7-day Turkmenistan Overland Tour: Bukhara Border To Khiva Border
About this tour
Journey across Turkmenistan on a 7-day Silk Road expedition that connects ancient empires, surreal architecture, and remote wilderness. Entering from Bukhara and exiting toward Khiva, you’ll cross the country’s most evocative landscapes, where deep history meets futuristic design.
Your adventure opens at Ancient Merv, a UNESCO-listed oasis where dusty ruins and 12th-century mausoleums whisper tales of the Islamic Golden Age. From there, travel to Ashgabat, a marble metropolis unlike any other. Marvel at gold-domed palaces, pristine white towers, and illuminated monuments before stepping into private stables to meet purebred Akhalteke horses—the legendary, metallic-coated steeds of Central Asian warriors.
Leaving the city behind, venture into the endless dunes of the Karakum Desert in a 4x4. As darkness falls, gather around the fiery rim of the Darvaza Gas Crater—the famous "Gates of Hell"—and sleep under a star-filled desert sky in a traditional yurt. Continue north to Konye-Urgench to stand before soaring medieval minarets and mosaic-tiled mausoleums, completing a unforgettable cross-country crossing through the heart of Central Asia.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Туркменабад, Туркменистан to Мары, Туркменистан
Day 1: Farap Border Entry – Ancient Merv – Mary Meet your guide at the Farap border (from Bukhara) for full assistance with visa registration, customs, and entry procedures. Drive across the region to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore key historic highlights including the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Greater & Lesser Kyz-Kala, and the ancient citadels of Erk-Kala and Gyaur-Kala before catching a desert sunset over the ruins. Transfer to Mary for hotel check-in. Overnight: Local Hotel in Mary
Day 2: Мары, Туркменистан to Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Day 2: Mary – Overland Transfer – Ashgabat Visit the Mary Regional Museum in the morning to discover regional artifacts and Silk Road history. Drive west across the country to the marble capital of Ashgabat. Afternoon highlights include visits to the Turkmen Carpet Museum and the Arch of Neutrality for panoramic city views. Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 3: Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Day 3: Ashgabat Cultural Exploration & Night Tour Spend a full day exploring Ashgabat’s iconic modern landmarks: Independence Monument & Park, Constitution Monument, the National Museum of History, the Wedding Palace (Bagt Koshgi), and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. In the evening, enjoy a guided night lights tour to see the city's illuminated white-marble architecture.
Day 4: Нокур, Туркменистан to Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Day 4: Akhalteke Horses – Kow-Ata Underground Lake – Nokhur Mountain Village In the morning, visit local stables for a private tour to meet purebred Akhalteke horses—the famous "heavenly horses" of Turkmenistan. Next, drive towards the Kopetdag Mountains to explore the Kow-Ata underground cave lake, where you can swim in naturally warm, mineral-rich thermal waters. Continue into the mountains to the scenic village of Nokhur, known for its unique tribal customs, historic village streets, and sacred sites. Return to Ashgabat in the evening. Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat
Day 5: Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Дарваза Гас Кратер, Дарваза, Туркменистан
Day 5: Memorial Sites – 4x4 Karakum Desert Drive – Darvaza Gas Crater Visit the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex and Saparmurat Hajji Mosque in the morning. Switch to 4x4 off-road vehicles and journey north into the heart of the Karakum Desert. Arrive at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell") to experience a desert sunset and watch the flaming crater glow under the night sky. Overnight: Desert Yurt Camp / Lodge
Day 6: Дарваза Гас Кратер, Дарваза, Туркменистан to Кёнеургенч, Туркменистан
Day 6: Karakum Crossing – Dashoguz – Konye-Urgench Travel across the desert to Dashoguz and visit the local History Museum. Continue to Konye-Urgench (UNESCO site) to explore the soaring Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, Il Arslan and Sultan Tekesh Mausoleums, and the sacred Kyrk Molla Hill. Return to Dashoguz for the evening. Overnight: Hotel in Dashoguz
Day 7: Дашогуз, Туркменистан
Day 7: Dashoguz – Shavat Border Exit – Khiva Morning transfer to the Shavat border post. Receive full guide assistance through Turkmenistan exit procedures before meeting onward transport on the Uzbek side for drop-off at your hotel in Khiva.
What's included
Included: • Full tour package • Letter of Invitation (LOI) • Registration & permit fees • Accommodation: Mizan Hotel (Ashgabat), Rahatlyk Hotel (Mary) “Dashoguz” hotel – Yurts • Meals: hotel breakfasts + BBQ dinner & breakfast at Darvaza • Professional guide (7 days) • Private transport (7 days) • Daily 2L water per person • Entrance tickets
Not Included: • Visa fee ($55–85) • COVID test ($30) • Personal expenses • Travel insurance • Additional meals • Tips for the guide
Languages spoken
What to know
Essential Travel Documents & Money Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with several blank pages. Passport Photos: Bring 4–6 physical passport-sized photos for visa processing and registration. Cash (USD): Crisp, unblemished US Dollar bills printed after 2013 (no rips, stamps, or marks). Credit cards and ATMs generally do not work. Clothing & Footwear Layered Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics for hot desert days, and warm layers (jacket/fleece) for cold desert nights at Darvaza. Modest Attire: Clothing that covers shoulders and knees for visiting active mosques and sacred sites. Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for walking on sand and uneven ruins, plus lightweight sandals or flip-flops. Swimwear & Towel: Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel for the warm, mineral-rich waters of Kow-Ata Underground Lake. Sun & Desert Protection High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and insect repellent. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or scarf to shield from sun and windblown dust. Health & Personal Care Personal prescription medicines in their original packaging. Basic travel first-aid kit: pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, anti-diarrheal medication, and rehydration salts. Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and travel tissues (especially handy during long desert drives). Electronics & Convenience Power bank (portable charger) for long vehicle legs and night stays at the yurt camp. Type C/F plug adapter (standard European 2-pin, 220V). Small daypack to keep water, cameras, and personal essentials accessible during daily excursions.
Route & locations
Туркменабад, Туркменистан to Мары, Туркменистан