3-Day Turkmenistan Overland Tour: Darvaza, Ashgabat & Ancient Merv

Day 1 — Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater

Approximate driving distance: 320–340 km

09:00 — Arrival at the Shavat Border Crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

After completing the Uzbek border procedures, cross into Turkmenistan, where our professional local guide will meet you on the Turkmen side of the border.

Your guide will assist you with all necessary immigration, electronic visa and border-entry formalities, helping make the arrival process as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Meet your driver and continue to Dashoguz.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Turkmen or Central Asian cuisine.

Lunch is not included in the tour price and is payable directly at the restaurant.

After lunch, begin the journey south across the vast Karakum Desert toward Darvaza.

The drive takes you through one of the most remote regions of Turkmenistan, with endless desert landscapes stretching toward the horizon.

In the late afternoon or evening, arrive at the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, internationally known as the “Gates of Hell.”

Check in at the traditional Turkmen yurt camp located near the crater.

As daylight begins to fade, walk to the crater and watch as its flames become increasingly spectacular against the darkening desert landscape.

In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ dinner at the campsite.

After dinner, return to the crater for nighttime views, photography and video. The contrast between the burning crater and the darkness of the Karakum Desert creates one of the most memorable experiences of the journey.

Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt camp near Darvaza
Meals included: BBQ dinner
Meals not included: Lunch

Day 2 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat City Tour

Approximate driving distance: 300–320 km including city sightseeing

Breakfast at the yurt camp.

After breakfast, depart Darvaza and drive south through the Karakum Desert toward Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.

Upon arrival, begin a sightseeing tour showcasing the city’s monumental architecture, national symbols, traditional culture and everyday local life.

The program includes:

• Akhal-Teke Horse Stable — visit a local stable dedicated to the legendary Akhal-Teke horse, one of Turkmenistan’s most celebrated national treasures. Learn about this ancient breed, famous for its elegance, endurance and distinctive appearance, and enjoy the opportunity to see these remarkable horses up close.
• Independence Monument — one of the main national landmarks of Turkmenistan, surrounded by landscaped gardens and monumental sculptures.
• Arch of Neutrality — one of Ashgabat’s most recognisable architectural symbols and an important monument associated with Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
• Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center — visit the famous Alem Ferris Wheel, one of Ashgabat’s most distinctive modern landmarks and an impressive example of the city’s monumental contemporary architecture.
• Russian Bazaar — one of the most popular traditional markets in central Ashgabat. Enjoy free time to walk through the bazaar, experience the local atmosphere and purchase Turkmen souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional textiles, scarves, small carpets, local sweets and other gifts.
• Panoramic drive through Ashgabat’s central avenues, offering views of the city’s famous white-marble buildings, fountains, landscaped parks and monumental government architecture.

The exact order of visits may be adjusted depending on traffic conditions and opening hours.

After completing the sightseeing program, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Meals included: Breakfast
Meals not included: Lunch and dinner

Day 3 — Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Farap Border

Approximate driving distance: 650–680 km

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning departure from Ashgabat for the long overland journey east toward the Mary region.

Upon reaching the Mary oasis, continue to Ancient Merv, one of the most important archaeological sites in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the vast archaeological complex and discover the remains of the successive cities that once flourished along the historic Silk Road.

The sightseeing program includes:

• Erk Gala — one of the oldest fortified sections of Ancient Merv
• Gawur Gala — extensive remains of the ancient and early medieval city
• Greater and Lesser Gyz Gala — distinctive fortified structures famous for their massive corrugated walls
• Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum — one of the architectural masterpieces of the Great Seljuk period
• Muhammad Ibn Zayd Mausoleum
• Other archaeological remains and historic structures located throughout the Merv complex

Ancient Merv was once one of the great political, commercial and cultural centres of Central Asia and played a major role in the history of the Silk Road.

After completing the sightseeing program, continue east toward Turkmenabat and Farap.

A lunch stop will be arranged during the journey at a local restaurant.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Continue to the Farap Border Crossing between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Upon arrival, your guide will assist you with the necessary Turkmenistan exit and border formalities and accompany you to the checkpoint for your onward journey into Uzbekistan.

The tour ends on the Turkmen side of the Farap Border.

Meals included: Breakfast
Meals not included: Lunch and dinner