Tour Overview
Turn a journey from Uzbekistan into a compact exploration of some of Turkmenistan's most memorable landscapes and cities. This private three-day route begins at the Shavat border near Khiva and travels deep into the Karakum Desert before continuing south to Ashgabat.
Your first night is spent near the Darvaza Gas Crater, where the desert becomes especially impressive after sunset. Enjoy an outdoor dinner at the camp, stay in a traditional Turkmen yurt and see the glowing crater against the dark Karakum sky. The following morning, continue toward Ashgabat with stops at the Water and Mud craters along the desert route. In the capital, your local guide introduces you to Turkmenistan's distinctive white-marble architecture, monumental avenues and major cultural landmarks.
On the final day, continue sightseeing in Ashgabat before choosing the departure option that suits your onward journey: a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport or a road transfer toward the Turkmenistan-Iran border.
With private transport, local guiding, accommodation and e-Visa assistance arranged in one programme, this tour is designed for travellers who want to see the essential highlights of Turkmenistan within a short transit window.
3 Days Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Khiva / Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater
Your journey begins at the Shavat border crossing, conveniently located for travellers arriving from Khiva. The planned meeting time on the Turkmenistan side is approximately 10:00. After you complete passport and immigration procedures, our local team will coordinate your meeting with the guide inside the permitted border area.
From the border, continue to Dashoguz for a short introduction to northern Turkmenistan. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and, when timing allows, visit a local bazaar where you can see everyday market life and purchase drinks or snacks for the desert journey.
Afterwards, leave the city behind and travel south through the vast Karakum Desert toward Darvaza. The drive covers approximately 300 km and usually requires around 4–4.5 hours. Some parts of the desert road are rough, so travel times may vary depending on road conditions.
Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater toward the late afternoon or evening. As the surrounding desert becomes darker, the flames inside the crater become increasingly dramatic, creating one of Turkmenistan's most memorable night-time landscapes.
At the nearby desert camp, enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue dinner. There will be time after dinner to return to the viewing area, take photographs and experience the quiet atmosphere of the Karakum Desert under the stars.
Overnight: Traditional yurt camp near Darvaza Gas Crater.
Included meals: Dinner.
Day 2 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Water & Mud Craters → Ashgabat
Guests who wake early may make an optional return to the crater before sunrise. Morning light creates a completely different atmosphere from the previous evening and gives another opportunity for photographs before breakfast.
After breakfast at the camp, depart Darvaza and travel south toward Ashgabat. The journey is approximately 270 km and normally takes around 3.5 hours, although desert road conditions and stops can extend the travelling time.
Along the route, stop at the Water Crater and Mud Crater, two additional geological sites in the Darvaza region. These short visits provide a broader look at the unusual landscapes and natural features found across this part of the Karakum Desert.
Continue to Ashgabat and stop for lunch after arrival.
In the afternoon, begin a private guided tour of Turkmenistan's capital. Ashgabat is known for its monumental white-marble architecture, wide boulevards, landscaped parks and striking modern public buildings. Your guide will adapt the sightseeing route to your arrival time and interests.
Possible visits can include major monuments, viewpoints, mosques, public squares and other architectural highlights of the capital.
After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel and check in for the night.
Overnight: 4-star hotel in Ashgabat.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 — Ashgabat City Tour → Howdan Border or Ashgabat International Airport
After breakfast at your hotel, continue exploring Ashgabat with your private guide.
The morning programme is flexible and allows you to visit important landmarks that were not covered on the previous afternoon. Depending on your interests and departure schedule, the programme can focus on architecture, monuments, cultural sites, viewpoints or local city life.
Take a lunch break at a local restaurant before beginning the final part of the journey.
Option A — Transfer to the Turkmenistan–Iran Border
For travellers continuing overland toward Iran, depart Ashgabat and drive toward the Kopet Dag Mountains and the Howdan border area.
The transfer is approximately 40 km. Departure timing will be coordinated with the confirmed border operating arrangements for your travel date.
Your guide and driver will accompany you as far as permitted and assist with the Turkmenistan departure formalities. Services on the Iranian side are not included unless arranged separately.
Option B — Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport
For travellers continuing by air, we will arrange a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
Pickup will be planned according to your confirmed flight departure time, with sufficient time for airline check-in, security and passport procedures.
Your three-day Turkmenistan journey ends upon arrival at your selected departure point.
Overnight: None.
Included meals: Breakfast.
3 days tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,072
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 837
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 627
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 582
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:
- E-Visa support and registration: assistance with the Turkmenistan e-Visa procedure and foreign guest registration.
- Accommodation: one night in a traditional Darvaza yurt camp and one night in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Ashgabat.
- Darvaza camp services: yurt accommodation, dinner, breakfast, bed linen and access to shower facilities.
- Private transportation: air-conditioned vehicle with experienced local driver throughout the programme.
- Transfers: Shavat border pickup, all intercity and sightseeing transfers, plus final transfer to Ashgabat Airport or the confirmed Iran-border departure point.
- English-speaking guide: licensed local guide throughout the itinerary.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees: admission fees for sites included in the confirmed programme.
- Meals: breakfasts plus dinner at the Darvaza camp as specified in the itinerary.
- Medical insurance: coverage up to USD 64,000 per traveller, subject to policy conditions.
- Driver and guide expenses: fuel, meals, accommodation and route-related operating costs.
- Taxes and organisational costs: applicable local taxes, road charges and operational expenses.
- Portable Wi-Fi: access to the guide's portable router wherever mobile coverage is available.
Price doesn't include:
- e-Visa fee: paid by the traveller; the amount depends on nationality and processing time. We prepare and submit your application after the tour is confirmed.
- Border fees on arrival: about US$49 per person (migration registration and medical check), paid in cash at the border.
- Meals: lunches and any meals not listed under Price includes.
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, snacks, alcoholic drinks, laundry, minibar and additional hotel services.
- Tips: for the guide and driver; not included, but welcome.
- International flights: flights from Ashgabat are not included.
- Services in Iran: transportation and services after crossing into Iran, unless specifically included in your quotation.
- Extra services: additional activities or services requested outside the confirmed itinerary.
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.
Ashgabat — 1 night
Ak Altyn Hotel 4*
Accommodation in Ashgabat is planned at Ak Altyn Hotel, a centrally located hotel with convenient access to the main sightseeing areas, restaurants and major city attractions.
The hotel is officially classified as a 4-star property, although it is an older-established hotel with a more traditional interior style compared with newer luxury hotels in Ashgabat. We use Ak Altyn because of its practical location, reliable service and easy access to the main places included in the city sightseeing programme.
Breakfast is included. Twin, double or single room arrangements can be provided according to the confirmed booking.
