4-Day Darvaza, Ashgabat & Ancient Merv Tour from Shavat to Farap

Day 1 — Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater

Approximate driving distance: 310–320 km

Arrival at the Shavat Border Crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

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

Your guide will welcome you and assist with the necessary immigration and border-entry formalities, helping make your arrival as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Meet your driver and continue to nearby Dashoguz.

There will be an opportunity to stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Turkmen or Central Asian cuisine before beginning the desert journey.

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

After lunch, travel south through the wide, open landscapes of the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza.

Enjoy the changing scenery along the route, with stops for rest and photography where suitable.

Continue to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, internationally known as the “Gates of Hell.”

The journey is planned to reach Darvaza in the late afternoon, allowing time to settle into your traditional Turkmen yurt before visiting the crater.

Walk to the crater with your guide and appreciate its unusual setting in the heart of the desert.

As daylight fades, enjoy the changing evening atmosphere and views of the crater against the surrounding landscape.

In the evening, a freshly prepared BBQ dinner will be served at the campsite.

After dinner, there will be time to return to the crater for nighttime views and photography before heading back to camp.

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

Day 2 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Karakum Desert → Ashgabat

Approximate driving distance: 280–300 km, plus local city sightseeing

Wake up in the peaceful surroundings of the Karakum Desert.

Depending on the season and departure time, you may have an opportunity for an early morning visit to the crater.

Breakfast will be served at the yurt camp.

After breakfast, depart Darvaza and travel south toward Ashgabat, passing through the vast desert landscapes of central Turkmenistan.

Short stops for rest and photography can be arranged along the way, depending on road conditions and timing.

Upon arrival in Ashgabat, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Transfer to your hotel, check in and take some time to rest before beginning the afternoon sightseeing programme.

Ashgabat City Introduction

Discover the monumental architecture and white-marble districts for which the Turkmen capital is known.

Visits and panoramic stops may include:

• Independence Monument and its surrounding landscaped grounds
• Arch of Neutrality
• Wedding Palace
• Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, known for its distinctive Ferris Wheel
• Broad ceremonial avenues and views of major government buildings
• White-marble residential and administrative districts
• Selected panoramic viewpoints and suitable photo stops

Your guide will introduce the city’s principal landmarks and explain their place in modern Turkmenistan.

Ashgabat by Night

In the evening, enjoy a panoramic drive through illuminated Ashgabat.

See the capital’s marble buildings, monuments and avenues after dark, appreciating a different perspective on the city’s architecture.

Dinner can be arranged at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Return to the hotel after the evening programme.

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

Day 3 — Full-Day Ashgabat Sightseeing

Approximate local driving distance: 50–70 km

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, continue exploring Ashgabat and its surroundings, focusing on the historical sites, national culture and local traditions that complement the previous day’s modern city tour.

Ancient Nisa

Visit Ancient Nisa, where you can explore the archaeological remains with your guide and learn about the site’s connection with the ancient Parthian Empire.

The visit offers an introduction to the history of the region long before the development of modern Ashgabat.

National Museum of Turkmenistan

Continue to the National Museum of Turkmenistan.

Explore collections covering the country’s archaeology, history and national culture, providing further context for the places and traditions encountered during your journey.

Gypjak Mosque

Visit the Gypjak Mosque and appreciate the architecture and spacious setting of this important religious complex.

A lunch stop will be arranged during the sightseeing programme.

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

Akhal-Teke Horse Farm

Visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm to see Turkmenistan’s celebrated horses up close.

Learn about this elegant breed and its special place in the country’s equestrian traditions.

Russian Bazaar

Continue to the Russian Bazaar, where stalls selling fresh produce, spices, sweets and local goods offer a glimpse into everyday life in the capital.

Enjoy time to stroll through the market and browse for Turkmen souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional textiles, scarves and local sweets.

The day also includes selected memorial complexes, major city monuments, panoramic viewpoints and photo stops.

The order of visits may be adjusted according to opening hours and local arrangements.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Dinner can be arranged at the hotel or a local restaurant at your own expense.

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

Day 4 — Ashgabat → Ancient Merv → Turkmenabat → Farap Border

Approximate driving distance: 640–670 km

Breakfast arrangements will be coordinated with the early departure from the hotel.

Begin the journey east toward the Mary Region, passing through desert landscapes, agricultural areas and small settlements.

An early departure is essential, as today combines the Ancient Merv excursion, a long overland journey and the Farap border crossing.

Rest stops will be arranged along the way.

Ancient Merv

Arrive at Ancient Merv, one of the most important historical and archaeological destinations along the Silk Road.

Explore the remains of successive cities that developed in this oasis over many centuries. Your guide will introduce Merv’s history and explain its importance as a centre of trade, culture, religion and political power.

The sightseeing programme includes:

• Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum — an impressive surviving monument of the Great Seljuk period
• Greater Kyz Kala — a distinctive fortified mud-brick residence known for its corrugated exterior walls
• Lesser Kyz Kala
• Erk Kala — the oldest fortified settlement within the Merv archaeological complex
• Gyaur Kala — extensive remains of an ancient city enclosed by substantial defensive walls
• Askhabs Mausoleums — an important religious and pilgrimage complex associated with early Islamic traditions

A lunch stop will be arranged during the journey, with its timing coordinated around the sightseeing programme and border transfer.

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

After completing the excursion, continue east toward Turkmenabat and onward to the Farap Border Crossing between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

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

The sightseeing and travelling schedule will be coordinated to allow time for the border procedures.

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

Meals included: Breakfast
Meals not included: Lunch