4-Day Turkmenistan Express: The Door to Hell & Silk Road Heritage
$1,336.00
The Great Turkmenistan Crossing: A 4-Day Odyssey
Route: Shavat Border → Darvaza → Ashgabat → Merv → Farap Border
Prepare for a breathtaking journey through time and the elements! Your expedition begins at the northern Shavat border, cutting through the heart of the Karakum Desert to the legendary glow of the Darvaza crater. Witness the futuristic grandeur of white-marble Ashgabat and uncover the secrets of ancient Merv before bidding farewell at the Farap border.
This is more than a mere transfer; it is a concentrated cocktail of adrenaline, history, and extraordinary architecture. In just 96 hours, you will leap from the primordial power of the fiery abyss to the elegance of the Silk Road’s ancient citadels.
Tour Programme
Day 1: From the Oasis to the Abode of Fire
Shavat — Dashoguz — Darvaza
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10:00 The Legend Begins: Meeting at the Shavat border. We handle all formalities, allowing you to settle into the spirit of adventure.
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A Taste of Turkmenistan: A brief stop in Dashoguz for lunch and a glimpse of local life. A perfect chance to stock up on oriental sweets before heading into the wild.
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Across the Karakum: A 300-kilometre trek into the heart of the desert. En route, we pause at authentic roadside teahouses (chaikhanas) to drink tea just as nomads have done for centuries.
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Taming the Elements: Check into our yurt camp on the very edge of Darvaza.
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The Gates of Hell: The day’s crescendo—sunset at the flaming crater. Watch the sky turn crimson as the abyss begins to glow with a magical light. Darvaza by night is a sight that redefines the power of nature.
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Night under the Stars: Sleep in the profound silence of the desert camp.
Day 2: From Desert Breath to White Marble
Darvaza — Ashgabat
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Desert Sunrise: Breakfast in camp under the first rays of the sun.
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Anomalous Craters: On our way to the capital, we visit the Water and Mud craters—extraordinary natural phenomena hidden in the sands.
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Entry to the ‘City of Dreams’: Arrival in Ashgabat, followed by lunch and hotel check-in.
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Soft Gold: A visit to the National Carpet Museum, home to a hand-woven masterpiece that holds a world record for its size.
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A Symphony of Grandeur: A stroll through Independence Park and an ascent of the Neutrality Arch, offering a panorama of the world’s cleanest city.
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Sunset over the Capital: Visit the futuristic Alem centre, featuring the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel.
Day 3: The Cradle of Civilisation and Celestial Horses
Ashgabat: History and Heritage
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The Breath of Parthia: The morning begins at Ancient Nisa (UNESCO), the former residence of great Parthian kings.
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Snow-White Majesty: Visit the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, staggering in its scale with its vast golden domes.
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The Nation’s Treasury: A guided tour of the National Museum, housing artefacts spanning thousands of years of history.
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Living Gold: A visit to a stud farm to meet the Akhal-Teke horses. Witness the grace and unique metallic sheen of a breed without equal.
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Oriental Colour: A walk through the famous Russian Bazaar for spices, dried fruits, and the vibrant atmosphere of local trade.
Day 4: In the Footsteps of the Silk Road
Ashgabat — Merv — Farap
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Early Start: Heading east towards the rising sun.
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Great Merv (UNESCO): The historical crown jewel of the route. Explore the ruins of the ‘Mother of the World’—from the ancient Sultan Sanjar mausoleums to the mysterious Kyz-Kala fortresses.
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Silk Road Dining: Lunch in Baýramaly in traditional style.
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Transit through the Ages: Drive to Turkmenabat for the final transfer to the Farap border.
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The Journey’s End: Departure to Uzbekistan with a heart full of Eastern legends.
Available Departure Dates
20 June 2026 — 10:00
8/9 Places Available
1 person: $1,336
9 people: $600
