This 7-day Turkmenistan transit tour from Khiva to Bukhara<\/strong> is a comprehensive overland journey combining the country\u2019s most impressive desert landscapes, historic cities, remote archaeological sites and traditional mountain culture.<\/p>\n Enter Turkmenistan through the Shavat border<\/strong> near Khiva and cross the Karakum Desert to spend your first night beside the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Continue to Ashgabat<\/strong> for a guided exploration of the capital before boarding an overnight train to the Caspian coast. From Turkmenbashi, travel into western Turkmenistan to experience the dramatic landscapes of Yangykala Canyon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The route then continues deep into the western desert to the remote ruins of Ancient Dehistan<\/strong> and the sacred Mashat Necropolis<\/strong>, followed by a journey through the unusual clay landscapes of the Moon Mountains<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Discover the distinctive traditions of Nokhur<\/strong>, swim in the naturally warm waters of Kow Ata Underground Lake<\/strong>, and return to Ashgabat before travelling east to UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey finishes with a drive through Turkmenabat to the Farap border<\/strong>, where you can continue towards Bukhara.<\/p>\n Khiva \u2192 Shavat Border \u2192 Dashoguz \u2192 Darvaza Gas Crater \u2192 Water Crater \u2192 Mud Crater \u2192 Ashgabat \u2192 overnight train \u2192 Turkmenbashi \u2192 Yangykala Canyon \u2192 Balkan Region \u2192 Ancient Dehistan \u2192 Mashat Necropolis \u2192 Gyzylarbat \u2192 Moon Mountains \u2192 Nokhur \u2192 Kow Ata Underground Lake \u2192 Ashgabat \u2192 Ancient Merv \u2192 Turkmenabat \u2192 Farap Border \u2192 Bukhara<\/strong><\/p>\n At approximately 10:00 AM<\/strong>, meet our team inside the main hall of the Shavat Border Control Terminal on the Turkmen side<\/strong>.<\/p>\n While your migration and passport checks are being processed, border officers will contact our local team. Your guide will enter the terminal and recognise you using the photograph provided in advance.<\/p>\n Continue by road to Dashoguz<\/strong> for a traditional local lunch.<\/p>\n Visit the local bazaar to experience everyday life and purchase snacks or supplies before heading into the desert.<\/p>\n Leave Dashoguz and begin the journey south through the Central Karakum Desert<\/strong> towards Darvaza.<\/p>\n The drive covers approximately 300 km<\/strong> and takes around 4\u20134.5 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> towards sunset.<\/p>\n Watch the fiery glow of the crater become increasingly visible as the desert darkens.<\/p>\n Enjoy a freshly prepared traditional BBQ dinner at the yurt camp.<\/p>\n After dark, spend time beside the crater and enjoy photography beneath the desert stars.<\/p>\n Stay overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt<\/strong> at the crater camp.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Darvaza yurt camp.<\/p>\n Wake before dawn for an optional visit to the crater and enjoy the changing morning light over the Karakum Desert.<\/p>\n Enjoy breakfast at the camp before travelling 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.<\/p>\n On the way, make short stops at the Water Crater<\/strong> and Mud Crater<\/strong>.<\/p>\n These unusual natural features provide a different perspective on the geology of the Karakum Desert.<\/p>\n Enjoy lunch after arriving in the capital.<\/p>\n Spend the afternoon exploring Ashgabat<\/strong> with your guide.<\/p>\n Discover the capital\u2019s distinctive white-marble architecture, cultural sites and historic landmarks at a comfortable pace.<\/p>\n Stay overnight at a hotel.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Hotel in Ashgabat.<\/p>\n After breakfast, continue your exploration of the capital.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s programme can focus on major monuments, museum collections and architectural landmarks not covered the previous day.<\/p>\n The route remains flexible and can be adapted to your interests and pace.<\/p>\n Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n In the late afternoon, transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station<\/strong> and board the overnight train to Turkmenbashi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Because the train departs early in the evening, there may not be enough time for a restaurant dinner before boarding.<\/p>\n Your guide will assist you at a local market or caf\u00e9 to purchase a packed dinner, fruit and snacks for the overnight journey.<\/p>\n Travel overnight in a comfortable four-berth compartment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Overnight train to Turkmenbashi.<\/p>\n Arrive in Turkmenbashi at approximately 08:05 AM<\/strong> and meet your private driver at the railway station.<\/p>\n Enjoy a short orientation tour of this historic port city.<\/p>\n See examples of pre-revolutionary architecture built from local Caspian limestone and stop by the distinctive 1895 Moorish-style railway station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Enjoy views of the Caspian Sea.<\/p>\n An excursion to the nearby Awaza Sea Resort<\/strong> can be arranged upon request, depending on whether the area is open and accessible at the time of your visit.<\/p>\n Enjoy fresh seafood or a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n Leave Turkmenbashi and travel east towards Yangykala Canyon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 160 km<\/strong> and takes around 3 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The final sections of the road involve rough, unpaved desert tracks.<\/p>\n Arrive at the canyon plateau and explore its vast red, pink and white limestone formations.<\/p>\n Enjoy sunset over one of western Turkmenistan\u2019s most dramatic natural landscapes.<\/p>\n Depending on the season and weather, enjoy a packed picnic dinner near the canyon or a warm dinner after reaching your accommodation.<\/p>\n Continue south from the canyon plateau towards your hotel.<\/p>\n The journey takes approximately 2\u20132.5 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Stay at a hotel in the Balkan region<\/strong>, either in Balkanabat or another suitable transit location depending on availability.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Hotel in the Balkan region.<\/p>\n After breakfast, travel south into the remote desert plains towards Ancient Dehistan<\/strong>, also known as Mashat-Misrian.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 180 km<\/strong> and takes around 3.5 hours<\/strong> via desert tracks.<\/p>\n Explore one of western Turkmenistan\u2019s most isolated historical sites.<\/p>\n Walk among the remains of medieval minarets, monumental mosque portals and the ruins of the historic Rabat area, associated with craftsmen and caravan trade.<\/p>\n Continue approximately 7 km north<\/strong> to the sacred Mashat Necropolis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Visit Shir-Kabir<\/strong>, home to a historic 10th-century mosque and an active pilgrimage site.<\/p>\n Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch among the ruins.<\/p>\n The remote desert setting offers time to absorb the atmosphere of this remarkable archaeological landscape.<\/p>\n After the visit, continue towards Gyzylarbat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Check in at your hotel and enjoy a warm dinner.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Hotel in Gyzylarbat.<\/p>\n After breakfast, check out and begin travelling east.<\/p>\n Make a morning stop at the unusual clay formations known as the Moon Mountains<\/strong>, located in the foothills of the Sumbar Valley.<\/p>\n The layered, multi-coloured hills create an unusual desert landscape and provide excellent photography opportunities.<\/p>\n Continue towards the Kopetdag Mountains<\/strong> and ascend the winding road to the remote village of Nokhur<\/strong>, approximately 115 km from Serdar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Enjoy a home-cooked traditional lunch at a local family home or village teahouse.<\/p>\n The meal may include regional dishes and mountain herbal tea.<\/p>\n After lunch, explore the village and its distinctive traditions.<\/p>\n Visit the sacred Kyz Bibi pilgrimage site<\/strong>.<\/p>\n See the unusual village cemetery, where grave markers are traditionally decorated with the horns of mountain goats.<\/p>\n Observe local women practising the traditional art of Keteni silk weaving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Please note that access to Nokhur depends on weather and road conditions. During winter snow or heavy rain, an alternative lunch stop will be arranged.<\/p>\n Continue from the mountains to Kow Ata Underground Lake<\/strong>, approximately one hour away.<\/p>\n Descend into the limestone cave and enjoy the opportunity to swim in naturally warm, mineral-rich sulfur water.<\/p>\n The water temperature remains around 35\u00b0C throughout the year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Travel approximately 100 km<\/strong> back to Ashgabat.<\/p>\n The journey takes around 1.5 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n Stay overnight at a hotel.<\/p>\n Overnight:<\/strong> Hotel in Ashgabat.<\/p>\n Depart Ashgabat at approximately 07:30 AM<\/strong> and travel east along the modern Ashgabat\u2013Mary 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 in Mary or Bayramaly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Explore Ancient Merv<\/strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great historic cities of the Silk Road.<\/p>\n Visit the monumental 12th-century Seljuk mausoleum with its distinctive double-dome construction.<\/p>\n Explore the characteristic mud-brick fortresses with corrugated walls, dating approximately from the 7th to 12th centuries.<\/p>\n Visit the sacred burial sites associated with the companions of the Prophet Muhammad.<\/p>\n Also see the nearby medieval public baths and ancient desert water-storage system.<\/p>\n Explore the ancient citadels and enjoy panoramic views across the archaeological landscape.<\/p>\n Additional smaller ruins within Ancient Merv can be explored upon request, depending on available time.<\/p>\n Leave Merv and travel northeast along the modern Mary\u2013Turkmenabat motorway<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey covers approximately 240 km<\/strong> and takes around 2.5 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Arrive in Turkmenabat<\/strong> and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n After dinner, drive approximately 40 km<\/strong> to the Farap\u2013Alat border crossing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey takes around 40 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Upon arrival, our team will assist with Turkmen customs and departure immigration formalities in accordance with official border regulations.<\/p>\n After crossing into Uzbekistan, continue towards Bukhara<\/strong>.<\/p>\n End of Tour Services<\/strong><\/p>\n This 7-day Khiva to Bukhara tour via Turkmenistan<\/strong> combines Darvaza Gas Crater, Ashgabat, Yangykala Canyon, Ancient Dehistan, Moon Mountains, Nokhur, Kow Ata and UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv in one comprehensive overland journey. The route also includes an overnight train to Turkmenbashi and finishes at the Farap border for onward travel to Bukhara.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[111],"product_tag":[],"dts_route_point":[125,132,123,122,124,240,105,133,145,131,141,241,134,139,174,112,142,140,109,127],"class_list":["post-2269","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-misc","first","instock","shipping-taxable","product-type-simple"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTour Route<\/h2>\n
Tour Highlights<\/h2>\n
\n
Day 1 \u2013 Shavat Border, Dashoguz and Darvaza Gas Crater<\/h2>\n
Meet at the Shavat Border<\/h3>\n
Dashoguz Stop<\/h3>\n
Drive to Darvaza<\/h2>\n
Darvaza Gas Crater<\/h3>\n
BBQ Dinner<\/h3>\n
Overnight at Darvaza<\/h3>\n
Day 2 \u2013 Darvaza, Desert Craters and Ashgabat<\/h2>\n
Optional Sunrise Experience<\/h3>\n
Breakfast and Departure<\/h3>\n
Water Crater and Mud Crater<\/h3>\n
Lunch in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Ashgabat City Tour<\/h2>\n
Overnight in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Day 3 \u2013 Ashgabat and Overnight Train to Turkmenbashi<\/h2>\n
Ashgabat City Tour<\/h3>\n
Lunch<\/h3>\n
Transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station<\/h3>\n
Packed Dinner for the Train<\/h3>\n
Overnight Train<\/h3>\n
Day 4 \u2013 Turkmenbashi, Yangykala Canyon and Balkan Region<\/h2>\n
Arrival in Turkmenbashi<\/h3>\n
Turkmenbashi and Caspian Coast<\/h2>\n
Optional Awaza Visit<\/h3>\n
Lunch<\/h3>\n
Drive to Yangykala Canyon<\/h2>\n
Yangykala Sunset Experience<\/h2>\n
Dinner<\/h3>\n
Drive to the Balkan Region<\/h3>\n
Overnight<\/h3>\n
Day 5 \u2013 Ancient Dehistan and Gyzylarbat<\/h2>\n
Expedition to Ancient Dehistan<\/h3>\n
Ancient Dehistan Archaeological Tour<\/h2>\n
Mashat Necropolis<\/h3>\n
Picnic Lunch<\/h3>\n
Drive to Gyzylarbat<\/h3>\n
Overnight in Gyzylarbat<\/h3>\n
Day 6 \u2013 Moon Mountains, Nokhur, Kow Ata and Ashgabat<\/h2>\n
Moon Mountains Photo Stop<\/h3>\n
Nokhur Mountain Village<\/h2>\n
Traditional Lunch<\/h3>\n
Nokhur Cultural Tour<\/h2>\n
Kyz Bibi Shrine<\/h3>\n
Nokhur Cemetery<\/h3>\n
Keteni Silk Weaving<\/h3>\n
Kow Ata Underground Lake<\/h2>\n
Return to Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Dinner<\/h3>\n
Overnight in Ashgabat<\/h3>\n
Day 7 \u2013 Ancient Merv, Turkmenabat and Farap Border<\/h2>\n
Morning Departure<\/h3>\n
Lunch<\/h3>\n
Ancient Merv Guided Tour<\/h2>\n
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar<\/h3>\n
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala<\/h3>\n
Askhabs Mausoleums and Ancient Sardoba<\/h3>\n
Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala<\/h3>\n
Drive to Turkmenabat<\/h2>\n
Farewell Dinner<\/h3>\n
Transfer to Farap Border<\/h3>\n
Border Formalities<\/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":"