3-day Turkmenistan Overland Tour: Darvaza & Ancient Merv (Shavat To Farap)
About this tour
A premium 3-day overland transit adventure through Turkmenistan, perfectly customized for travelers journeying from Uzbekistan (Khiva/Shavat border) to Uzbekistan (Bukhara/Farap border). This comprehensive tour covers the absolute best highlights of the country.
Start your journey in the Karakum Desert to witness the magnificent, fiery glow of the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell") and enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars. Next, explore the futuristic, white-marble capital of Ashgabat with a flexible private tour tailored to your schedule. Finally, step back in time at Ancient Merv, a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site, before a smooth departure via the Farap border. Complete with expert guiding, private 4x4 and minivan transport, comfortable hotel stay, and full visa invitation support (LOI).
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Дашогуз, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан
* 10:00 AM: Meet and greet at the Turkmen side of the Shavat Border Checkpoint. * Short drive to Dashoguz for a traditional lunch and a visit to the local market (shopping for supplies/snacks for the desert). * Begin the journey to Darvaza (~300 km, 5 hours). The route crosses the Central Karakum Desert. * Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell"). Experience the sunset over the desert as the crater’s glow begins to intensify. * Traditional BBQ Dinner served at the campsite. Spectacular nighttime viewing of the burning crater—the best time for photography. * Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen Yurt or tent campsite.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан to Ашхабад, Туркменистан
* Breakfast at the camp and optional pre-dawn sunrise visit to the crater for final photos. * Drive from Darvaza to Ashgabat. * En route: Short photo stops at the Water and Mud Craters. Experience these unique natural desert bubbles before leaving the Karakum sands. * Arrival and Ashgabat City Tour: Embark on a private tour of Ashgabat that is completely tailored to your schedule. Your expert guide will design a route that maximizes your time. We will adapt the pace and landmarks to your personal interests, ensuring you experience the perfect mix of Turkmenistan's ancient history, rich culture, and striking modern architecture. * Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Фараб, Туркменистан
* Early departure from Ashgabat heading to Mary/Merv. * Traditional lunch in a local restaurant in Mary or Bayramaly. * Full Guided Tour of Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece, once the largest building in the Islamic world. Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: The iconic "corrugated" mud-brick desert fortresses (7th–12th centuries). Askhabs Mausoleums: Visit the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Hakim ibn Jabir and Buraidah ibn Al-Husaib). Ancient Hammam & Sardoba: Discover the remains of medieval public baths and the sophisticated water storage systems of the desert. Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala: Climb the ancient citadels for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park. * Long-distance drive via Turkmenabat towards the border. * Arrival at Farap Border Checkpoint. * End of Tour
What's included
* Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors. * Private transport (Comfortable 4x4 SUV for the desert, and modern Minivan for city transfers) and English speaking guide for all specified routes. * All expenses of your driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, meeting you at the border and seeing you off at the border. * Daily breakfasts during the tour. * Traditional BBQ dinner at the Darvaza gas crater. * 1 night accommodation in a traditional yurt at Darvaza and 1 night in a hotel in Ashgabat. * Entrance fees and photo fees to all sights visited with your guide (including Ancient Merv UNESCO park). * All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour. * The tour starts at the Turkmenistan side of Shavat border and ends at the Farap border.
* Visa and other border fees are not included. The visa can be obtained either at the embassy or at the border. * International flights and any transport to/from Turkmenistan at the start and end of the tour. * Meals not explicitly mentioned in the program (lunches and dinner on Day 2 & Day 3, estimated at $3–$8 USD per meal per person, depending on the location). * Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated). * Drones (strictly not allowed in Turkmenistan).
Languages spoken
What to know
* Drones are strictly not allowed in Turkmenistan. * Please ensure you have your printed Letter of Invitation (LOI) and a passport valid for at least 6 months with enough blank pages for the visa sticker and customs stamps. * The Karakum Desert can get chilly at night, while daytime excursions require sun protection. Please pack clothing layers and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the historic ruins of Merv. * There is no electricity or Wi-Fi at the desert camp, so please bring your power banks and charge your devices.
Route & locations
Дашогуз, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан