5-day Grand Silk Road Tour: Kunya-urgench, Darvaza, Ashgabat & Ancient Merv
About this tour
The ultimate 5-day overland cultural expedition through Turkmenistan, designed specifically for history lovers and adventure seekers traveling from the Shavat border (Khiva) to the Farap border (Bukhara).
This comprehensive itinerary takes you deep into the heart of the ancient Silk Road, showcasing three extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the medieval ruins of Kunya-Urgench, the Parthian Fortresses of Old Nisa in Ashgabat, and the legendary city of Ancient Merv. Witness the roaring flames of the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell") at night, explore the futuristic white-marble architecture and rich national museums of Ashgabat, and discover the remote, jaw-dropping 11th-century Dayahatun Caravanserai—a true architectural masterpiece of the Seljuk era near Turkmenabat. Enjoy seamless logistics with private 4x4 and minivan transfers, premium guiding, comfortable hotel accommodations, and full Visa Invitation (LOI) support.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Дашогуз, Туркменистан
* 10:00 AM: Meet and greet at the Turkmen side of the Shavat Border Checkpoint. * Departure for Kunya-Urgench (approx. 95 km), the ancient capital of the Khorezm Shahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. * Traditional lunch in Kunya-Urgench. * Full guided tour of the historical park: Kutlug-Timur Minaret (The tallest in Central Asia). Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum (Famous for its exquisite ceiling mosaic). Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan. Caravansaray Gate * Return to Dashoguz. * A short evening city tour of Dashoguz, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. * Overnight: Hotel in Dashoguz.
Day 2: Дашогуз, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан
* 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. * Visit the Bai Bazaar. A great opportunity to experience local life. * Drive to the ancient Izmukshir Fortress (approx. 25 km). Explore the impressive ruins of this Parthian-era fortress, also known as the birthplace of the great philosopher Al-Zamakhshari. * Begin the journey to the Karakum Desert (~300 km). We will stop at roadside teahouses. * Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell"). * Sunset photography followed by a BBQ Dinner near the burning crater. The view is most spectacular after dark. * Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen Yurt at the crater campsite.
Day 3: 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: Old Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Visit the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, the ancient seat of the Parthian kings. National Museum of History: Explore the museum’s extensive collection, including the famous ivory rhytons and artifacts recovered from Nisa, providing a deep dive into the country's ancient heritage. We will visit as many landmarks as possible, ensuring a perfect balance of history, culture, and modern architecture. * Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Туркменабад, Туркменистан
* After breakfast depart from Ashgabat towards Merv. * 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. * Drive to Turkmenabat: Continue the journey toward the Amu Darya river region. * Overnight: Hotel in Turkmenabat.
Day 5: Туркменабад, Туркменистан to Фараб, Туркменистан
* Early departure north toward the remote Dayahatun Caravanserai. * Dayahatun Caravanserai (The Architectural Masterpiece): Explore the 11th-century Seljuk ruins. * Return to Turkmenabat: Drive back through local villages and cotton fields. * Lebap Regional Museum: Visit the museum to see the ethnographic and archaeological collections of the Amu Darya region. * Amul Fortress: Explore the ruins of Amul-Gala (Amul Fortress), an ancient Silk Road site located on the outskirts of the city. * City tour with photo stops. * Amu Darya River: Enjoy a photo stop by the majestic Amu Darya, the largest river in Central Asia, on your way toward the border. * Drive to Farap and drop-off at Farap border (Turkmen side; escort through formalities as per permit). * End of Tour.
What's included
Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors. Accommodation in standard hotel rooms: twin rooms shared by same-gender guests; double rooms for couples; single rooms arranged when needed (other room categories on request). Private transport and English-speaking guide for the days and routes specified in your itinerary. 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. Dinner and overnight in a yurt at the Darvaza gas crater and at Gozli Ata (if included in your itinerary). Entrance fees to museums and sights visited with your guide, including photo fees All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour. The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (other pick-up or drop-off points can be arranged on request).
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 included in the program (estimated 3–8 USD per meal per person, depending on the location and restaurant). Entrance fees. meal costs and photo fees at the Turkmen Ojagy Ethnographic Complex (if included in your itinerary). Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated). Drones (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 historical archaeological parks. * There is no electricity or Wi-Fi at the desert camp, so please bring your power banks and charge your devices. * Respectful attire (covering shoulders and knees) is recommended when visiting active religious and historic mausoleums. * Dayahatun Caravanserai is located in a remote area near the border; the drive offers unique landscapes, but we recommend carrying personal snacks and drinking water.
Route & locations
Дашогуз, Туркменистан