Introduction
This 3-day Turkmenistan tour offers a journey that blends history, culture, and desert adventure. Starting at the Shavat border, you will pass through Dashoguz – a city once home to Uzbek families and rich with stories of migration and settlement. After a traditional lunch, the road leads deep into the Karakum Desert toward the famous Darvaza Gas Crater. As the sun sets, enjoy kebabs and tea at the yurt camp while watching the glowing “Gates of Hell,” a natural fire pit that radiates energy and creates an unforgettable night under the stars.
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
- Morning: After breakfast at Darvaza, we continue our journey through the vast Karakum Desert towards Ashgabat (271 km, about 4.5 hours drive), the gleaming capital of Turkmenistan.
- En Route: Along the way, we’ll make fascinating stops to explore the unique Water and Mud craters, natural phenomena sculpted by the desert. We’ll also visit a charming desert village, offering a glimpse into the traditional life of locals who raise goats and camels in this harsh yet beautiful environment.
- Lunch: Upon arrival in Ashgabat, enjoy lunch at a selected restaurant.
- Afternoon: Embark on a comprehensive tour of Ashgabat, a truly extraordinary city recognized by the Guinness Book of Records for its unparalleled concentration of white marble buildings. Your tour will include:
- National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Turkmen Carpet Museum
- Neutrality Arch
- Independence Monument
- Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Akhal-Teke Horse Stables
- Ashgabat Olympic City
- Dinner: Savor a delicious dinner featuring authentic local flavors.
- Overnight: Spend the night in Ashgabat.
Day 3, Ashgabat Departure
- Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. This day is flexible and can be tailored to your interests in Ashgabat (souvenirs + last sightseeing before departure).
- Morning program (recommended):
- Post Office visit (optional): If you would like to buy postcards / send a postcard, we can visit the main post office and help you with this.
- Tolkuchka Bazaar (Altyn Asyr Bazaar): Experience one of Central Asia’s largest and most vibrant open-air markets. Here, you can find traditional Turkmen souvenirs such as carpets (small items), textiles, hats, jewelry, handmade gifts, and many local products. This is the best place for souvenir shopping and local atmosphere.
- Lunch: Lunch at a selected restaurant in Ashgabat.
- Afternoon program (until departure):
- Shopping Malls: Visit a modern shopping center such as Berkarar Shopping and Entertainment Center (or a similar mall). This is a comfortable place for last-minute shopping, coffee, and a short rest before the flight.
- Health Path (Saglyk Yoly) (optional): If you prefer a light walk and scenic views, we can visit a short section of the famous Health Path along the Kopet Dag foothills.
- 15:30 – 16:00: Return to the hotel (pick up luggage / short refresh, if needed).
- 16:00: Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
- Evening: Check-in and departure with Turkmenistan Airlines at 18:25 (as per your flight schedule).
- Tour ends: At Ashgabat International Airport — we say goodbye to your guide and driver, and your 3-day journey with Darvaza Tour is completed.
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