In 1971 in the Karakum desert geologists came across with a natural gas cavern during drilling, which swallowed their equipment; fearing that the hole would lead to the release of poisonous gases, it was decided to burn it off. They assumed that the fire would use all the fuel soon and would stop. 50 years have passed since then. People from the nearby village had to move out and the crater itself still burning day and night has turned into a local sightseeing spot visited by many tourists. Tour to Darvaza is not only an opportunity to witness this fantastic burning view in this boundless desert but also a unique experince to learn lifestyle of locals.
Tour itinerary:
Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby in Ashgabat and drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert (280km, 4h). Arrive at the crater. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for early dinner near the burning gas crater. After dinner drive back to Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel. End of the tour.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Price includes:
- Transportation: 4WD vehicle;
- Barbeque dinner;
- English speaking escort guide.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2024 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Tour Request
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
Darvaza Reviews
Author: Jon Nelson | Rating: 520 February 2018
Great tour very professional and well done would highly recommend it.
Visited February 2018
Visited February 2018
Author: Yuka Imachi | Rating: 522 January 2018
We really enjoyed everything.
"Door to hell" in the dark was breathtaking.
We also enjoyed an encounter with desert life on the way to Darvaza and saw millions of stars on the way back to Ashgabat. It was very impressive!
Visited January 2018
"Door to hell" in the dark was breathtaking.
We also enjoyed an encounter with desert life on the way to Darvaza and saw millions of stars on the way back to Ashgabat. It was very impressive!
Visited January 2018
