If you’re planning on traveling to Uzbekistan, extend your travels by adding a trip to Turkmenistan. The Darvaza Gas Crater group tour takes you over the border from Khiva, first to Kunya-Urgench, the site of an amazing architectural reserve and the former capital of the Khorezm Empire, and then to the Darvaza Gas Crater, a natural gas burnoff in the Karakum Desert. Share a night in the desert and a meal cooked over a fire with new friends as you travel with like-minded people from around the world.
If you're travelling alone or just with a few friends or family members, we encourage you to join our Turkmenistan Small Group Tour. This is because travelling as part of a larger group increases the likelihood of you being granted a visa for Turkmenistan.
Tour itinerary:
At 08:30 drive from Khiva to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert (270 km, 4 h.). Set up the camp. Enjoy a view of the sunset with the delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meals: dinner
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meals: dinner
After camp style breakfast, drive to Kunya-Urgench (UNESCO) (370 km, 5 h.), explore historical park with Kutlug Timur minaret, Mausoleum Tyurabek-Khanym, Mausoleum Tekesh, Mausoleum Il Arslan, Caravansaray gateway and etc. Lunch at local café. After lunch transfer to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point Dashoguz-Shavat. Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Meet your driver and continue to Khiva (60 km, 1 h.). End of the tour service.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Price includes:
- All transfers;
- Sightseeing tour program with an English-speaking guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Visa support letter for Turkmenistan tourist visa;
- Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs);
- Camp style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater;
- Lunch in Kunya-Urgench
- Tour leader to escort travelers for the whole period of the tour in Turkmenistan.
Price doesn't include:
- Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- Travel insurance.
Dates & Prices, per person
2025
2026
Single supplement: US$ 30
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-14 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
We strongly recommend NOT to purchase airline tickets for 2026 tours without discussing it with your travel consultant.
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