfast and Transfer
Transfer to a restaurant for breakfast and a short refresh before beginning the day’s programme.
Ashgabat City Highlights
Begin with a morning orientation tour of Ashgabat, widely known for its distinctive white-marble architecture.
Explore the capital’s monumental buildings, broad avenues, landscaped parks and modern cityscape.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before leaving the capital.
Drive into the Karakum Desert
In the afternoon, depart Ashgabat and travel north into the Karakum Desert.
The journey covers approximately 270 km and takes around 3.5 hours.
Please note that some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so parts of the journey may be bumpy.
Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Door to Hell, towards sunset.
As the daylight fades, the flames become increasingly visible against the surrounding desert.
BBQ Dinner and Desert Evening
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner prepared by our team at the campsite.
After nightfall, spend time near the crater and enjoy views and photography beneath the desert sky.
Overnight at Darvaza
Stay overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt or comfortable tent campsite near the crater.
Overnight: Darvaza campsite.
Day 2 – Darvaza, Desert Craters and Ashgabat
Optional Sunrise at Darvaza
Travellers who wish to wake early can make an optional pre-dawn visit to the crater.
See the remaining glow of the flames as the first morning light spreads across the Karakum Desert.
Breakfast and Departure
Return to the camp for breakfast, pack your belongings and begin the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The drive covers approximately 270 km and takes around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the road remain rough and uneven, so the journey may be bumpy in places.
Water Crater and Mud Crater
On the way back to the capital, make short stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These unusual geological sites offer another perspective on the desert landscape.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.
Continue Exploring Ashgabat
Spend the afternoon visiting remaining landmarks, museums or local bazaars that were not covered on the first day.
The programme can be adjusted according to your pace and interests, including time for souvenir shopping.
Overnight in Ashgabat
Stay overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3 – Ancient Merv and Return to Ashgabat
Morning Departure
At 07:30, depart Ashgabat and travel east along the Ashgabat–Mary High-Speed Motorway.
The journey covers approximately 360 km and takes around 3.5–4 hours.
Lunch in Mary or Bayramaly
Arrive in the Mary region and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly.
Guided Tour of Ancient Merv
Visit Ancient Merv, one of the most important historic cities of the Silk Road and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the main monuments of the archaeological park.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Visit the monumental 12th-century Seljuk mausoleum, known for its impressive architecture and double-dome construction.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
Explore the distinctive corrugated mud-brick fortresses dating from the 7th to 12th centuries.
Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba
Visit the historic burial complex together with the adjacent medieval structures and ancient desert water-storage system.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Discover the remains of large ancient citadels and enjoy views across the wider archaeological landscape.
Ancient Merv contains many additional historical ruins. Smaller sites within the archaeological park may also be visited upon request, depending on the available time and your interests.
Return to Ashgabat
After completing the Merv programme, travel back to Ashgabat along the modern motorway.
Enjoy views across the desert landscape during the return journey.
Farewell Dinner and Airport Transfer
On arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Depending on your international flight schedule, a private transfer will then be arranged to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) for departure.
End of Tour Services
