4-Day Turkmenistan Small Group Tour from Bukhara is an excellent opportunity to experience both the ancient and modern faces of this remarkable country in Central Asia. You’ll discover impressive monuments of the past built from clay and brick, stroll through dazzling neighborhoods of white marble and glass, and journey across the vast Karakum Desert to the hottest spot in the region – the Darvaza gas crater.
Your adventure begins in Bukhara, from where you’ll follow the ancient route of Silk Road caravans to reach the city of Mary. The next day, explore the majestic ruins of one of the world’s oldest cities, Merv, before continuing to Ashgabat, the marble-clad capital of Turkmenistan. On the third day, enjoy a morning tour of the modern city with its grand architecture, then travel to the Darvaza crater to witness the spectacular flames of a pit that has burned for over half a century and earned the ominous name “Door to Hell”. On the final day of this exciting tour, visit another historic site – the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, which once rose on the banks of the mighty Amu Darya River. By evening, return to Uzbekistan to fly out of Urgench or continue your journey through Central Asia in Khiva.
If you’re seeking a short, captivating tour of Turkmenistan in the company of fellow travelers from around the world, our 4-Day Turkmenistan Small Group Tour from Bukhara is an outstanding choice. Check out the detailed itinerary, departure dates, and other tour details, and start planning your next adventure!
Tour itinerary:
After completing customs and passport control on both the Uzbek and Turkmen sides, please exit the border control area. Your Turkmen guide and driver will be waiting for you there, holding a sign with your name on it. You'll make a short stop for lunch in Turkmenabad before continuing the long drive to Mary (270 km, 3.5-4hrs). Your route will take you through the vast Karakum Desert, following the ancient paths of Silk Road caravans. Upon arrival in Mary, you will be transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
*Subject to availability and may be substituted with a transfer by bus.
Note: We'll travel in 4x4 vehicles across the rugged Karakum Desert. The route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy and thrilling ride – it's the only way to get to this incredible, remote location.
At the camp, we'll enjoy an authentic stay in yurts with basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities, putting us right in the heart of the desert landscape.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Price includes:
- Accommodation based on double room sharing throughout the tour, with breakfasts included;
- Transportation throughout the tour, including airport drop-off;
- Sightseeing with a local English-speaking guide;
- Entrance tickets to museums, mausoleums, and other sights;
- Economy class ticket for the flight from Mary to Ashgabat;
- Turkmenistan visa support letter;
- Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs);
- Camp-style dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza crater (days 3-4);
- Tour leader to escort travelers for the entire duration of the tour.
Price doesn't include:
- Charges in hotels for additional services;
- Consular fees for the Turkmenistan tourist visa – 55 USD;
- PCR express test – 33 USD (subject to change);
- Camera fees, charged separately by museums;
- Travel insurance;
- International flight tickets;
- Full board (lunch and dinner);
- A tax of 2 USD per night in Turkmenistan, paid to the hotel upon check-out;
- Turkmenistan migration tax – 14 USD.
Dates & Prices, per person
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
We strongly recommend NOT to purchase airline tickets for 2026 tours without discussing it with your travel consultant.
