AyDor Travel
Kunya-Urgench, Darvaza Gas Crater, Ashgabat and Ancient Merv on a 5-day tour across Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Heritage Express: 5-Day Tour

UNESCO & Darvaza
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Format
Transit route
Route
Shavat → Kunya-Urgench → Darvaza → Ashgabat → Kow-Ata → Nohur Village → Mary → Farap
Activity level
Moderate

A compact five-day itinerary designed for travellers continuing from Khiva or Tashkent to Bukhara through Turkmenistan. During this journey, you will discover the country’s main historical and natural highlights: ancient Kunya-Urgench, the burning Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert, white-marble Ashgabat, the ancient fortress of Nisa and legendary Merv. The programme includes border assistance, transportation, professional guide services, accommodation and support with border formalities.

Trip Highlights

  • UNESCO-listed monuments of Kunya-Urgench
  • Overnight stay at the Darvaza Gas Crater
  • White-marble Ashgabat and its monuments
  • Ancient Merv — a legendary Silk Road oasis
  • Nokhur Mountain Village
  • Kow-Ata Underground Lake

Day-by-Day Itinerary

What's Included

  • Letter of Invitation and visa support
  • Professional guide throughout the tour
  • Accommodation in 3★–5★ hotels and at the Darvaza camp
  • Meals according to the programme: hotel breakfasts and lunches or dinners specified in the daily itinerary
  • Entrance fees to all sites included in the programme
  • All transportation services in a comfortable vehicle

Not Included

  • Turkmenistan visa fee: USD 70–80, depending on nationality
  • Express PCR test: USD 31, payable upon arrival
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches and dinners not specified in the program

Accommodation

3★ - 5★ hotels in Ashgabat and Mary; Desert Camp (Traditional Yurt at the Darvaza crater).

Transport

Comfortable SUV or minivan with driver, air conditioning.

Good to Know

Best Season: April–May, September–November

Turkmenistan visas must be arranged in advance via LOI. The Shavat border is best navigated during morning hours. Please bring US Dollars in cash, as bank cards are rarely accepted.