Turkmenistan Transit Tour - Iran to Uzbekistan (Khiva)

This 4-day transit tour takes you through Turkmenistan, from south to north, connecting Iran to the Uzbekistan border, which is about 100 km from Khiva. After crossing the border between Iran and Turkmenistan, a 50 km drive will bring you to Ashgabat, where you’ll enjoy a full day exploring the city. From there, travel through the Karakum Desert to witness the mesmerizing Darvaza gas crater, which glows spectacularly at night. The journey continues to Kunya Urgench, home to the highest minaret of the Middle Ages. On the fourth day, you'll reach the Uzbekistan border, ready to head toward Khiva, the open-air museum city.

In just 4 days, you'll visit Turkmenistan’s most famous attractions. Explore the detailed program of this Turkmenistan transit tour and embark on your journey from the Persian Gulf to the heart of Asia.

Day 1Border with Iran (Bajgiran/Gaudan) - Ashgabat

After passing through customs Bajgiran / Gaudan, your Turkmenistan driver will meet and drive to Ashgabat (50km, 1hours). Arrive in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Drop-off at the hotel, where check-in begins at noon. Free time to relax at the hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 2Ashgabat

Tour Ashgabat with your private local guide and driver. Meet at the hotel for sightseeing in Ashgabat to the following sites:

• Old Nisa, a spectacular archaeological site just 15 km from the city. Nisa was the capital of the Parthian Empire, founded in the 3rd century BC and remaining in power for nearly 500 years. Today it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Also referred to as the Spiritual Mosque and the Gypjak Mosque, it includes a mausoleum with the tombs of former president Turkmenbashy and his immediate family members.
• Arch of Neutrality, a 95-meter-high tower topped with a gold statue of former president Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashy) that rotates to face the sun. Ride to the top in a funicular to tour a small museum and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
• Independence Park, including the yurt-shaped Independence Monument housing the Museum of National Values. The museum is surrounded by lavish fountains, 27 statues of Turkmenistan’s key historical figures and a golden sculpture of Niyazov himself.
• Statue of Lenin, unique in that it stands on a large base ornately decorated in traditional Turkmen ornamentation.
• National Museum of History, displaying over half a million items from every region of the country, including rare and priceless artifacts from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
• Gulistan Bazaar (also known as the Russian Bazaar), one of the oldest markets in the city, a clean yet lively place to buy snacks and mingle with local shoppers.

Today’s excursion also includes a trip to the Akhalteke horse stables, (app. 1 hour from Ashgabat), where you’ll learn about the care and training of these pure-bred Turkmen horses, known for their incredible speed, agility and sleek beauty.
Overnight in Ashgabat hotel.
Tour duration: 5-6 hours

Day 3Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater

Free time in the morning, followed by an afternoon drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (280 km, 4 hrs), also known as the Door to Hell.
Stop en route for a visit to Damla Village, a remote settlement in the Karakum Desert. Enjoy the drive through the desert, stopping along the way to take photos of sand dunes and camels.
Arrive to Darvaza Gas Crater by evening to enjoy a spectacular sunset view before admiring the crater’s flames accentuated by a pitch-black sky. The fire crater is about 80m in diameter and 30m deep, and staring into this ‘Door to Hell’ with your own eyes is an experience like no other. Set up camp and enjoy a meal cooked over the fire as you lounge near the burning crater. Overnight in tents or a yurt.

Day 4Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – border with Uzbekistan (Dashoguz/Shavat)

Wake up early to see the sunrise and enjoy a camp-style breakfast before continuing your journey. Depart for Kunya-Urgench, the ancient capital of the Khorezmshahs (270 km, 4 hrs). Your tour will include:

• Visit to the Tyurabek-Khanym Mausoleum (14th century), burial site of a Mongolian princess, and the Sayid Ahmed Mausoleum (14th century), tomb of a leader of the Golden Horde.
• Discovery of the Kutlug Timur Minaret (11th-13th centuries), which at 62 meters is the tallest minaret in Central Asia.
• Travel to the 12th-century Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum of Khorezmshakh.
• Exploration of Kyrk Molla Hill (Forty Mullahs Hill), a fortress covering three hectares that includes the famous Mamun Library (8th-9th centuries) and an ancient cemetery believed to hold present-day healing powers.
• Walk through Fakhreddin Razi Mausoleum (a.k.a. mausoleum of Arslan II, 13th century), one of the oldest, most unique structures in all of Central Asia.

Drive to the Uzbekistan border Dashoguz / Shavat (130km, 2h) and pass-through customs on both sides. End of the Turkmenistan transit tour.

• Inclusions

• Exclusions

Download the PDF brochure for the Turkmenistan Transit Tour - Iran to Uzbekistan (Khiva).

Discover the unique blend of urban marvels and natural wonders on our 4-day Turkmenistan Transit Tour - Iran to Uzbekistan (Khiva). This journey takes you through the stunning marble architecture of Ashgabat, the mesmerizing flames of the Darvaza Gas Crater, and the historic treasures of Kunya-Urgench. Experience the best of Turkmenistan with OREXCA as your guide. Book your tour today and start an unforgettable adventure. For more details and booking information, please visit our website.

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