DAY 1: SHAVAT BORDER TO KUNYA URGENCH TO DARVAZA GAS CRATER

Arrive at the Shavat Border Checkpoint between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, where you will be warmly greeted by your English-speaking guide. Begin your journey by driving to the ancient city of Kunya Urgench (approximately 1.5 hours) — once the proud capital of the Khwarezm Empire and a vital Silk Road centre. Your sightseeing tour will include the Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum , Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret and Turabek Khanym Mausoleum, famous for its celestial tilework representing astronomical constellations. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive across the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the Door to Hell a surreal and continuously burning natural gas pit that has captivated explorers for over fifty years. Along the way, marvel at the mud and water craters, hidden geothermal gems of the desert. Arrive at the yurt camp, where you will experience the nomadic lifestyle of Turkmenistan. Settle into your traditional yurt or private tent, then enjoy a barbecue dinner beside the glowing crater, lighting up the night sky in spectacular fashion. Overnight in Yurt or Tent in Darvaza Camp (basic yet authentic desert facilities with mats — sleeping bags and essentials).

DAY 2: DARVAZA TO GOKDEPE FORTRESS TO ASHGABAT

Greet the morning with desert freshness and enjoy a picnic-style breakfast in the camp. Begin your drive toward Ashgabat with a visit en route to a celebrated Ahalteke Horse Farm — Home of the legendary Ahalteke horses, known for their golden sheen and unmatched endurance. These horses are a symbol of Turkmen pride, and local folklore claims that touching one may bring healing and good luck. Next, explore the historic Gokdepe Fortress, a battleground where Turkmen warriors fought bravely against Russian imperial forces. Nearby, visit the Saparmyrat Hajy Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, gleaming with white marble and crowned by a turquoise dome. Continue to Ashgabat — The capital city renowned for its white-marble skyline, and check in at either Sport Hotel 4 or Archabil Hotel 4* for a relaxing evening. Overnight hotel in Ashgabat.

DAY 3: ASHGABAT TO SEYIT JEMALEDDIN MOSQUE TO ABIWERD TO ANCIENT MERV TO ASHGABAT

After breakfast, journey to Anau, home of the 15th-century Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque, a stunning yet partially ruined gem of Timurid architecture. Then visit the ancient ruins of Abiwerd, once a vibrant Silk Road settlement and now a protected archaeological site. Continue on to Ancient Merv — A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Central Asia’s oldest and best-preserved oasis cities. This former rival of Baghdad and Damascus was once a centre of science — trade and culture. Highlights include the Greater and Lesser Kyz Kala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Hoja Yusup Hamadani Complex and Muhammed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After exploring this extraordinary open-air museum of ancient civilizations, return to Ashgabat via the modern autobahn. Overnight hotel in Ashgabat.

DAY 4: ASHGABAT SIGHTSEEING TO DEPARTURE VIA BAJGIRAN BORDER

Begin your final day in Turkmenistan with breakfast at the hotel followed by a deep dive into Turkmen culture and craftsmanship. Visit the Turkmen Carpet Museum, home to an impressive collection of handwoven carpets from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and chodor tribes, including the world’s largest handmade carpet (301 m²) and the smallest carpet keychain both featured in the Guinness World Records. In the afternoon, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Ashgabat, featuring remarkable modern monuments and futuristic architecture. Key stops include the Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, Yildyz Hotel, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality — Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque and Ashgabat 2017 Sports Complex. Afterward, drive to the Bajgiran Border Checkpoint (Turkmenistan — Iran) for your onward journey to Tehran, where our local partner representatives will welcome and assist you further.