Tour Overview
Discover three very different sides of Turkmenistan in one compact journey from Uzbekistan: the vast Karakum Desert, the monumental capital of Ashgabat and the medieval Silk Road heritage of Kunya-Urgench.
The tour begins at the Shavat border near Khiva and travels through Dashoguz before turning south into the Karakum Desert. Your first evening is spent beside the Darvaza Gas Crater, where you can watch the flames after sunset, enjoy dinner at the desert camp and sleep in a traditional Turkmen yurt. On the second day, continue south toward Ashgabat, stopping at the Water and Mud craters along the way. After arriving in the capital, explore its white-marble architecture, broad ceremonial avenues and major landmarks with a private local guide. In the evening, board the overnight train from Ashgabat to Dashoguz for a classic local travel experience across the country.
The final day is dedicated to Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan's most important UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore its medieval minarets, mausoleums and Silk Road monuments before choosing the border crossing that best matches your onward route in Uzbekistan: Shavat for Khiva and Urgench, or Hojaili for Nukus and the Aral Sea region. This itinerary is particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine Darvaza, Ashgabat and northern Turkmenistan within a short three-day transit programme.
3-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Khiva / Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater
Your Turkmenistan journey starts at the Shavat border crossing, the most convenient land gateway for travellers coming from Khiva. The planned meeting time on the Turkmenistan side is approximately 10:00.
After passport and immigration procedures are completed, our local team will coordinate your meeting with the guide inside the permitted border area.
From Shavat, continue to Dashoguz for a lunch break and a short introduction to northern Turkmenistan. When time allows, visit a local bazaar where you can see everyday market life and purchase water, fruit or snacks before heading into the desert.
After lunch, leave Dashoguz and travel south through the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza. The journey covers approximately 300 km and normally takes around 4–4.5 hours. Certain desert-road sections are rough and uneven, so driving times remain approximate.
Arrive near the Darvaza Gas Crater in the late afternoon or evening, depending on border processing and road conditions. As daylight fades, the burning crater becomes increasingly dramatic against the surrounding desert.
Spend time at the viewing area before heading to the nearby camp for a freshly prepared barbecue dinner. After dark, return to the crater area for night-time viewing and photography under the Karakum sky.
Overnight: Traditional yurt camp near Darvaza Gas Crater.
Included meals: Dinner.
Day 2 — Darvaza → Water & Mud Craters → Ashgabat → Overnight Train to Dashoguz
Early risers may return to the crater before sunrise for a quieter view of the landscape and a different opportunity for photography.
After breakfast at the camp, begin the southbound journey toward Ashgabat. The planned distance is approximately 270 km and the drive normally takes around 3.5 hours, although road conditions and sightseeing stops can extend the journey.
On the way, stop at the Water Crater and Mud Crater, two additional geological features associated with the Darvaza area. These short stops give a wider impression of the unusual desert environment before you continue toward the capital.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, take a lunch break and then begin a private guided sightseeing programme.
Explore the city's distinctive white-marble buildings, monumental avenues, landscaped parks and selected cultural landmarks. The sightseeing sequence will remain flexible according to the actual arrival time and your interests.
Later in the day, enjoy dinner in Ashgabat or purchase food and snacks to take with you on the train.
In the evening, transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station and board the overnight train north to Dashoguz. The planned departure is approximately 20:30, subject to the railway timetable confirmed for your travel date.
Spend the night travelling through Turkmenistan in a sleeper compartment.
Overnight: Overnight train, Ashgabat → Dashoguz.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 — Dashoguz → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat Border or Hojaili Border
Arrive at Dashoguz Railway Station in the morning, with the planned arrival around 08:45, subject to the confirmed railway schedule. Meet your driver at the station and continue toward Kunya-Urgench.
The drive from Dashoguz to Kunya-Urgench is approximately 100 km and normally takes around 1.5–2 hours.
Kunya-Urgench was one of the major centres of the historical Khorezm region and today forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its surviving medieval monuments with your guide.
Highlights include:
Kutlug-Timur Minaret — one of the most impressive surviving medieval minarets in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum — renowned for its exceptional interior dome decoration and geometric mosaic design.
Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum — distinguished by its characteristic conical roof.
Il-Arslan Mausoleum — another important example of medieval Khorezm architecture.
Caravanserai Gate — a surviving reminder of the commercial importance of Kunya-Urgench along historic Silk Road routes.
After sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Your final transfer will then depend on your onward itinerary in Uzbekistan.
Option A — Shavat Border for Khiva / Urgench
Travel south via the Dashoguz region toward the Shavat border crossing. The planned distance is approximately 130 km, with around two hours of driving under normal conditions.
This option is the most convenient for travellers returning to Khiva or continuing through Urgench.
Option B — Hojaili Border for Nukus / Muynak
Continue toward the Hojaili crossing, approximately 35 km from the Kunya-Urgench area, with an estimated transfer time of around 45 minutes.
This route is particularly useful for travellers continuing toward Nukus, Muynak or the Aral Sea region.
At the selected border terminal, our team will assist with Turkmenistan departure procedures within the areas permitted by border regulations.
The tour ends on the Turkmenistan side of the confirmed border crossing.
Overnight: None.
Included meals: None unless otherwise specified in the confirmed package.
3 days tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,154
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Price includes:
- Visa support and registration: assistance with the e-visa application and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- E-visa fee: the electronic visa fee is included in the tour price.
- Hotel accommodation: one night in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Ashgabat with breakfast, based on twin-room sharing according to guests’ gender unless another room arrangement is agreed.
- Darvaza accommodation: one night in a traditional yurt near the Darvaza Gas Crater, including dinner, breakfast, bed linen and access to shower facilities.
- Ground transport: comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the land itinerary.
- Transfers: pick-up on the Turkmenistan side of the Shavat border, intercity road transfers, sightseeing transfers and the confirmed final transfer to Haudan border or Ashgabat International Airport.
- Meals: breakfasts, plus dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza yurt camp.
- Guiding: a licensed English-speaking guide throughout the programme.
- Sightseeing: guided city tours and entrance fees for museums and sites included in the agreed programme.
- Medical insurance: coverage up to USD 64,000 per guest, subject to the policy terms.
- Driver and guide costs: fuel, meals, accommodation and other route-related expenses for the driver and guide.
- Taxes and organisation: applicable taxes, road fees and organisational costs for the included services.
- Flexible programme: the order and timing of visits may be adjusted according to border processing, road conditions, local access, flight timing and the time available.
- Mobile internet: access to the guide’s portable Wi-Fi router where mobile network coverage is available, supporting up to 10 connected devices at a time.
- Happ VPN: the guide will provide an access key after arrival in Turkmenistan.
Price doesn't include:
- Meals not expressly listed as included. Allow approximately USD 3–8 per person per meal as an indicative budget; actual restaurant prices vary.
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, laundry, minibar purchases, additional hotel services and other personal purchases.
- Tips for guides and drivers, which are optional and appreciated.
- Onward transport and services after crossing into Iran, unless separately agreed.
- International flights departing from Ashgabat, unless specifically stated in the quotation.
Accommodation
Darvaza — 1 night
Traditional Turkmen Yurt Camp
One night near the Darvaza Gas Crater. The stay includes bedding, dinner, breakfast and access to camp washing/shower facilities. Accommodation in the desert is simpler than a city hotel and is designed as part of the Karakum experience.
Overnight Train — 1 night
Ashgabat → Dashoguz Sleeper Train
Travel overnight from Ashgabat to Dashoguz in a comfortable 4-berth sleeper compartment.
Even for solo travellers or couples, Darvaza Tour will arrange a full 4-berth compartment for your booking whenever available, giving you more privacy and space during the journey.
The compartment is equipped for overnight travel and includes clean bedding, pillows and sleeping berths, allowing you to rest comfortably during the night.
The exact train and departure time will be reconfirmed before travel according to the railway schedule and ticket availability.
