Itinerary
- Day 1
Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan Border - Darwaza
Your day starts early with a 9:00 AM drive to the Shavat-Dashoguz border crossing into Turkmenistan. You'll go through customs formalities at both the Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan checkpoints, then cross the 1.5 km neutral zone (a minibus transfer is available for 1 EUR if you prefer). Since you have your invitation letter, you can complete your Turkmenistan visa process right at the border. Once through, your local driver and guide meet you on the Turkmenistan side and you'll drive out to the Darwaza gas crater in the Karakym desert. After settling in, you'll have dinner at the yurt camp and sleep there for the night.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner upon arrival at yurt camp)
Included Activities
- Border crossing and visa processing at Shavat-Dashoguz
- Visit Darwaza gas crater in Karakym desert
Optional Activities
- Minibus transfer across neutral zone (1 EUR)
Landmarks/POIs Darwaza Gas Crater - Day 2
Ashgabat
After breakfast at the yurt camp, you head toward Ashgabat with a stop to see the Mud and Water crater along the way. Once you arrive in Ashgabat, you'll check into your hotel and spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city. The day includes visiting the National Museum, the ancient site of Nissa, Turkmenbashi Mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, the Wedding Palace, and the Ferris Wheel. You can also walk through Makhtumkuli Park and the Akhal Teke Horse Stable if time allows. You'll stay at your hotel overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the yurt camp)
Included Activities
- Drive to Ashgabat via Mud and Water crater
- Visit National Museum
- Visit Nissa
- Visit Turkmenbashi Mosque
- Visit Independence Park
- Visit Neutrality Arch
- Visit Wedding Palace
- Visit Ferris Wheel
- Visit Makhtumkuli Park
- Visit Akhal Teke Horse Stable
Landmarks/POIs National Museum of Turkmenistan Nissa Turkmenbashi Mosque Independence Park Neutrality Arch Wedding Palace Ferris Wheel Makhtumkuli Park Akhal Teke Horse Stable - Day 3
Ashgabat - Mary - Ancient Merw - Bukhara
You start with breakfast at your hotel before driving to Mary. There you'll check out the Orthodox Church and explore the local bazaar. From Mary, you continue to Ancient Merw for sightseeing around this historical site. Later in the day, you'll head to the BP Farap/Alat border point to cross into Uzbekistan. Your new driver meets you on the Uzbekistan side and drives you to Bukhara. After checking into your hotel there, you'll stay overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Orthodox Church in Mary
- Visit Local Bazaar in Mary
- Visit Ancient Merw
- Border crossing at BP Farap/Alat
Landmarks/POIs Orthodox Church Mary Bazaar Ancient Merw
