Our 2-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva to Ashgabat is a compact overland journey connecting Uzbekistan with the Turkmen capital. Enter Turkmenistan at the Shavat border, explore the UNESCO-listed monuments of Kunya-Urgench, spend an unforgettable night beside the Darvaza Gas Crater, and continue through the Karakum Desert to Ashgabat.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to continue from Khiva to Ashgabat while experiencing some of Turkmenistan’s most famous historical and natural highlights in just two days.
2-Day Itinerary
Shavat → Ashgabat
Shavat → Kunya-Urgench → Darvaza → Ashgabat
Day 1: Khiva / Shavat Border – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Your 2-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva to Ashgabat begins at the Shavat border crossing, conveniently located for travelers coming from Khiva and Urgench in Uzbekistan. After completing the border formalities, meet your Turkmen guide and driver on the Turkmenistan side of the border and begin your journey through northern Turkmenistan.
- Continue to Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan’s most important historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its remarkable medieval monuments, including the Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum and other historic landmarks of the ancient city.
- After sightseeing in Kunya-Urgench, have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing south through the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza.
- On the way, enjoy the vast desert landscapes of Turkmenistan before arriving at the Darvaza Gas Crater in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Explore the crater surroundings and watch the landscape change as daylight fades. Darvaza, also widely known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is especially impressive after sunset when the flames illuminate the crater and the surrounding desert.
- Dinner will be served at the nearby yurt camp. After dinner, enjoy additional time beside the crater and experience one of Turkmenistan’s most famous natural attractions under the night sky.
Overnight: Traditional yurt or tent near the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater – Ashgabat
After breakfast at the yurt camp, enjoy a final view of the Darvaza Gas Crater and the surrounding Karakum Desert before departing for Ashgabat.
Travel south through the Karakum Desert toward Turkmenistan’s capital. Along the way, enjoy the changing desert landscapes and learn more about the country, its history and local life from your guide.
Arrive in Ashgabat and begin a short introductory sightseeing tour of the capital, depending on your arrival time and onward travel plans.
See some of Ashgabat’s most famous landmarks, including the Independence Monument, Neutrality Monument, the distinctive white-marble architecture of the city, and other important sights along the main avenues.
If time allows, additional stops may be included at the Wedding Palace, Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, or other major city landmarks.
At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel in Ashgabat or to Ashgabat International Airport according to your travel schedule.
Tour ends: Ashgabat / Ashgabat International Airport.
2-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 516
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 365
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 295
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 270
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. Full assistance with the e-visa and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- E-visa fee. The cost of the electronic visa is included in the tour price.
- Yurt night stay at Darvaza. Overnight in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen, and shower facilities.
- Transport. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the tour.
- Transfers. Border pick-up, city-to-city transfers, sightseeing transfers, and final drop-off in Ashgabat or at Ashgabat International Airport.
- Meals. Dinner and breakfast at Darvaza.
- Guide. Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the route.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees. City tours, sightseeing program, and entrance tickets to museums and sites included in the itinerary.
- Medical insurance. Insurance coverage up to 64,000 USD per guest.
- Driver and guide expenses. Gasoline, meals, accommodation, and all route-related expenses for the driver and guide are included.
- Taxes and organization. All taxes, road fees, and organizational expenses are included.
- Flexible program. You will see everything possible within the available time. The tour can be adjusted on the go, depending on time, logistics, and local conditions.
- Mobile internet during the trip. When mobile network coverage is available, your guide will provide Wi-Fi through a portable router that can share internet with up to 10 people at the same time.
- Happ VPN. Your guide will provide the VPN key for Happ VPN after your arrival in Turkmenistan.
Not Included
- Visa & border fees. Paid separately upon arrival; the amount may vary depending on nationality and entry point.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, SIM cards, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Tips. Not included, but welcome.
Accommodation
Darvaza — 1 night
-
Traditional yurt or tent near the Darvaza Gas Crater. Dinner and breakfast included.
