This 3-day Merv and Ashgabat transit tour from Bukhara to Iran or Ashgabat Airport<\/strong> connects Uzbekistan with southern Turkmenistan and onward travel to Iran or an international departure from Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Enter Turkmenistan through the Farap Border<\/strong> and travel west across the Karakum region to explore UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv<\/strong>, one of the most important historic cities of the Silk Road. After visiting its major monuments, continue along the modern motorway to Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Spend two nights in the capital and explore its distinctive white-marble architecture, monumental landmarks and cultural sites through a flexible private programme.<\/p>\n On the final day, continue to the Howdan \/ Gaudan Border<\/strong> for Iran or transfer directly to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<\/strong> for your onward flight.<\/p>\n This route is especially suitable for travellers crossing Central Asia overland from Bukhara towards Iran, as well as those finishing their Turkmenistan journey with an international flight from Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Bukhara \/ Farap Border \u2192 Ancient Merv \u2192 Mary \u2192 Ashgabat \u2192 Howdan \/ Gaudan Border (Iran) or Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<\/strong><\/p>\n At approximately 09:00<\/strong>, meet our local guide inside the main hall of the Farap Border Control Terminal<\/strong> on the Turkmen side.<\/p>\n While you complete migration and passport procedures, the border officers will contact our team. Your guide will then enter the terminal and meet you directly using your photograph for identification.<\/p>\n After completing the border formalities, depart the terminal and travel southwest through the Karakum region towards the Merv oasis.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 395 km<\/strong> and takes around 3.5\u20134 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Stop in Mary<\/strong> for a traditional local lunch before continuing to the archaeological park.<\/p>\n Explore Ancient Merv<\/strong>, one of the most significant historic centres of the Silk Road and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n During the visit, discover the main monuments of the archaeological complex.<\/p>\n Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar<\/strong> Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala<\/strong> Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba<\/strong> Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala<\/strong> Additional smaller historical sites within the park may also be visited upon request, depending on the available time.<\/p>\n After completing the Merv programme, depart the Mary region and continue towards Ashgabat<\/strong> along the modern high-speed motorway.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 360 km<\/strong> and takes around 3.5\u20134 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Arrive in Ashgabat in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n Stay overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Hotel in Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before beginning the day\u2019s sightseeing programme.<\/p>\n Explore Ashgabat<\/strong>, the capital of Turkmenistan and a city known for its distinctive white-marble architecture.<\/p>\n Your private guided programme is flexible and can be adapted to your interests and preferred pace.<\/p>\n The day can combine monumental architecture, cultural sites, local markets and locations connected with the broader history of Turkmenistan and the Silk Road.<\/p>\n Take a comfortable lunch break at a local restaurant during the city tour.<\/p>\n The programme is arranged with sufficient time between visits, allowing the day to remain relaxed rather than rushed.<\/p>\n After lunch, continue discovering the capital\u2019s architectural landmarks, cultural sites and city atmosphere according to the agreed route with your guide.<\/p>\n Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and sample traditional Turkmen cuisine.<\/p>\n Return to your hotel for the second night in the capital.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Hotel in Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and complete check-out.<\/p>\n Continue exploring Ashgabat<\/strong> with your guide.<\/p>\n This morning programme is designed to cover remaining landmarks, cultural sites and architectural highlights according to your interests and departure schedule.<\/p>\n Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant before the final transfer.<\/p>\n Your departure transfer will be arranged according to your onward travel plans.<\/p>\n Depart Ashgabat at approximately 14:30<\/strong> and travel south through the Kopetdag Mountains<\/strong> towards the Howdan\u2013Bajgiran Border<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 40 km<\/strong> and takes around 1 hour<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The timing is arranged to reach the border before the afternoon closure.<\/p>\n Upon arrival, our team will escort and assist you with Turkmen customs and departure immigration procedures in accordance with official border regulations.<\/p>\n If your journey ends with an international flight, enjoy a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Departure from your hotel or restaurant will be arranged approximately 2\u20133 hours before your scheduled international flight<\/strong> to allow sufficient time for check-in and departure procedures.<\/p>\n End of Tour Services<\/strong><\/p>\n This 3-day Bukhara to Iran via Turkmenistan tour<\/strong> combines UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv, two nights in Ashgabat and a flexible city programme before continuing to the Howdan \/ Gaudan Border or Ashgabat International Airport. Enter through Farap, cross southern Turkmenistan and finish your journey in Iran or with an international flight from Ashgabat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2008,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[111],"product_tag":[],"dts_route_point":[125,145,143,174,195],"class_list":["post-2006","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-misc","first","instock","shipping-taxable","product-type-simple"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRoute<\/h2>\n
Tour Highlights<\/h2>\n
\n
Day 1 \u2013 Farap Border, Ancient Merv and Ashgabat<\/h2>\n
Meeting at Farap Border<\/h3>\n
Transfer to Ancient Merv<\/h3>\n
Lunch in Mary<\/h3>\n
Guided Tour of Ancient Merv<\/h3>\n
\nVisit the monumental 12th-century Seljuk mausoleum, recognised for its impressive architecture and double-dome structure.<\/p>\n
\nExplore the distinctive corrugated mud-brick fortresses dating from the 7th to 12th centuries.<\/p>\n
\nSee the historic mausoleum complex together with an ancient desert water-storage structure.<\/p>\n
\nDiscover the remains of massive ancient citadels overlooking the wider archaeological landscape of Merv.<\/p>\nDrive to Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Evening in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Overnight in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Day 2 \u2013 Full-Day Ashgabat City Tour<\/h2>\n
Breakfast<\/h3>\n
Ashgabat City Highlights<\/h3>\n
Lunch and Leisure<\/h3>\n
Continue Exploring Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Dinner<\/h3>\n
Overnight in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Day 3 \u2013 Ashgabat and Departure to Iran or ASB Airport<\/h2>\n
Breakfast and Check-out<\/h3>\n
Morning Exploration<\/h3>\n
Lunch<\/h3>\n
Departure Options<\/h2>\n
Option A \u2013 Howdan \/ Gaudan Border for Iran<\/h3>\n
Option B \u2013 Ashgabat International Airport<\/h3>\n
No scheduled departure dates are currently available. Contact Darwaza Travel to request a private tour or choose your preferred travel date.<\/strong><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"