3 Day Tour: Ashgabat – Nisa – Darvaza – Karakum Desert
This three-day luxury journey blends the marble splendour of modern Ashgabat with desert adventure at the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater. You stay in five-star hotels, dine well, and explore the capital's landmarks, the UNESCO site of Ancient Nisa, and the city's national museums and bustling bazaar. Then you switch to a Toyota Prado 4×4 and drive into the Karakum Desert to spend an unforgettable night beside the fiery "Gates of Hell", sleeping in a comfortable yurt camp under a starry sky.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) – Ashgabat City Experience
We welcome you at the Bajgiran border with Iran and, after border formalities, transfer about 45 km (around one hour) to Ashgabat. The rest of the day is devoted to the modern marble capital: the National Museum, the Independence and Neutrality monuments, the Russian Bazaar and the gleaming white-marble avenues. After lunch at a national restaurant you enjoy free time before checking into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2 — Historical Sites & Journey to Darvaza
After breakfast you visit Ancient Nisa, the UNESCO-listed Parthian capital, then the National Museum of Turkmenistan and the National Carpet Museum. You browse the lively Russian Bazaar for souvenirs and supplies, and enjoy lunch at a traditional Turkmen restaurant. In the afternoon you switch to a Toyota Prado 4×4 for the 3.5-hour desert drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, the famous "Door to Hell". You settle into a comfortable yurt camp, share a barbecue dinner prepared by your guide and driver, and spend the evening beside the flaming crater under the stars. Overnight in a comfort yurt camp at Darvaza.
Day 3 — Desert Morning – Dashoguz – Shavat Border (Khiva)
Wake early for a final view of the Darvaza crater at first light, then enjoy breakfast at the camp. You drive north across the Karakum Desert to Dashoguz (about 250 km) with a lunch stop along the way. In the afternoon you transfer to the nearby Shavat border crossing (about 80 km) and complete exit formalities into Uzbekistan, with Khiva waiting just across the frontier. End of services at the Shavat border.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in five-star hotels (Yyldyz Hotel 5* and Archabil Hotel 5*)
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and English-speaking guide
- Meals at Darvaza and the yurt night stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All expenses of the driver and guide, including fuel, meals and accommodation
- All taxes
- Flexible programme that can be adjusted on the go where possible
- 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 sites (usually no more than $10 per day)
- Tips (tips are welcomed)
6 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 2
- 04DashoguzDay 3
- 05Shavat BorderDay 3
- 06KhivaDay 3
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- 3 Day Tour: Ashgabat – Nisa – Darvaza – Karakum Desert
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
