4 Days: Farap → Merv (UNESCO) → Ashgabat → Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO) → Exit to Uzbekistan
$1,283.00
Express Tour: Turkmenistan’s Treasures from Farap to the ‘Gates of Hell’
An immersive expedition connecting two borders. The spotlight shines on two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites: the legendary Merv and the majestic Kunya-Urgench. You will witness dazzling Ashgabat in all its white-marble splendour and spend a night in the heart of the Karakum Desert at the Darvaza Crater, capturing the magic of the fire against a starlit sky.
To ensure your journey fits your wider travel plans, we offer two departure scenarios:
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Khojeyli: A measured pace leading towards Nukus.
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Shavat: A dynamic schedule perfectly timed for an evening arrival in Khiva.
Full escort and assistance with border formalities are included. Walk in the footsteps of great civilisations on one breathtaking tour!
Tour Programme
Day 1: Farap → Merv → Ashgabat
A Step into History: From Farap to the Heart of Merv
Your journey begins at dawn. We will meet you at the border and handle all formalities, allowing you to immerse yourself immediately in the atmosphere of the Orient.
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Ancient Merv (UNESCO): Touch the walls of the ‘Mother of the World’. Amongst the ruins of sultanate mausoleums and clay fortresses, time seems to stand still.
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Journey to Ashgabat: An evening transfer to the capital, watching the vast steppes transform into the shimmering lights of the ‘Marble City’.
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Overnight in Ashgabat: Rest in comfort before the day ahead.
Day 2: Ashgabat
Ashgabat: A Marble Symphony A full day dedicated to the most extraordinary city in Central Asia. You will behold dazzling white palaces, golden domes, and futuristic monuments that have earned their place in the Guinness World Records. It is a city where ancient traditions are woven into the architecture of the future.
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Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat → Darvaza
The Fiery Heart of the Desert
The morning is yours for a leisurely breakfast and souvenir shopping before our true expedition begins in the afternoon.
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Karakum Anomalies: En route to Darvaza, we stop at the bubbling Mud crater and the deep Water crater—fascinating natural phenomena.
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Darvaza (‘The Gates of Hell’): The tour’s crowning moment. Witness the sunset at the edge of the flaming abyss. As darkness blankets the desert, the roar of the flames and the billions of stars above create a setting you will never forget.
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Camping: Experience the romance of the campfire and the desert sky.
Day 4: Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Dashoguz/Border
The Legacy of the Khorezmshahs and Farwell
Waking to the profound silence of the desert, we journey north.
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Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO): Explore the ruins of the once-mighty capital of Khorezm. Marvel at the tallest minaret in the region and ancient mausoleums that withstood the thundering hooves of Genghis Khan’s army.
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Izmukshir Fortress: Time permitting, we will visit this ancient stronghold, whose secrets remain guarded by the sands.
Departure Options:
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Option 1: Route to Nukus (via Khojeyli): For those who prefer a relaxed pace, allowing more time for ancient sites and a steady transition into Uzbekistan.
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Option 2: Route to Khiva (via Shavat): A dynamic finale for those wishing to conclude their day amidst the fairytale backdrop of Old Khiva.
Full escort and assistance with formalities on the Turkmen side are provided in accordance with your permit.
Available Departure Dates
06 March 2026 — 09:00
3 / 4 Places Available
1 person: $1,283
4 people: $691
09 April 2026 — 09:30
0 / 4 Places Available (Fully Booked)
1 person: $1,283
4 people: $691
16 April 2026 — 09:30
0 / 4 Places Available (Fully Booked)
1 person: $1,283
4 people: $691
