Turkmenistan Transit Tour: 4 Days of Discovery from Ancient Merv to the Darvaza Lights

Turkmenistan Transit Tour Route: Farap – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat/Hojayli

This Turkmenistan transit tour route is a 4-day journey. It perfectly combines the grandeur of the Silk Road with the wonders of the desert. During the trip, you will experience everything from ancient ruins to futuristic avenues and the mystical flames of the Karakum Desert.

Tour Programme

Day 1: Farap Border — Ancient Merv — Ashgabat

First, your journey starts at 09:00 AM at the Farap (Alat) border crossing. We will meet you there to assist with formalities for a comfortable entry. Afterwards, we drive 250 km to the legendary Mary Oasis.

• Lunch: We will stop in Bayramaly at a local teahouse.

• Ancient Merv (UNESCO): Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient metropolis. You will see the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the Kyz-Kala fortresses. Furthermore, you will visit the Shrines of the Ashabs and the medieval hammams.

• Ashgabat: Later, we drive to the capital (350 km). In the evening, an optional panoramic tour is available to witness the city’s unique illumination.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 2: Ashgabat (Full Day)

Spend the entire day exploring the capital. Notably, Ashgabat holds a Guinness World Record for its concentration of white marble buildings. We can tailor the programme to your interests.

• Architecture and History: First, visit Independence Park. Then, ascend the Neutrality Arch for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

• The Modern City: Additionally, we will drive through futuristic districts with golden domes and grand fountains.

• Culture: You can also visit the Oriental bazaar or museums featuring artifacts from Nisa and Merv.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 3: Ashgabat — Karakum Desert — Darvaza Crater

The morning offers free time for additional excursions. After lunch, we depart north and head deep into the Karakum Desert (270 km).

• Craters: On the way, we will stop at the Water and Mud craters. These are unique natural sinkholes with bubbling water.

• Darvaza (Gates of Hell): We will arrive at the gas crater by sunset. You will experience the spectacle of the burning pit followed by a traditional BBQ dinner under the open sky.

Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt at the desert camp.

Day 4: Darvaza — Kunya-Urgench — Border Departure

First, witness the sunrise at the crater. After breakfast at the camp, we will drive 260 km north to the monuments of ancient Khorezm.

• Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO): We will tour the historical park. Highlights include the Kutlug-Timur Minaret and the Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum. Moreover, you will see the ancient Caravanserai gates.

• Border Transfer: Finally, we will transfer you to your chosen border crossing:

  • Shavat: If you are heading to Khiva.

  • Hojayli: If you are heading to Nukus.

There are currently no available dates for this tour.

Please contact us to organize a private Turkmenistan transit tour route.