Introduction
This 3 day journey is specially designed for travelers entering Turkmenistan from Khiva (Uzbekistan) and planning to exit to Iran through the Bajgiran border. It includes the two most famous attractions of the country the Darvaza Gas Crater and Ashgabat, the shining white marble capital. One of the main advantages of this route is that it allows travelers to reduce costs. You can easily share the car and expenses with another traveler coming from Khiva who plans to visit Darvaza and Ashgabat. After reaching Ashgabat, your travel partner may continue to Bukhara or take a flight, while you continue your journey to Iran. This way, both travelers enjoy a complete experience visiting the gas crater and the capital while sharing transport and lowering the total budget. It’s one of the most popular and practical routes for overland travelers who want to see the best of Turkmenistan and continue smoothly to Iran.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Shavat Border Entry & Darvaza Gas Crater
- Meet with your guide at the Turkmenistan side of the Shavat border checkpoint at 10 am
- Arrive in Dashoguz
- Lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine
- Shopping time at the local bazaar or supermarket
- Scenic drive south through the Karakum Desert approximately 4–5 hours 285 km
- Arrive at the iconic Darvaza Gas Crater also known as Door to Hell aiming to arrive before sunset
- Witness the spectacular burning crater at sunset
- Traditional dinner prepared by local guides
- Overnight stay in traditional felt yurt accommodation near the crater
Day 2: Journey to Ashgabat & City Exploration
- Breakfast at the crater site and take final photos of the burning crater
- Drive to Ashgabat approximately 3 and a half hours 270 km
- En route stops at Mud Volcano Craters unique geological formations with bubbling mud
- Stop at Water Craters natural desert water formations
- Afternoon and evening Ashgabat city tour highlights
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Ashgabat
Day 3: Final Ashgabat Tour & Departure
- Breakfast at hotel and continue city tour
- At 15:00 depart Ashgabat for Bajgiran border crossing Turkmenistan–Iran border
- Border crossing and end of tour approximately 2 hours drive 120 km
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