4-Day Turkmenistan Tour: Shavat – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza – Ashgabat
Cross into Turkmenistan at the Shavat border near Khiva and travel to UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench with its mausoleums and the legendary Turabek-Khanym complex. Drive deep into the Karakum Desert to witness the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater and spend a night in traditional yurts. Then explore Ashgabat, the white-marble capital with its record-breaking architecture, the world's largest handmade carpet, and lively bazaars.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 — Shavat – Kunya-Urgench – Darvaza
We meet you at the Shavat crossing on the Uzbekistan border near Khiva and Urgench. After border formalities we transfer to Dashoguz and visit the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its historical monuments. We then drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell" (around 300 km, 7 hours), arriving just before sunset for the spectacular view as dusk falls. After dinner at the nearby yurt camp, your guide shares the fascinating stories of the burning crater. Overnight at Darvaza in yurts or tents.
Day 2 — Darvaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast at Darvaza we drive toward Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan (around 271 km, 4.5 hours). On the way we visit two more craters, the Water Crater and the Mud Crater, and stop at a desert village where locals raise goats and camels. On arrival in Ashgabat we have lunch at a restaurant and check into the hotel, with free time to relax or explore. In the evening enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 3 — Ashgabat city tour
After breakfast we begin a full day of sightseeing in Ashgabat, one of the most unique cities in the world and a Guinness World Record holder for the most white-marble buildings. The city tour covers the main attractions, including the National Museum, the Carpet Museum, the grand monuments, the historic ruins of Nisa (first capital of the Parthian Empire), and the ruins of Anau. We can also include a visit to an Akhal-Teke horse farm and explore a local bazaar or shopping center. Lunch and dinner are provided at local restaurants. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4 — Ashgabat departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time in Ashgabat until your transfer to Ashgabat International Airport. We transfer you to the airport for your international flight. Please note that international flights from Ashgabat typically depart at night, after midnight.
- 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, 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, and the tour can be adjusted on the go
- 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 along the tour (roughly no more than $10 per day if any)
- Tips (tips are welcome)
4 STOPS
- 01Shavat BorderDay 1
- 02Kunya-UrgenchDay 1
- 03Darvaza Gas CraterDay 1
- 04AshgabatDay 2
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- Ashgabat · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 TMT
