This 2-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Shavat is designed for travelers who want to experience the Darvaza Gas Crater while keeping their route compact and practical. Starting at the Shavat border near Khiva, the journey takes you through the Dashoguz region and across the Karakum Desert toward one of Turkmenistan’s most famous natural landmarks.
During the tour, you will have time to enjoy the desert scenery, arrive at Darvaza before sunset and see the crater as daylight gradually turns into night. The evening near the crater is one of the highlights of the journey, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp.
The next day, the route continues back toward northern Turkmenistan and finishes at the Shavat border, making this itinerary especially convenient for travelers who are visiting Uzbekistan and want to add a short Turkmenistan experience to their Central Asia journey.
The tour includes local guide support, private transport and the main arrangements required for a smooth journey between the border and Darvaza.
2-Day Itinerary
This compact 2-day tour starts and ends at the Shavat border near Khiva, offering an easy way to experience the Darvaza Gas Crater and the Karakum Desert. The route includes Dashoguz, sunset and evening views at the burning crater, dinner at a yurt camp and an overnight stay in a traditional yurt or tent.
Shavat → Darvaza → Shavat
Shavat → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater → Dashoguz → Shavat
Day 1 — Shavat → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater
Meet your guide on the Turkmen side of the Shavat border crossing and complete the border formalities.
Continue to Dashoguz, where you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, drive approximately 300 km through the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Arrive before sunset and spend time exploring the famous burning crater. Enjoy dinner at the nearby yurt camp and return to the crater after dark to see it illuminated at night.
Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt or tent at Darvaza
Day 2 — Darvaza → Dashoguz → Shavat
After breakfast at Darvaza, depart for Dashoguz.
The drive is approximately 300 km and takes around 4.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Dashoguz, stop for lunch and enjoy some time for city exploration and shopping.
Continue to the Shavat border crossing, where the tour ends on the Turkmen side of the border. You will then proceed through the border formalities to return to Uzbekistan.
2-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 480
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 365
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 295
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 263
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Please note that the prices shown above are indicative and may vary depending on the final itinerary, travel dates, accommodation and overnight arrangements, room configuration, optional services, and other individual requirements. We will always confirm the final tour price with you before booking.
What’s Included
- Visa support. Assistance with the Turkmenistan e-Visa process and required traveler registration.
- Yurt accommodation at Darvaza. One overnight stay in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner and breakfast.
- Transport. Private transport with an experienced driver throughout the itinerary.
- Border transfers. Pick-up at the Shavat border on arrival and drop-off at the Shavat border at the end of the tour.
- Meals. Dinner and breakfast at Darvaza.
- Guide. Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the route.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees. Entrance tickets and sightseeing included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Medical insurance. Insurance coverage up to 64,000 USD per guest.
- Driver and guide expenses. Fuel, meals, accommodation and route-related expenses for the driver and guide.
- Taxes and organization. All applicable taxes, road fees and organizational expenses.
- Flexible itinerary. The program may be adjusted slightly depending on timing, road conditions and local circumstances.
- Mobile internet during the trip. When mobile coverage is available, your guide can provide Wi-Fi through a portable router.
Not Included
- e-Visa fee: paid by the traveller; the amount depends on nationality and processing time. We prepare and submit your application after the tour is confirmed.
- Border fees on arrival: about US$49 per person (migration registration and medical check), paid in cash at the border.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, SIM cards, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Tips. Not included, but welcome.
