Route: Ashgabat (ASB Airport) – Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater – Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Mary – Ashgabat (ASB Airport)
Tour Overview
This 4-day circular Turkmenistan tour from Ashgabat is designed for travellers who want to experience several of the country’s most important highlights in a short but well-balanced itinerary.
Begin in Ashgabat, famous for its striking white-marble architecture, before taking a domestic flight north to Dashoguz. From there, travel to UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench and explore its remarkable medieval monuments.
Continue south through the Karakum Desert to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, where you will enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and spend the night in a Turkmen yurt beside the glowing crater.
The following day, return to Ashgabat with stops at the Water and Mud craters. On your final day, travel east along the high-speed motorway to Ancient Merv, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great historical centres of the Silk Road.
Return to Ashgabat for a farewell dinner and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat and City Tour
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), complete passport control, customs and immigration formalities.
Airport Meet-Up and Breakfast
After leaving the arrivals area, meet our guide or driver.
Our team will recognise you using the photograph provided in advance.
Transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast and a short refresh before beginning the day’s sightseeing.
Ashgabat City Highlights
Begin a private, flexible Ashgabat city tour.
Discover the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture, modern monuments, parks and cultural attractions.
The programme can be adjusted to your interests and preferred pace.
Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy a traditional lunch during the sightseeing programme.
In the evening, relax over dinner at a local restaurant and sample Turkmen or regional cuisine.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza Gas Crater
Early Morning Flight to Dashoguz
Transfer to the domestic airport for an early flight from Ashgabat to Dashoguz, with departure scheduled at approximately 06:00 AM.
Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue towards Kunya-Urgench.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench
Travel approximately 100 km from Dashoguz to Kunya-Urgench.
The drive normally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Kunya-Urgench, once an important centre of the Khorezm region and the Silk Road.
Kutlug-Timur Minaret
See the impressive Kutlug-Timur Minaret, one of the most remarkable medieval monuments in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum
Visit the elegant Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum, particularly known for the intricate geometric decoration of its interior dome.
Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan Mausoleums
Explore the historic mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan, recognisable by their distinctive conical domes.
Caravanserai Gate
See the surviving Caravanserai Gate, a reminder of Kunya-Urgench’s historic role along the Silk Road.
Return to Dashoguz
After the historical tour, return to Dashoguz.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Dashoguz Bazaar
Visit the local bazaar to experience everyday life in northern Turkmenistan and purchase fresh fruit, snacks or supplies for the desert journey.
Journey Across the Karakum Desert
Continue south towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
The distance is approximately 300 km, with an estimated driving time of around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy ride through the Central Karakum Desert.
Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the famous burning crater around sunset.
As the sky darkens, the flames become increasingly dramatic and illuminate the surrounding desert.
BBQ Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner prepared by our team at the yurt camp.
After dinner, spend time beside the crater and enjoy excellent opportunities for night photography beneath the desert sky.
Overnight in a Traditional Yurt
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the crater camp.
Overnight: Yurt camp at Darvaza.
Day 3: Darvaza – Water Crater – Mud Crater – Ashgabat
Optional Sunrise Experience
Wake before dawn for an optional visit to the crater edge.
The early morning light offers a different perspective as the fiery glow gradually fades with sunrise.
Breakfast and Departure
Return to camp for breakfast before beginning the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The distance is approximately 270 km, with a driving time of around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road remain rough and uneven.
Water and Mud Craters
On the way to Ashgabat, make short stops at the unusual Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These geological formations provide an interesting contrast to the burning Darvaza Gas Crater.
Lunch in Ashgabat
After arriving in the capital, enjoy a lunch break.
Afternoon Ashgabat Sightseeing
Spend the afternoon visiting additional attractions that were not covered on Day 1.
Depending on your interests, you can explore more monuments, museums, cultural sites or local bazaars.
This is also a convenient opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Mary – Ashgabat Airport
07:30 AM – Departure from Ashgabat
Leave Ashgabat early in the morning and travel east along the Ashgabat–Mary High-Speed Motorway.
The distance is approximately 360 km, with a driving time of around 3.5 to 4 hours.
Lunch in the Mary Region
Upon arrival in the Mary Region, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly.
Ancient Merv Guided Tour
Continue to the archaeological park of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical centres of the Silk Road.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Visit the monumental Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, a 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece known for its remarkable double-dome construction.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala
Explore the distinctive mud-brick fortresses of Greater Kyz Kala and Lesser Kyz Kala, dating from approximately the 7th to 12th centuries.
Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba
Visit the sacred mausoleums associated with the companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Nearby, see the remains of medieval public baths and the historic Sardoba, an ingenious desert water-storage system.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Explore the ancient settlements of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala and enjoy panoramic views across the archaeological landscape.
Please note: Ancient Merv contains many additional historic ruins. Smaller monuments can be explored depending on available time and your interests.
Return to Ashgabat
After completing the Ancient Merv tour, travel back to Ashgabat along the high-speed motorway.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Ashgabat.
Airport Transfer
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
End of Tour Services.
