4-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Ashgabat, Darvaza Gas Crater & Desert Camp
Discover the highlights of Turkmenistan on this compact four-day adventure. Explore the marble city of Ashgabat with its UNESCO sites and famous Akhal-Teke horses, then cross the Karakum Desert to spend an unforgettable night beside the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater, the legendary "Gates of Hell." Along the way you will discover desert craters, traditional villages, and the rich culture and history of this fascinating country.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Bajgiran Border (Iran) → Ashgabat City Tour → Darvaza Gas Crater
Your guide meets you at the Bajgiran border crossing with Iran and transfers you about 45 km (roughly one hour) to Ashgabat for a tour of the marble capital — Old Nisa, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and the National Museum. After lunch you depart around 14:00 north across the Karakum Desert (about 4 hours), reaching the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater near sunset. Enjoy a kebab dinner at the camp and the glow of the crater after dark. Overnight in a desert yurt camp near Darvaza.
Day 2 — Darvaza → Ashgabat (full day)
After breakfast at the camp, drive back through the Karakum Desert toward Ashgabat (about 271 km, 4.5 hours), stopping to see the unusual water and mud craters and a small desert village where locals raise goats and camels. After lunch and hotel check-in, continue the Ashgabat program with a visit to Anau, about 25 km from the city. Return to explore the vast Tolkuchka (Altyn Asyr) Bazaar, famed for carpets and handmade souvenirs, then visit the Carpet Museum, home to the world's largest handmade carpet recorded in the Guinness World Records. Enjoy free time in the evening and overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat – City Experiences (overnight in Ashgabat)
After breakfast, enjoy a flexible day tailored to your interests in Ashgabat. Options include the lively Tolkuchka (Altyn Asyr) Bazaar for Turkmen rugs, textiles and jewelry, a walk along the famous Health Path (Saglyk Yoly) in the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains, or modern shopping malls such as Berkarar or the Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Center. Your guide can also take you to any other places of interest you have in mind. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Ashgabat → Bajgiran Border (Iran)
After breakfast you have a final morning in Ashgabat for shopping or any sights not yet visited. You are then transferred about 45 km (roughly one hour) to the Bajgiran border crossing for exit formalities into Iran. End of services at the Bajgiran border.
- Invitation letter support and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan
- Accommodation in standard rooms
- Ashgabat city tour
- Transport and guide
- Meals at Darvaza and yurt overnight stay at Darvaza
- All breakfasts
- All driver/guide expenses, including fuel, meals and accommodation, and transfers to and from the meeting point
- Entrance fees to museums and sites as per the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- All taxes
- Visa and other fees at the border (usually no more than $110 per person)
- Meals ($3–8 per meal per person)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
5 STOPS
- 01Bajgiran BorderDay 1
- 02AshgabatDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 2
- 05Bajgiran BorderDay 4
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
