Bayhan Bayliew
Our customer service manager and tour guide, who has 9 years of experience.
With us since 2023
4 Days / 3 Nights: Shavat Border → Darvaza → Ashgabat
Shavat Border → Darvaza → Ashgabat
The tour at a glance
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers
- Accommodation
- One night in a yurt camp and two nights in Ashgabat
- Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
Day by day
Day 1 — Shavat Border → Darvaza
Approximate driving distance: 300–330 km
Meet your guide on the Turkmen side of the Shavat border at 09:00 after completing border formalities. Drive to Dashoguz, where there will be time for lunch before continuing into the Karakum Desert.
Arrive at Darvaza and settle into your yurt camp. In the evening, visit the gas crater and enjoy the desert scenery as daylight fades. A barbecue dinner will be served at the camp.
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Darvaza
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 — Darvaza → Ashgabat
Approximate driving distance: 280–300 km
After breakfast at the camp, depart for Ashgabat, travelling through the Karakum Desert. Stops along the way may include the nearby water and mud craters, subject to road conditions and access.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, begin exploring the capital’s white-marble avenues and monumental architecture. Visit Independence Park and the Neutrality Monument, then stop for photographs at the Wedding Palace viewpoint.
Transfer to your hotel and check in. In the evening, enjoy a drive through the illuminated city.
Accommodation: Ak Altyn Hotel or similar, Ashgabat
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 — Ashgabat: Full-Day Sightseeing
Approximate driving distance: 80–120 km
After breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing in and around Ashgabat.
Visit Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former centre of the Parthian Empire. Continue to the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, known for its impressive scale and architecture.
Return to Ashgabat to explore the National Museum, where archaeological collections introduce the country’s ancient history. After a lunch break, visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm to learn about Turkmenistan’s celebrated horses.
Complete the day with a stop at the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre and a visit to the Russian Bazaar, with time to browse local products and souvenirs.
Return to the hotel for your final night in Ashgabat.
Accommodation: Ak Altyn Hotel or similar, Ashgabat
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 — Ashgabat: Departure
Approximate driving distance: 10–20 km
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to Ashgabat International Airport according to your flight schedule.
For an early departure, a takeaway breakfast can be requested in advance, subject to hotel arrangements.
Meals included: Breakfast
End of services.
The order of visits may be adjusted to suit border-crossing times, flight schedules, opening hours and local conditions. Driving distances are approximate.
Included
- Electronic visa (e-visa) arrangement and cost.
- Border assistance and meeting on the Turkmen side of Shavat.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver throughout the programme.
- Professional local guide.
- Three nights’ accommodation: one night in a yurt camp and two nights in Ashgabat, based on shared accommodation.
- Three breakfasts and a barbecue dinner at Darvaza.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees for the visits listed in the programme.
- Photo and video permissions for included visits, where permitted.
- Drinking water during excursions and transfers.
- Travel insurance.
- Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
Not included
- International flights.
- Transfer from Khiva or another location in Uzbekistan to the Shavat border; available on request.
- Border, immigration, customs and any applicable PCR fees, approximately USD 50 per person, payable separately in cash.
- Lunches and dinners other than the included dinner at Darvaza.
- Single-room or private-yurt supplements.
- Guaranteed early check-in or late check-out.
- Optional activities, including horse riding and amusement rides.
- Personal expenses and tips.
Yusup Jumaniyazow
With us since 2022
Iwan
Yakup Karakocow
Mekan Jorakuliyew
A fun and expert guide
With us since 2024
Arslan Halliyew
Tour request
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Your tour
4 Days / 3 Nights: Shavat Border → Darvaza → Ashgabat
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