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Farap to Khiva Gateway via Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza – 4 Days
Turkmenistan
Real itineraryCustomizable datesPrice confirmed after inquiry
Farap to Khiva Gateway via Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza – 4 Days
Duration: 4 Days
Travel style: Private
Route: Farap Border – Ancient Merv – Mary – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Shavat Border / Khiva Gateway
Support: LOI support, private guide, Merv sightseeing, Darvaza camp & border transfers
Farap to Khiva Gateway Tour Overview
This 4-day private overland journey crosses Turkmenistan from the Farap–Alat border in the east to the Shavat border in the north, making it a practical route for travelers combining Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The itinerary brings together three of the country’s major highlights: the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ancient Merv, the white-marble capital of Ashgabat and the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert. The program also includes Mary city sightseeing and a visit to see the famous Akhalteke horses.
The tour includes Letter of Invitation support, private transportation, an escort guide, entrance fees, hotel accommodation, daily drinking water and a simple desert overnight near Darvaza before continuing to the Shavat border for onward travel toward Khiva.
Itinerary
Day 1 Farap Border – Ancient Merv – Mary
Meet the local team at the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan Farap–Alat border at approximately 09:00 and begin the journey toward Ancient Merv, around 255 km away. Explore the archaeological remains of one of the great historical centers of the Silk Road, including Greater and Lesser Kyz Gala, the Askhabs Complex, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Hoja Yusup Hamadani Complex, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After sightseeing, continue approximately 35 km to Mary. See the main city landmarks and, if time permits, visit Mary Bazaar and the Russian Orthodox church. Overnight at the hotel in Mary.
Day 2 Mary – Ashgabat – Akhalteke Horses and City Tour
After breakfast, drive approximately 360 km from Mary to Ashgabat. On arrival, visit a horse stable to see the Akhalteke horse, one of the best-known symbols of Turkmen culture and heritage. Later, explore Ashgabat and its distinctive white-marble architecture. The sightseeing program includes the Wedding Palace, Yyldyz Hotel, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Independence Monument and Park, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, and the city’s modern sports and residential complexes. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3 Ashgabat Bazaar – Karakum Desert – Darvaza Gas Crater
After breakfast, visit Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar when it is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. The market is known for carpets, textiles, jewelry, traditional clothing and other local products. When Altyn Asyr Bazaar is closed, visit Gulistan Bazaar in central Ashgabat instead, with its food stalls, spices, dried fruits, clothing and souvenir shops. In the afternoon, drive approximately 276 km across the Karakum Desert to Darvaza Gas Crater. In the evening, enjoy the dramatic view of the burning crater after sunset. Barbecue dinner and overnight at the desert camp in a yurt or tent.
Day 4 Darvaza – Dashoguz Region – Shavat Border / Khiva Gateway
Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast at the desert camp. After breakfast, drive approximately 309 km north toward the Dashoguz region and the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border checkpoint at Shavat. Complete the Turkmenistan-side departure formalities and cross into Uzbekistan. Belet Travel services conclude at the border, from where travelers can continue onward toward Khiva with their separately arranged Uzbekistan-side transfer.
What is Included
- Letter of Invitation support, including State Registration and Travel Pass arrangements
- Accommodation in double or twin rooms: 1 night at Ak Altyn Hotel in Ashgabat and 1 night at Mary Hotel
- One night at the Darvaza desert camp in a tent or yurt, including sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows and basic lighting
- English-speaking escort guide service
- Transportation according to the program using air-conditioned regular road vehicles and 4x4 vehicles where terrain requires
- Entrance fees for sightseeing places mentioned in the program
- Meals: hotel breakfasts and dinner at Darvaza as specified in the itinerary
- 1.5 liters of bottled water per person per day
- Travel tax
Not Included
- International flights
- Turkmenistan visa and border fees, approximately USD 70–100
- PCR test, approximately USD 33–35
- Photo and video fees where applicable
- Lunches and dinners not specifically listed as included
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Medical insurance
- Uzbekistan-side transfer from Shavat border toward Khiva unless booked separately
- Personal expenses and services not shown in the program
Farap to Khiva Gateway via Merv, Ashgabat & Darvaza – 4 Days Tour Route Map
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Receive Your Booking Confirmation
Once the arrangements are agreed, we provide your booking confirmation and the applicable payment instructions in writing.
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Travel With Local Support
Before arrival and throughout your journey, our team coordinates the local arrangements and remains available when you need assistance.
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Communicate directly with the Belet Travel team before and during your journey.
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Payment & cancellation terms
10% deposit · Balance due 15 days before departure · Clear cancellation conditions
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FAQ
Is this tour suitable for travelers coming from Bukhara and continuing to Khiva?
Yes. The tour begins at the Farap–Alat border, the common crossing for travelers arriving from the Bukhara side, and finishes at the Shavat border for onward travel toward Khiva.
Which hotels are included in the listed price?
The listed price is based on one night at Ak Altyn Hotel in Ashgabat and one night at Mary Hotel, using double or twin accommodation. Sport 4-star and Archabil 5-star upgrades in Ashgabat are available on request.
Is the Letter of Invitation included?
Yes. Letter of Invitation support, State Registration and Travel Pass arrangements listed in the program are included. Visa and border fees are paid separately.
What should I expect at the Darvaza overnight?
The overnight near Darvaza is a simple desert camp experience in a tent or yurt. Sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows and basic lighting are included according to the program.
Which bazaar will we visit in Ashgabat?
Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar is visited when it is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. On other days, Gulistan Bazaar can be visited instead.
Are the driving times exact?
No. Driving times are estimates and may vary because of traffic, road conditions, stops and border procedures.
Do I need cash in Turkmenistan?
The source program recommends carrying cash because credit cards may not work in many places. Small US dollar notes in good condition are useful for visa and other local procedures.
Where does the Belet Travel service finish?
The Turkmenistan-side service finishes at the Shavat border checkpoint. Any transfer on the Uzbekistan side toward Khiva should be arranged separately unless included in an additional booking.
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