Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Khiva (Uzbekistan) – Dashoguz – Darvaza
- Morning: We will meet you at the Shavat border crossing point, near Khiva (Uzbekistan). After completing all border formalities, we will transfer to Dashoguz.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Dashoguz, offering a taste of regional cuisine.
- Afternoon: Begin your exciting journey to the world-renowned Darvaza Gas Crater, often called the “Gates of Hell” (300 km, approximately 7 hours drive). Please note that road repairs are ongoing, which contributes to the travel time, but ensures a smoother path in the future across the Karakum Desert.
- Evening: Upon arrival in Darvaza, you’ll have ample free time to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the perpetually burning crater as dusk settles.
- Dinner: A traditional dinner featuring beef, chicken, or vegetable kebabs will be served at a nearby yurt camp (400 meters from the crater).
- Night: Spend more time observing the mesmerizing crater, and your guide will share the intriguing stories and legends associated with Darvaza. Experience an unforgettable night under the desert sky, staying in comfortable yurts or tents near the crater.
Day 2: Darvaza – Ashgabat – Night train to Turkmenabat
- Pre-dawn sunrise visit to the crater + breakfast at camp
- Drive from Darvaza to Ashgabat (3.5 hours)
- En route visit to the Water and Mud craters (short photo stops)
- Refreshments and facilities break after Darvaza
- Ashgabat City Highlights Tour:
- National Museum of Turkmenistan: Discover the rich history and culture of the Turkmen people, from ancient civilizations like Merv and Kunya Urgench to modern-day Turkmenistan.
- Turkmen Carpet Museum: Marvel at the craftsmanship and artistry of handwoven Turkmen carpets — a symbol of national pride.
- Monuments Tour: Visit iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument of Independence, and the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque.
- Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Explore the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire, one of Turkmenistan’s most important archaeological treasures.
- Akhal-Teke Horse Stables: Meet the legendary golden horses of Turkmenistan, famed for their elegance and endurance.
- Ashgabat Olympic City: See the ultra-modern sports complex built for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.
- Shopping / local market stop: time for souvenirs and small shopping (optional, but recommended).
- Dinner at a traditional Turkmen restaurant, tasting authentic local dishes.
- Evening — Overnight Train to Turkmenabat
- In the evening, you will take the overnight train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat:
- Train departure from Ashgabat: 19:50
- There is a restaurant carriage on the train — we will have dinner in the restaurant carriage, then continue the journey toward Turkmenabat.
- Overnight on the train.
Day 3 — Turkmenabat City Highlights – Farab Border (Uzbekistan border) – End of the Tour
- 09:20 — Arrival in Turkmenabat (railway station)
- You will arrive in Turkmenabat by train at 09:20, at the railway station. After arrival, you will be met by a professional driver who will take you around Turkmenabat.
- Turkmenabat’s old name was Amul, and it is the largest city along the Amu Darya River. In fact, the Amu Darya River gets its name from this city (Amul). Here you can take your time to enjoy restaurants and cafes. The city is large and clean.
- Turkmenabat sightseeing program
- As soon as we arrive in Turkmenabat, we start to visit the main highlights:
- Amul Fortress (Amul Fort-Ves / Amul Fortress)
- This is the historical place — earlier there were battles here (Russians fought here, and our Turkmen ancestors fought here). We will visit this sight and see the area.
- Green Bazaar (Gok Bazar)
- This is the best bazaar in Turkmenabat.
- We will be on the local bazaar, see local people, and you can buy fruits and small souvenirs. We will also try local tastes and atmosphere.
- Museum visit: We will visit the museum Lebap welayatynyñ Taryhy we ülkäni öwreniş muzeyi.
- Best modern place in Turkmenabat — Wedding Palace (White building / palace center)
- We will also visit the beautiful place in Turkmenabat — the wedding center / palace (very nice design, one of the best-looking white buildings in the city).
- Lunch
- After sightseeing, we will have lunch in the restaurant:
- Turkmen Tagam (lunch)
- Transfer to Farab border — End of tour
- After lunch, around 14:00, we will drive toward the Farab border (Uzbekistan border).
- Approx. arrival to Farab border: 14:30
- At the border, we will exchange contacts, share impressions, and finish this beautiful route with Darvaza Tour.
- You can cross the Uzbekistan border at any time — this border is generally known as the one that works 24 hours a day, all year round. 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)
- – Tips. Tips are welcomed
Accommodation
Darvaza – 1 nights
Standart: Shared yurts / individual accommodation in yurts or tents available upon request