3-Day Transit Tour Through Turkmenistan: Merv, Ashgabat and Overnight Train
Itinerary: Farap Border – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat – Turkmenabat (Overnight Train) – Farap Border
Explore the highlights of Turkmenistan on this 3-day circular transit tour, which starts and ends at the Farap border. Discover the ruins of Ancient Merv (UNESCO), explore the stunning white marble architecture of Ashgabat, and take a classic overnight train ride to Turkmenabat before returning to Uzbekistan.
3
days
0
groups
1
options
There are currently no available dates for this tour. Contact us for a private tour.
What is included
- Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors.
- Accommodation in standard hotel rooms: twin rooms shared by same-gender guests; double rooms for couples; single rooms arranged when needed (other room categories on request).
- Private transport and English-speaking guide for the days and routes specified in your itinerary.
- All expenses of your driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, meeting you at the border and seeing you off at the border.
- Daily breakfasts during the tour.
- Dinner and overnight in a yurt at the Darvaza gas crater and at Gozli Ata (if included in your itinerary).
- Entrance fees and photography permits for museums and attractions visited with your guide.
- Travel insurance.
- All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour.
- The tour usually starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (other pick-up or drop-off points can be arranged on request).
What is not included
- Visa and other border fees are not included. The visa can be obtained either at the embassy or at the border.
- International flights and any transport to/from Turkmenistan at the start and end of the tour.
- Meals not included in the program (estimated 3–8 USD per meal per person, depending on the location and restaurant).
- Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated).
- Drones (not allowed in Turkmenistan).
- Entrance fees. meal costs and photo fees at the Turkmen Ojagy Ethnographic Complex (if included in your itinerary).
Tour program
* 09:00 AM: Meet and greet at the Turkmen side of the Farap (Alat) Border Checkpoint.
* Departure and direct drive to the Merv oasis (approx. 250 km).
* Lunch at a local teahouse in Baýramaly.
* Full Guided Tour of Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece, once the largest building in the Islamic world.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: The iconic "corrugated" mud-brick desert fortresses (7th–12th centuries).
Askhabs Mausoleums: Visit the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Hakim ibn Jabir and Buraidah ibn Al-Husaib).
Ancient Hammam & Sardoba: Discover the remains of medieval public baths and the sophisticated water storage systems of the desert.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala: Climb the ancient citadels for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park.
* Departure for Ashgabat (approx. 350 km).
* Arrival in Ashgabat:
Direct Option: Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Optional Activity (Upon Request) Ashgabat by Night: A short panoramic drive to experience the city's unique illumination. We will pass the main white-marble monuments and stop at a viewpoint for photos of the city lights before heading to your hotel.
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
* Departure and direct drive to the Merv oasis (approx. 250 km).
* Lunch at a local teahouse in Baýramaly.
* Full Guided Tour of Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar: A 12th-century Seljuk masterpiece, once the largest building in the Islamic world.
Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala: The iconic "corrugated" mud-brick desert fortresses (7th–12th centuries).
Askhabs Mausoleums: Visit the sacred burial sites of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Hakim ibn Jabir and Buraidah ibn Al-Husaib).
Ancient Hammam & Sardoba: Discover the remains of medieval public baths and the sophisticated water storage systems of the desert.
Erk Kala & Gyaur Kala: Climb the ancient citadels for a panoramic view of the vast archaeological park.
* Departure for Ashgabat (approx. 350 km).
* Arrival in Ashgabat:
Direct Option: Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Optional Activity (Upon Request) Ashgabat by Night: A short panoramic drive to experience the city's unique illumination. We will pass the main white-marble monuments and stop at a viewpoint for photos of the city lights before heading to your hotel.
* Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
* After breakfast embark on a private tour of Ashgabat that is completely tailored to your schedule. Your expert guide will design a route that maximizes your time. We will adapt the pace and landmarks to your personal interests, ensuring you experience the perfect mix of Turkmenistan's ancient history, rich culture, and striking modern architecture.
* Board the overnight train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat at 19:50
* Board the overnight train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat at 19:50
* 09:20 Arrival in Turkmenabat Arrival by overnight train from Ashgabat. Meet your driver at the railway station.
* Green Bazaar: Visit the city’s main market. It is the best place to see the local culture, buy traditional Lebap snacks, and experience the bustling atmosphere of an authentic Oriental market.
* Lebap Regional History Museum (Discover artifacts, carpets, and exhibits covering the region's rich history).
* Amul Fortress: Explore the ruins of Amul-Gala (Amul Fortress), an ancient Silk Road site located on the outskirts of the city.
* Short city tour with photo stops.
* Lunch at a local restaurant
* Amu Darya River: After lunch, enjoy a photo stop by the majestic Amu Darya, the largest river in Central Asia, on your way toward the border.
* Drive to Farap and drop-off at Farap border (Turkmen side; escort through formalities as per permit)
* End of Tour
* Green Bazaar: Visit the city’s main market. It is the best place to see the local culture, buy traditional Lebap snacks, and experience the bustling atmosphere of an authentic Oriental market.
* Lebap Regional History Museum (Discover artifacts, carpets, and exhibits covering the region's rich history).
* Amul Fortress: Explore the ruins of Amul-Gala (Amul Fortress), an ancient Silk Road site located on the outskirts of the city.
* Short city tour with photo stops.
* Lunch at a local restaurant
* Amu Darya River: After lunch, enjoy a photo stop by the majestic Amu Darya, the largest river in Central Asia, on your way toward the border.
* Drive to Farap and drop-off at Farap border (Turkmen side; escort through formalities as per permit)
* End of Tour
Accommodations
-
Ashgabat
(1 nights)
Standard: Hotel "Mizan", Bagt Koshgi Hotel
Comfort: Hotel "Oguzkent", Hotel "Archabil"
