About This Khiva to Bukhara via Turkmenistan Tour
This 3-day Khiva to Bukhara via Turkmenistan tour by night train connects western Uzbekistan with Bukhara through a varied journey across Turkmenistan.
Starting at the Shavat Border, travel through Dashoguz and cross the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater, where you will spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt. The following day, continue to Ashgabat, visit the Water and Mud craters and explore the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture before boarding an overnight train to Turkmenabat.
On the final day, discover selected sights of Turkmenabat and the historic Lebap region, stop beside the Amu Darya River, and continue to the Farap Border for your onward journey to Bukhara.
This route is well suited to travellers crossing Central Asia overland who want to combine Darvaza, Ashgabat and a classic overnight train journey while travelling from Khiva to Bukhara.
Route
Khiva / Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat → Overnight Train → Turkmenabat → Farap Border / Bukhara
Tour Highlights
- Enter Turkmenistan from Khiva through the Shavat Border
- Cross the Central Karakum Desert
- Spend the night in a traditional yurt beside the Darvaza Gas Crater
- Visit the Water Crater and Mud Crater
- Explore the white-marble architecture of Ashgabat
- Travel overnight from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat by sleeper train
- Discover selected sights of Turkmenabat and the Lebap region
- Stop beside the Amu Darya River
- Exit Turkmenistan through the Farap Border towards Bukhara
Day 1 – Shavat Border, Dashoguz and Darvaza Gas Crater
Meeting at Shavat Border
At approximately 10:00, meet our local guide inside the main hall of the Shavat Border Control Terminal on the Turkmen side.
While you complete migration and passport procedures, border officers will contact our team. Your guide will then enter the terminal and meet you directly using your photograph for identification.
Dashoguz Stop
After leaving the border area, take a short drive to Dashoguz.
Enjoy a traditional local lunch and visit the local bazaar, where you can experience the atmosphere of the city and purchase snacks or supplies before travelling into the desert.
Drive Across the Karakum Desert
Begin the journey towards Darvaza, crossing the Central Karakum Desert.
The drive covers approximately 300 km and takes around 4–4.5 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, sometimes known as the Door to Hell, towards sunset.
As daylight fades across the desert, the flames become increasingly visible against the surrounding landscape.
BBQ Dinner at the Yurt Camp
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner freshly prepared by our team at the camp.
After dark, the glowing crater offers excellent opportunities for evening viewing and photography beneath the desert sky.
Overnight at Darvaza
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the crater camp.
Overnight: Darvaza yurt camp.
Day 2 – Darvaza, Ashgabat and Overnight Train to Turkmenabat
Optional Sunrise at Darvaza
Travellers who wish to wake early can make an optional pre-dawn visit to the crater.
See the final glow of the flames as morning light gradually spreads across the Karakum Desert.
Breakfast and Departure for Ashgabat
Return to the yurt camp for breakfast, pack up and begin the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The route covers approximately 270 km and takes around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road are rough and uneven, so the drive may be bumpy in places.
Water Crater and Mud Crater
On the way to the capital, make short stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These unusual geological features offer another perspective on the landscape of the Karakum Desert.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy a lunch break before beginning the city tour.
Ashgabat City Tour
Explore Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, with a guided city programme adapted to your pace.
Discover the city’s characteristic white-marble architecture together with historical monuments and cultural sites.
Flexible Dinner Options
Before departure, take a flexible dinner break.
Your guide can arrange a sit-down meal at a local café in Ashgabat or help you prepare a light dinner and snacks to take aboard the train, depending on your preference.
Overnight Train to Turkmenabat
Transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station and board the overnight 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, Amu Darya and Farap Border
Arrival in Turkmenabat
Arrive in Turkmenabat at 09:30 after the overnight train journey from Ashgabat.
Meet your private driver at the railway station and take some time to refresh before beginning the day’s programme.
Flexible Turkmenabat City Tour
The morning programme can be adapted to your pace, interests and the recommendations of your guide.
Depending on your preference, you can choose from the following local highlights.
Green Bazaar
Visit the city’s main market and experience the atmosphere of a traditional regional bazaar.
Explore local products, sample Lebap snacks and observe everyday life in Turkmenabat.
Amul Fortress
Visit Amul Fortress (Amul-Gala), the remains of an ancient Silk Road stronghold located on the outskirts of the city.
Walk through the historic mud-brick ruins and learn about the area’s role along the old trade routes.
City Orientation and Photo Stops
Alternatively, enjoy a driving tour through central Turkmenabat with stops at selected modern monuments and examples of local architecture.
Lunch in Turkmenabat
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant and sample regional dishes before continuing towards the border.
Amu Darya River Photo Stop
After lunch, stop beside the Amu Darya River, the largest river in Central Asia, as you continue towards Farap.
Take time for photographs before proceeding to the border.
Transfer to Farap Border
Drive approximately 40 km from Turkmenabat to the Farap Border Checkpoint.
Upon arrival at the terminal, our team will escort and assist you through the Turkmen customs and departure immigration procedures in accordance with official border regulations.
End of Tour Services
