Embark on a captivating 3-day extension tour to Turkmenistan, where ancient history and modern wonders collide in one unforgettable journey. Begin your adventure in Merv, an ancient Silk Road city and UNESCO World Heritage site that once thrived as a key stop on the trade routes. Explore the well-preserved ruins of this oasis city, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Next, you’ll head to the bustling capital, Ashgabat, where gleaming white marble skyscrapers define the skyline. Marvel at the city’s stunning modern architecture, which holds multiple world records, including the most white marble buildings. This contrast of old and new is what makes Turkmenistan truly unique.
One of the most iconic highlights of the tour is a visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the «Gates of Hell.» This natural gas pocket has been burning continuously for decades, creating an eerie, mesmerizing spectacle that’s best experienced at night under the stars. The sight is truly unforgettable.
Finally, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Nissa, an ancient city that provides a glimpse into the early civilizations of the region, once the center of the Parthian Empire. Its impressive ruins and historical significance make it a must-see for any history enthusiast.
This tour offers the perfect combination of Turkmenistan’s ancient heritage and its modern, awe-inspiring developments. Don’t miss the chance to explore the country’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems in this remarkable 3-day journey!
Start the day early with a delicious breakfast before setting off at 06:30 to the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border at Farap-Alat (approximately 100 km, 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will go through the necessary border procedures at both checkpoints. After clearing passport and customs control, you will cross the 1.5 km neutral zone between the two countries (please note that transportation may not be available in the neutral zone, so you may need to proceed on foot). Once through the border, your Turkmenistan guide and driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name.
From the border, you’ll drive approximately 300 km (about 5.5 hours) to Merv, an ancient city once a thriving hub on the Silk Road. Merv is home to many historical sites and monuments that reveal its rich past. Highlights of your visit will include the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the impressive Greater and Lesser Kyz-Kala, Erk-Kala, Gyaur-Kala, and the Keshk Fortress, among others. You will have the chance to explore the vast historical park and learn about Merv’s significance as a center of trade and culture.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Mary Airport (40 km, 30 minutes) for your evening flight to Ashgabat. Your flight departs at 18:10 and arrives in Ashgabat at 18:50. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After a hearty breakfast, your tour of Ashgabat begins. Known for its unique white marble buildings, Ashgabat holds the record for the highest concentration of marble buildings in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. Your city tour will include visits to significant sites such as the Old Nissa archaeological site (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Spiritual Mosque—one of the largest in Central Asia, and the National Museum of History, which showcases the country’s fascinating past. You’ll also visit the Monument of Neutrality, the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the newly constructed Independence Park.
After lunch, you will drive through the Karakum Desert to the iconic Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the «Gates of Hell» (approximately 280 km, 4 hours). Upon reaching the crater, you will set up camp near this natural wonder. As the sun sets, enjoy a fire-cooked dinner while witnessing the eerie and mesmerizing spectacle of the burning gas crater under the stars. Overnight in tents under the desert sky.
Note: At the Darvaza camp, you will be provided with basic camping equipment, including sleeping bags, pillows, and tents (either shared 1- or 2-person tents, or a yurt shared by 3-5 group members). There are basic outdoor toilet and washing facilities available.
Begin the day with a camp-style breakfast before departing from Darvaza and driving back through the Karakum Desert (approximately 270 km, 4 hours) to the Dashoguz-Shavat border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. After completing the border formalities at both checkpoints and crossing the neutral zone once more, you’ll meet your Uzbek driver for the journey to Khiva (approximately 60 km, 1 hour).
Upon arrival in Khiva, you will check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city on your own, or enjoy some leisure time. This marks the end of your 3-Day extension Tour to Turkmenistan, offering you a deep dive into the fascinating history and culture of this region.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $1500 | $1000 | $950 | $850 | $750 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $1600 | $1050 | $1000 | $900 | $800 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour programme with local guides Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Accommodation based on double trekking tent or shared yurts (4 pax in each yurt, incl. sleeping mat,
sleeping bag, pillow and toilet), including breakfast and BBQ dinner (1 night) Economy class ticket for flight Ashgabat-Mary English speaking tour leader in Turkmenistan Visa support for Uzbekistan tourist visa and Turkmenistan tourist visa
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa and associated expenses Full board (lunches and dinners) International flight tickets before and after the tour
This was an unforgettable adventure! The 3-day extension tour to Turkmenistan offered a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The ancient city of Merv was fascinating, and the historical landmarks like the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum gave a real sense of the city’s former grandeur. Ashgabat’s white marble buildings were just as impressive, and the visit to Old Nissa was insightful. But the best part of the tour was the Darvaza Gas Crater – watching the flames in the desert while camping under the stars was absolutely mesmerizing. Shahina Travel organized everything perfectly, from the smooth border crossings to comfortable accommodations. Thank you for an amazing experience! I will treasure these memories forever.
I recently took the 3-Day Extension Tour to Turkmenistan, and I must say it exceeded all expectations. The journey through the ancient city of Merv was incredibly insightful, with the historical sites like the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Keshk Fortress leaving me in awe. Ashgabat, with its gleaming white marble buildings, felt almost futuristic. I especially enjoyed visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Nissa. The highlight was definitely the Darvaza Gas Crater – witnessing the “Gates of Hell” at night while camping in the desert was a truly unique experience. Shahina Travel did an excellent job organizing the tour, making sure everything went smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in exploring Turkmenistan’s rich history and natural wonders!