Tour to Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza (from Khiva)

Turkmenistan is a mosaic of impressions, and two days is just enough to get a taste. Start with the ruins at Kunya-Urgench, a city that survived the raids of Genghis Khan in the 13th century only to be just about permanently destroyed in the 14th century by Timur. Spend the night next to a fire in the desert next to the Darvaza Gas Crater, a collapsed natural gas pocket that has been continually burning for the past forty years. Whether you love the broad, empty desert, the ruins of history at Kunya-Urgench, or just taking a short tour to a new country, the 2-day Tour to Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza is sure to be a best tour for a number of people.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Khiva – Darvaza gas crater

At 09:30 drive from Khiva to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.). Upon arrival border formalities. After the customs and passport control at both checkpoints, 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
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.

Day 2: Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Khiva

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. Meet your driver and continue to Khiva (60 km, 1 h.). End of the 2-day Tour to Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza (from Khiva).
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Price includes:

All transfers;
Sightseeing tour program with 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 accompany travellers for the whole period of the tour.

Price doesn't include:

Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa (approx. 80 USD), migration tax (14 USD) and express PCR test (33 USD);
Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
Travel insurance.