Set off on an exhilarating 3-day Darvaza Gas Crater group tour. Witness the surreal flames of the crater, known as the "Door to Hell," while enjoying a night of desert camping. Explore the white-marble city of Ashgabat, home to impressive mosques, grand monuments, and vibrant culture. Conclude your adventure in the ancient city of Merv, where the echoes of the Silk Road's rich history await. This group tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking sights and shared experiences.
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 Karakym 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.
Meals: dinner
Note: We'll travel in 4x4 vehicles across the rugged Karakum Desert. The route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy and thrilling ride – it's the only way to get to this incredible, remote location.
At the camp, we'll enjoy an authentic stay in yurts with basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities, putting us right in the heart of the desert landscape.
Meals: dinner
Note: We'll travel in 4x4 vehicles across the rugged Karakum Desert. The route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy and thrilling ride – it's the only way to get to this incredible, remote location.
At the camp, we'll enjoy an authentic stay in yurts with basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities, putting us right in the heart of the desert landscape.
After early breakfast drive to Ashgabat (280 km, 4hrs), visits mud and water craters on the way. Upon arrival start a sightseeing tour. Visit to Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, National Museum, Nissa (UNESCO) and Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Note: At Darvaza camp you will be accommodated at a yurt or there is an option to have 1- or 2-person tents. In both cases, toilets and basic washing facilities are outside.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Note: At Darvaza camp you will be accommodated at a yurt or there is an option to have 1- or 2-person tents. In both cases, toilets and basic washing facilities are outside.
Early breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take a morning flight to Mary (370 km, 40 min). Upon arrival drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min), an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Discover historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and others.
In the afternoon depart to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point Farap-Alat (290 km, 5 h 30 min). Complete the border formalities at both checkpoints. Meet your driver on the Uzbekistan side and continue to Bukhara (100 km, 1 h 30 min). Arrive in Bukhara and check-in to the hotel. End of 3-day Darvaza Gas Crater group tour.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
In the afternoon depart to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point Farap-Alat (290 km, 5 h 30 min). Complete the border formalities at both checkpoints. Meet your driver on the Uzbekistan side and continue to Bukhara (100 km, 1 h 30 min). Arrive in Bukhara and check-in to the hotel. End of 3-day Darvaza Gas Crater group tour.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
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;
- Air ticket Ashgabat – Mary;
- Tour leader to escort travelers for the whole period of the tour in Turkmenistan.
Price doesn't include:
- Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa (approx. 80 USD), migration tax (14 USD) and express PCR test (33 USD);
- Tourist fee per night, charged in the hotels at departure 2 USD per person per night (obligatory);
- Meals not indicated in program;
- Tips for local driver and/or guide;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Travel insurance.
Dates & Prices, per person
2025
Fri, 15 Aug - Sun, 17 Aug
Sold out
US$ 950
Fri, 22 Aug - Sun, 24 Aug
Sold out
US$ 950
2026
Single supplement: US$ 60
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.
Accommodation
Shared yurts / optional single accommodation in tents upon request
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