This 3-day Turkmenistan highlights tour from Ashgabat<\/strong> combines the country\u2019s modern capital, the Karakum Desert, the Darvaza Gas Crater and UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv in one compact circular journey.<\/p>\n Starting and ending at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<\/strong>, the tour begins with an introduction to the capital\u2019s distinctive white-marble architecture before heading north into the Karakum Desert for a night beside the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater<\/strong>.<\/p>\n On the second day, return to Ashgabat with stops at the unusual Water and Mud craters, then continue exploring the capital before an overnight hotel stay.<\/p>\n The final day takes you east along the modern Ashgabat\u2013Mary motorway to Ancient Merv<\/strong>, one of the most important cities of the historic Silk Road. After visiting its major monuments, return to Ashgabat for a farewell dinner and airport transfer.<\/p>\n This route is particularly suitable for travellers with limited time who want to experience several of Turkmenistan\u2019s most recognisable highlights in just three days.<\/p>\n Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) \u2192 Ashgabat \u2192 Darvaza Gas Crater \u2192 Ashgabat \u2192 Ancient Merv \u2192 Mary \u2192 Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<\/strong><\/p>\n Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<\/strong>, complete customs and immigration formalities.<\/p>\n Our guide or driver will meet you at the arrival gate and recognise you using your photograph.<\/p>\n Transfer to a restaurant for breakfast and a short refresh before beginning the day\u2019s programme.<\/p>\n Begin with a morning orientation tour of Ashgabat<\/strong>, widely known for its distinctive white-marble architecture.<\/p>\n Explore the capital\u2019s monumental buildings, broad avenues, landscaped parks and modern cityscape.<\/p>\n Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before leaving the capital.<\/p>\n In the afternoon, depart Ashgabat and travel north into the Karakum Desert<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 270 km<\/strong> and takes around 3.5 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Please note that some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so parts of the journey may be bumpy.<\/p>\n Arrive at the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater<\/strong>, also known as the Door to Hell<\/strong>, towards sunset.<\/p>\n As the daylight fades, the flames become increasingly visible against the surrounding desert.<\/p>\n Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner prepared by our team at the campsite.<\/p>\n After nightfall, spend time near the crater and enjoy views and photography beneath the desert sky.<\/p>\n Stay overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt or comfortable tent campsite<\/strong> near the crater.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Darvaza campsite.<\/p>\n Travellers who wish to wake early can make an optional pre-dawn visit to the crater.<\/p>\n See the remaining glow of the flames as the first morning light spreads across the Karakum Desert.<\/p>\n Return to the camp for breakfast, pack your belongings and begin the journey south towards Ashgabat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The drive covers approximately 270 km<\/strong> and takes around 3.5 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Some sections of the road remain rough and uneven, so the journey may be bumpy in places.<\/p>\n On the way back to the capital, make short stops at the Water Crater<\/strong> and Mud Crater<\/strong>.<\/p>\n These unusual geological sites offer another perspective on the desert landscape.<\/p>\n Upon arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n Spend the afternoon visiting remaining landmarks, museums or local bazaars that were not covered on the first day.<\/p>\n The programme can be adjusted according to your pace and interests, including time for souvenir shopping.<\/p>\n Stay overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Hotel in Ashgabat.<\/p>\n At 07:30<\/strong>, depart Ashgabat and travel east along the Ashgabat\u2013Mary High-Speed Motorway<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 360 km<\/strong> and takes around 3.5\u20134 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Arrive in the Mary region and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Visit Ancient Merv<\/strong>, one of the most important historic cities of the Silk Road and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n Explore the main monuments of the archaeological park.<\/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> Ancient Merv contains many additional historical ruins. Smaller sites within the archaeological park may also be visited upon request, depending on the available time and your interests.<\/p>\n After completing the Merv programme, travel back to Ashgabat<\/strong> along the modern motorway.<\/p>\n Enjoy views across the desert landscape during the return journey.<\/p>\n On arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n Depending on your international flight schedule, a private transfer will then be arranged to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)<\/strong> for departure.<\/p>\n End of Tour Services<\/strong><\/p>\n This 3-day Turkmenistan highlights tour from Ashgabat<\/strong> combines the white-marble capital, the Darvaza Gas Crater, the Karakum Desert and UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv. Starting and ending at Ashgabat International Airport, the route includes a desert yurt overnight, the Water and Mud craters, and a full-day journey to Merv.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":849,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[111],"product_tag":[],"dts_route_point":[125,123,122,124,145,143],"class_list":["post-2021","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 Ashgabat, Karakum Desert and Darvaza Gas Crater<\/h2>\n
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport<\/h3>\n
Breakfast and Transfer<\/h3>\n
Ashgabat City Highlights<\/h3>\n
Lunch in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Drive into the Karakum Desert<\/h3>\n
Darvaza Gas Crater<\/h3>\n
BBQ Dinner and Desert Evening<\/h3>\n
Overnight at Darvaza<\/h3>\n
Day 2 \u2013 Darvaza, Desert Craters and Ashgabat<\/h2>\n
Optional Sunrise at Darvaza<\/h3>\n
Breakfast and Departure<\/h3>\n
Water Crater and Mud Crater<\/h3>\n
Lunch in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Continue Exploring Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Overnight in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Day 3 \u2013 Ancient Merv and Return to Ashgabat<\/h2>\n
Morning Departure<\/h3>\n
Lunch in Mary or Bayramaly<\/h3>\n
Guided Tour of Ancient Merv<\/h3>\n
\nVisit the monumental 12th-century Seljuk mausoleum, known for its impressive architecture and double-dome construction.<\/p>\n
\nExplore the distinctive corrugated mud-brick fortresses dating from the 7th to 12th centuries.<\/p>\n
\nVisit the historic burial complex together with the adjacent medieval structures and ancient desert water-storage system.<\/p>\n
\nDiscover the remains of large ancient citadels and enjoy views across the wider archaeological landscape.<\/p>\nReturn to Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Farewell Dinner and Airport Transfer<\/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":"