Introduction
This 3 day Iran – Khiva program was created specially for travelers arriving from Mashhad and crossing the Bajgiran border a route that has recently become one of our most requested short itineraries. Many visitors choose it because flight tickets to Uzbekistan can be expensive, while this option allows them to enter Turkmenistan easily, explore the capital Ashgabat, spend a spectacular night at the Darvaza Gas Crater, and then continue smoothly into Uzbekistan through Dashoguz on the way to Khiva. The program is budget friendly yet very rich: in just three days you experience the white marble city that entered the Guinness World Records, enjoy night views of Ashgabat, sleep in a traditional yurt at the burning crater, and finish your journey at the Uzbekistan border. This route became popular because travelers can see Turkmenistan’s two biggest highlights Ashgabat and Darvaza without losing extra days, making it perfect for those starting their long multi-country trips (“5-stan tours”) from Iran or heading directly to Khiva. Practical, efficient, and surprisingly affordable, this tour is now one of our best-selling options for guests coming from Iran.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Iran – Ashgabat
- You will enter Turkmenistan from Iran, most likely through the Bajgiran border crossing, which is located close to the holy city of Mashhad. Please make sure to arrive before noon, as this border closes earlier than usual.
- After completing formalities, you will drive toward Ashgabat. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in the city and then check in to your hotel.
- In the afternoon, begin your Ashgabat sightseeing tour. This city looks completely different from anything you have seen in Iran — or anywhere else. Ashgabat is strikingly white, with unique architecture and a level of cleanliness that surprises many visitors. Some travelers say the city feels unreal, almost too perfect to be real. At night, Ashgabat becomes even more impressive, glowing beautifully just like the Darvaza Gas Crater, the city must be seen under night lights to be fully appreciated.
- Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Darvaza
- After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Ashgabat.
- At around 15:00, after lunch, you will begin your drive to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gates of Hell” (300 km, approximately 4 hours). Along the way, you will see many camels, goat and sheep herds grazing across the Karakum Desert. There will be several stops for photos, giving you a chance to capture desert life and local villages. Most villagers here work with livestock mainly camels and sheep.
- Around 19:00, you will arrive at the Darvaza Crater and take your first walk around this breathtaking site.
- At 20:30, enjoy a traditional dinner prepared near the crater meat or vegetable kebabs.
- Later in the evening, spend more time at the burning crater together with many other travelers who gather there at night. The atmosphere is incredible take photos, walk around the rim, and listen to your guide as they share the fascinating history of this place.
- Overnight in traditional Turkmen yurts near the crater.
Day 3: Darvaza – Dashoguz – Khiva
- At 07:00, after breakfast at the camp, you will depart for Dashoguz, a city close to the Uzbekistan border (300 km, around 6 hours).
- Around 13:00, enjoy lunch in Dashoguz.
- At 15:00, your guide will take you to the Uzbekistan border crossing.
- End of the tour.
Price Includes:
- – Invitation letter support and Foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- – Accommodation. Standart rooms.
- – Ashgabat City tour
- – Transport and guide.
- – Meals at Darvaza and yurt night stay at Darvaza.
- – All breakfasts
- – All the expenses of the driver/guide, including gasoline, meals and accommodation, transfer to the point of meeting at border, and separating with the guest at the border.
- – All taxes
- – The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border.
- – You will see everything that is possible to see within that time. The tour can be changed on the go as possible.
Not included:
- – Visa and other fees at the border. (Usually costs not more than $110, per person)
- – Meals ($3-8/ 1meal/ 1person)
- – Entrance fees to Museums and others as per the tour. roughly not more 10$ per day if any.
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Accommodation
Ashgabat – 1 nights
Standart: Bagt Kosgi / Mizan / Sport / Ashgabat
Comfort: Archabil / Yyldyz / Oguzkent
Darvaza – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request