Bajiguran- Ashgabat- Darvaza – Ashgabat- Mary – Merv- Turkmenabad – Farap
Begin an unforgettable journey across Turkmenistan, where glittering marble cities, ancient Silk Road capitals, and surreal desert landscapes create a stunning blend of history, culture, and adventure. This 5-day tour takes you from the Bajgiran border to Ashgabat, the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater, the UNESCO-listed ruins of Merv, and finally to the Farap border — offering a complete and immersive experience of one of Central Asia’s most mysterious nations.
Your adventure begins at the Iran–Turkmenistan border, where you’ll meet your guide and travel to Ashgabat, the world’s whitest marble city. After settling into your hotel, explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Spiritual Mosque, the Monument of Neutrality, the impressive Wedding Palace, and the majestic palaces and monuments that illuminate the capital’s skyline. Ashgabat’s unique blend of modern architecture and deep cultural heritage sets the perfect tone for your journey.
From Ashgabat, continue to the awe-inspiring Darvaza Gas Crater, known globally as the “Door to Hell.” Drive across the vast Karakum Desert and arrive in time to witness the crater’s fiery glow lighting up the night sky — an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Turkmenistan. Enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner, stargaze in the quiet desert atmosphere, and spend the night in comfortable tents near the crater.
Return to Ashgabat on the following day and visit a local horse farm dedicated to the world-famous Ahalteke horses, one of the oldest and most elegant horse breeds on Earth. Learn about their 5000-year-old history, their significance to the Turkmen people, and why ancient rulers such as Alexander the Great greatly valued these majestic animals.
Your journey continues east toward Mary, stopping at historical treasures along the way, including the Seyitjemalletdin Mosque in Anau and the ancient trading town of Abiward. From there, delve into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Merv, once a flourishing Silk Road metropolis and one of the Islamic world’s greatest cities. Explore magnificent ruins such as the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Kyz Kala fortresses, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and several holy mausoleums — each telling the story of a once-powerful civilization.
On your final day, travel through the landscapes of eastern Turkmenistan toward Turkmenabad. Cross the Farap border into Uzbekistan, completing your remarkable journey filled with rich history, desert wonders, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Ashgabat: Sport Hotel
Mary: Mary Hotel
Darvaza: Yurta
Group meeting in the Iran/Turkmen border (should to know time). Drive to Ashgabat, accommodation in the hotel (check- in time at 12:00). Lunch at the local restaurant, after city tour. During the city tour you will explore Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia, the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, the Wedding Palace (Palace of Happiness), the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments, the Ferris wheel (recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest Ferris wheel), Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Monument and park of Independence.
Rest time in the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. After drive to visit National Museum. Lunch at the local restaurant. In the afternoon after lunch, drive to the Darvaza gas crater (280km, 5h), which locals call the “Door to Hell”, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert. This area is rich in natural gas and, while drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a gas-filled cave. watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the burning crater, BBQ dinner at Darvaza.
Overnight in tents.
Morning, after breakfast drive back to Ashgabat (280km, 5h). Atter arrival to Ashgabat, drive to visit Horse Farm to see a national proud of Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens begin breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Dinner at the local restaurant, accommodation at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning after breakfast drive to Mary (2/2.5h) via the ruins of Seyitjemalledin Mosque in Anau. The mosque was built in 1456, when Abu-ibn-Kasim Baber Bahadurkhan ruled in Khorasan. The square central hall, with sides 10.5m high, was crowned with a dome. Visit Abiward, which was once an important trading town of North Khorasan. It was a key location on the Great Silk Road between Nisa and Merv, and also linked to Nishapur, across the Kopetdag Mountains to the south. Then drive to xplore ancient city of Merv (40km, 45min), a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the Historical and Cultural Park of “Ancient Merv” which was one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus. See the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Mausoleum Complex of the Askhabs, Hoja Yusuf Hamadani complex, and Mohammed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After sightseeing, drive to Mary city.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. Drive to Turkmenabad. “Farap/Alat” checkpoint on Turkmen-Uzbek border.
Transfer to Bukhara city and drop off
End of the tour.
Guaranteed departures
even for solo travelers
Starting from 960$ p.p.
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