Private Tour
Explore Turkmenistan Four Days From Darvaza to Ashgabat
Overview
Available languages
4 days
Mobile ticket
Experience the best of Turkmenistan on a thrilling 4-day journey from the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater to the dazzling white-marble capital of Ashgabat. Enjoy a magical BBQ dinner beside the legendary “Door to Hell,” explore UNESCO sites like Nissa and Ancient Merv, and meet the world-famous Akhalteke horses. You’ll not only see these magnificent animals — you’ll have the chance to ride one while wearing traditional Turkmen attire, feeling the spirit of a true Turkmen horseman. This is your chance to step into the culture, the history, and the adventure of Turkmenistan in the most authentic way possible.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All travelers need to book this tour at least 7 days before the starting their tour due to the fact that they will need a letter of invitation entering into Turkmenistan
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Day 1 – Shavat → Darvaza Gas Crater
Accommodations
Overnight at Darvaza (camp-style, desert atmosphere guaranteed!)
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
BBQ dinner under the desert sky
Darvaza Gas Crater
07:30–08:45 – Drive to the Turkmen border at Shavat. 09:00–10:00 – Meet your Turkmen guide, complete border procedures, and begin your desert adventure. 10:15–15:30 – Drive deep into the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza (280 km). Enjoy photo stops among endless sand dunes. 15:30–17:30 – Experience Darvaza Gas Crater, the surreal flaming pit that has burned since 1971. Perfect time for photography as daylight turns to golden hour. 18:00–19:30 – BBQ dinner under the desert sky — one of the most unforgettable evenings of the trip. 20:00 – Overnight at Darvaza (camp-style, desert atmosphere guaranteed!).
Day 2 – Darvaza → Ashgabat City Tour
Accommodations
Overnight at 4 star Sport Hotel in the center of Ashgabat
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Picnic-style breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Enjoy a hearty meal in a classic Turkmen restaurant known for authentic flavors.
DINNER
Dinner
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where Ashgabat residents actually eat.
Ashgabat
07:00–08:00 – Breakfast with crater views — a true bucket-list moment. 08:00–13:00 – Scenic drive to Ashgabat (280 km). 13:00–14:00 – Hotel check-in & lunch. 14:30–18:00 – Full City Tour of Ashgabat: - Nissa Fortress (UNESCO) – ancient Parthian capital - Akhalteke Horse Farm – meet the world’s most elegant horses - Spiritual Mosque – one of Central Asia’s largest - Presidential Palace & Ruhyyet Palace (photo stops) - Wedding Palace – futuristic architecture at its best - Earthquake & WWII Memorials - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque – inspired by Ottoman design -Arch of Neutrality & Independence Park 18:30–19:30 – Optional: Ride the Alem Indoor Ferris Wheel, a Guinness record-holder. 20:00 – Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 – Ashgabat → Mary → Ancient Merv (UNESCO)
Accommodations
Overnight at 4 star Mary hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Start your day with a hotel-style breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Enjoy a unique yurt-style lunch near Old Mary, right by a small horse farm.
DINNER
Dinner
End the day with dinner at a favorite local spot, known for generous portions and authentic flavors.
Mary
07:00–08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00–14:00 – Drive to Mary with a stop at Abiverd, an ancient Silk Road settlement (30 min). 14:00–15:00 – Hotel check-in & lunch. 15:30–18:30 – Explore Ancient Merv: Walk the ruins of a city once called “Queen of the World.” Visit key sites: Sultan Kala, Gyz Kala, Great Kyz Kala, Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, and more. Your guide will bring to life the glory days of the Seljuk Empire. 19:00 – Overnight in Mary.
Day 4 – Mary → Turkmenabat → Farap Border
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
A refreshing hotel breakfast
07:00–08:00 – Breakfast and check-out. 08:00–12:00 – Drive to Turkmenabat. 12:00–12:45 – Cross the Farap border via the Amudarya River Bridge. 14:00 Transfer to Bukhara
Pickup points
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Explore Turkmenistan Four Days From Darvaza to Ashgabat
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Operated by Guided Travels