Discover Turkmenistan’s essential highlights in four days: modern Ashgabat, the Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert, UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv and the traditions of the Akhal-Teke horse. The tour starts in Ashgabat. Join a scheduled group departure at a fixed per-person price, or book the same route as a private tour on your own dates.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Start: Ashgabat
Finish: Ashgabat
4-Day Turkmenistan Tour Itinerary
1/4 Day 1 — Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater Ashgabat → Karakum Desert → Darvaza
Meet your English-speaking guide in Ashgabat and travel north through the Karakum Desert by car or minivan. On the way, see the vast desert landscape and learn about nomadic life, Turkmen traditions and the history of the Darvaza area. Arrive at the famous Darvaza Gas Crater before sunset, when the contrast between the desert sky and the flames is most impressive.
Enjoy dinner near the crater and stay overnight in a traditional yurt camp. The crater is especially atmospheric after dark, and your guide will help you choose safe viewpoints for photographs.
2/4 Day 2 — Darvaza to Ashgabat City Tour Darvaza → Ashgabat
After breakfast, return to Ashgabat. The sightseeing program introduces the capital’s white-marble architecture and the country’s ancient heritage. Visit Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Parthian royal centre. Continue to the Akhal-Teke horse stables, subject to availability, to learn about Turkmenistan’s celebrated horse breed.
In Ashgabat, see the Monument of Neutrality, Independence Park and other important landmarks. A museum visit can be included according to opening hours. Your guide will explain daily life in the city and help with local restaurants and evening plans.
3/4 Day 3 — Ashgabat to Ancient Merv and Mary Ashgabat → Mary → Ancient Merv → Mary
Travel to Mary by morning domestic flight when available, or use the best transport option for your dates. Explore Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia’s greatest Silk Road cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological park includes monuments from different historical periods, among them Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Sultan Kala, the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and the Kyz Kala fortresses.
Your guide will put the huge site into context, from the Achaemenid era and the Parthian period to Merv’s role as a major medieval centre. Continue to Mary for an overnight stay.
4/4 Day 4 — Mary to Ashgabat and Departure
Return to Ashgabat by domestic flight or the most suitable available connection. Depending on your departure time, visit a local market or complete any remaining city sightseeing. Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your onward flight.
What Is Included
- Private transport and airport transfers according to the itinerary
- English-speaking local guide
- Accommodation in Ashgabat and Mary
- One night in a yurt camp near Darvaza
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to scheduled monuments and museums
- Turkmenistan electronic visa (e-Visa) — included in the tour price
- Drinking water during overland journeys
Not Included
- Migration fee — approximately $50 USD per person, not included in the tour price; paid separately
- Domestic flights unless confirmed in your quotation
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, tips and optional activities
Price and Booking
The price is calculated per person and depends on the number of travellers, hotel category, transport availability and travel dates. Send us your group size and preferred dates for an exact written quotation. The table below shows the price per person for each group size; the written quotation confirms hotels, transport and dates.
We will explain the current process, prepare the required tour documents and coordinate your arrival details. Tour order may change because of domestic flight schedules, museum opening days, weather or government requirements, while all key visits are preserved whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join a group or travel privately?
Both. Join one of the scheduled group departures below at the group rate, or book the itinerary as a private tour adapted to your arrival and departure times.
When is the best time to travel?
Spring and autumn normally offer the most comfortable temperatures for city sightseeing and desert travel. Summer trips are possible with an adjusted daily schedule.
What should I bring to Darvaza?
Bring closed shoes, sun protection, a warm layer for the evening, personal medication and a power bank. Desert temperatures can change quickly after sunset.
Ask about this tour
Send your preferred dates, nationality and group size. Our local team will reply with availability, visa guidance and a confirmed quotation.
At the edge of the Darvaza crater at night
| Group size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $1 520 | $980 | $880 | $725 | $665 | $645 | $605 | $595 | $570 |
Single supplement: $45
Prices in USD per person for the selected group size, with twin accommodation. Turkmenistan e-Visa is included in the tour price. The migration fee is not included in the tour price: approximately $50 USD per person, paid separately.
Scheduled departures
| Date | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.11.2026 — 16.11.2026 | $675 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 27.11.2026 — 30.11.2026 | $675 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 11.12.2026 — 14.12.2026 | $675 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 25.12.2026 — 28.12.2026 | $675 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 08.01.2027 — 11.01.2027 | $675 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 22.01.2027 — 25.01.2027 | $675 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers |
