Route: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater – Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Turkmenabat – Farap Border / Bukhara
Tour Overview
This 4-day Turkmenistan transit tour from Khiva to Bukhara is designed for travellers who want to cross Turkmenistan overland while seeing several of the country’s most important highlights along the way.
Enter Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border, continue through Dashoguz and cross the vast Karakum Desert to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater. Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt beside the glowing crater and enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ dinner under the desert sky.
The following day, travel south to Ashgabat, stopping at the unusual Water and Mud craters before exploring the capital’s famous white-marble architecture.
After a full day in Ashgabat, continue east along the high-speed motorway towards Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great historic centres of the Silk Road. The journey then continues through Turkmenabat to the Farap Border, where you cross back into Uzbekistan and continue towards Bukhara.
Day 1: Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater
10:00 AM approximately – Shavat Border Meeting
After entering Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border, complete the required passport and migration formalities inside the main hall of the Turkmen border terminal.
Border officers will contact our team, and your local guide will enter the terminal to meet you directly using the photograph provided in advance.
Dashoguz Stop
After leaving the border, drive to Dashoguz for a traditional local lunch.
You will also have time to visit the local bazaar, experience everyday life in northern Turkmenistan and purchase snacks or supplies for the desert journey.
Drive Across the Karakum Desert
Continue towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, approximately 300 km from Dashoguz.
The journey usually takes around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy ride in places. This is part of the authentic overland experience across the Central Karakum Desert.
Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the famous burning crater in time to experience the changing colours of the desert around sunset.
As darkness falls, the flames become increasingly dramatic and the crater glows brightly against the surrounding landscape.
BBQ Dinner and Evening at Darvaza
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner freshly prepared by our team at the yurt camp.
After dinner, spend time beside the crater and enjoy one of the best periods for photography as the flames illuminate the desert beneath the stars.
Overnight in a Traditional Yurt
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the crater camp.
Overnight: Yurt camp at Darvaza.
Day 2: Darvaza – Water Crater – Mud Crater – Ashgabat
Optional Sunrise Experience
Wake before dawn for an optional visit to the crater edge.
The early morning provides a different perspective as the remaining flames glow against the first light over the Karakum Desert.
Breakfast and Departure
Return to camp for breakfast before beginning the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The distance is approximately 270 km, with an estimated driving time of around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the road remain rough and uneven, so the journey may be bumpy in places.
Water and Mud Craters
On the way to Ashgabat, make short stops at the unusual Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These geological formations offer an interesting contrast to the burning Darvaza Gas Crater.
Lunch in Ashgabat
After arriving in the capital, enjoy a lunch break before beginning the city tour.
Ashgabat City Tour
Spend the afternoon exploring Ashgabat with your local guide.
Discover the city’s distinctive white-marble architecture, historic monuments and cultural attractions.
The programme can be adapted to your pace and interests.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Full-Day Ashgabat City Tour
Flexible Sightseeing Programme
After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring Ashgabat with your guide.
The day is designed to cover additional monuments, architectural landmarks and cultural sites that were not visited the previous afternoon.
The programme remains flexible and can be adjusted according to your interests and preferred pace.
Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed lunch during the day at a local restaurant.
In the evening, sit down for dinner and sample Turkmen or regional cuisine while reflecting on the sights of the capital.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ashgabat – Ancient Merv – Turkmenabat – Farap Border / Bukhara
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 recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historic centres of the Silk Road.
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Visit the monumental Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, a 12th-century masterpiece of Seljuk architecture known for its impressive 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.
They are especially known for their unusual corrugated walls.
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 advanced water-storage structure created for the desert environment.
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala
Explore the ancient settlements of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala and enjoy panoramic views across the vast archaeological landscape.
Please note: Ancient Merv contains many additional historic ruins. Smaller monuments may be visited depending on available time and your interests.
Drive to Turkmenabat
After the Ancient Merv tour, continue northeast along the Mary–Turkmenabat High-Speed Motorway.
The distance is approximately 240 km, with an estimated driving time of around 2.5 hours.
Farewell Dinner in Turkmenabat
Arrive in Turkmenabat and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before continuing to the border.
Transfer to Farap Border
After dinner, drive approximately 40 km to the Farap–Alat Border Crossing.
The transfer usually takes around 40 minutes.
Farap Border Crossing
Arrive at the border terminal, where our team will assist you with the required Turkmen customs and departure immigration formalities in accordance with official border regulations.
After completing the crossing, continue into Uzbekistan towards Bukhara.
End of Tour Services.
