2-Day Darvaza Gas Crater Tour from Khiva
Cross into Turkmenistan from Uzbekistan at the Shavat border and set off on a short but unforgettable desert adventure. Explore the ancient monuments of Kunya-Urgench before driving deep into the Karakum to reach the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, the blazing "Gates of Hell". Spend the night in a traditional yurt camp beside the burning pit, listening to local stories under the desert sky.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat Border – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza Gas Crater
You are met at the Shavat border crossing with Uzbekistan, located between Dashoguz and Khiva. From there it is about a 1.5-hour drive (94 km) to Kunya-Urgench, where you tour the ancient UNESCO-listed monuments. After lunch at a local restaurant or on the way, you continue across the desert toward the Darvaza Gas Crater, a long journey of roughly 8.5 hours on a rough road. On arrival at the crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell", you enjoy free time, a kebab dinner at the nearby yurt camp, and more time at the burning crater with a guide sharing its stories. Overnight stay in yurts or tents at Darvaza.
Day 2 — Darvaza Gas Crater – Shavat Border
After breakfast in Darvaza, you set off on the return drive to the Shavat border, about 300 km and roughly 7 hours across the desert on a poor road. You stop for lunch in Dashoguz city or along the way, with some time to look around Dashoguz before crossing. Upon arrival at the Shavat border crossing, the tour comes to an end.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and overnight yurt stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals and accommodation, transfer to the meeting point at the border, and farewell at the border
- All taxes
- The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border
- You will see everything possible within the available time; the itinerary may be adjusted on the go as needed
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals ($3–8 per meal per person)
- Entrance fees to museums and other sites as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day, if any)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
4 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02Kunya-UrgenchDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 04Shavat BorderDay 2
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
