6-Day Turkmenistan Cultural & Adventure Tour
This six-day cross-border journey combines Ancient Merv, Ashgabat, Nohur, Kow-Ata, the Karakum Desert, Darvaza Gas Crater and Kunya-Urgench. It follows the confirmed English programme for the Farap-to-Shavat route.
Tour details
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
- Route: Farap border → Turkmenabat → Mary → Ancient Merv → Ashgabat → Nohur → Kow-Ata → Gokdepe → Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat border
- Start: Farap border
- Finish: Shavat border
- Format: Private or group route, subject to confirmed dates and availability
- Price: Price confirmed for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on the route, duration, group size and confirmed services.
Programme
1/6 Day 1 — Farap border to Mary
Meet your guide and driver on the Turkmen side of the Farap border after border formalities. Continue through Turkmenabat to Mary and overnight at the hotel.
2/6 Day 2 — Mary, Ancient Merv and Ashgabat
Visit Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its principal historical monuments. Continue to Ashgabat and overnight in the capital.
3/6 Day 3 — Ashgabat and Nohur
Explore Ashgabat’s main city sights. In the late afternoon, continue to Nohur village. A local cooking experience may be arranged subject to the hosts’ availability and the final programme.
4/6 Day 4 — Nohur, Kow-Ata, Gokdepe and Ashgabat
Explore Nohur and continue to Kow-Ata underground lake. The visit and swimming are optional and depend on personal preference and local conditions. Continue to Gokdepe for a possible Akhal-Teke horse-stable visit before returning to Ashgabat.
5/6 Day 5 — Ashgabat to Darvaza
After free time or additional sightseeing in Ashgabat, drive through the Karakum Desert towards Darvaza Gas Crater. Possible stops include the Water Crater, Mud Crater or a desert village. Arrive before sunset, have dinner and overnight in a yurt or tent near Darvaza.
6/6 Day 6 — Darvaza, Kunya-Urgench and Shavat
After breakfast, drive to Kunya-Urgench and visit its principal historical monuments. Continue to the Shavat border and receive assistance with departure formalities on the Turkmen side.
Included and not included
The exact included services are confirmed in the final quotation. Depending on the selected option, the programme may include transport, accommodation, guide services, entrance tickets, Darvaza camp services and border assistance.
International flights, visa fees, personal expenses and services not listed in the final quotation are not included.
Visa and booking
See our Turkmenistan visa information and contact us with your dates and route preferences.
Contact Ashgabat Tour to confirm availability and the final itinerary.
Cross Turkmenistan from Bukhara to Khiva
This six-day overland route begins at Farap, the border used by travellers arriving from Bukhara, and ends at Shavat near Khiva. It joins the UNESCO ruins of Ancient Merv with Ashgabat, the Kopetdag mountain region, Nohur village, Kow-Ata underground lake, the Karakum Desert, Darvaza Gas Crater and the monuments of Kunya-Urgench.
At Ancient Merv, the programme can cover Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, the Kyz Gala fortresses and the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. Around Ashgabat, the confirmed plan may include Old Nisa, city monuments, local markets and Akhal-Teke horses. The northern section includes a sunset and overnight near Darvaza before continuing to Kunya-Urgench and the Uzbekistan border.
Border, visa and accommodation planning
The final quotation confirms border meeting times, hotels, desert camp, meals, guide, vehicle and entrance fees so the route connects reliably with transport in Uzbekistan.
The Kopetdag range under snow
Frequently asked
What to know before you book
Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan?
How much does the visa cost?
What do you need for the electronic visa?
What does the price depend on?
Can I travel alone?
Can the itinerary be changed?
| Group size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $2 240 | $1 415 | $1 335 | $1 075 | $960 | $940 | $875 | $850 | $810 |
Single supplement: $85
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 — 18.11.2026 | $970 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 27.11.2026 — 02.12.2026 | $970 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 11.12.2026 — 16.12.2026 | $970 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 25.12.2026 — 30.12.2026 | $970 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 08.01.2027 — 13.01.2027 | $970 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers | |
| 22.01.2027 — 27.01.2027 | $970 | Open for booking runs from 4 travellers |
