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 Tour to Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza is sure to be a best tour for a number of people.
Tour itinerary:
In the morning drive to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross the 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Kunya-Urgench (100 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Visit mausoleums of Tyurabek-Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan, Najmaddin Kubra, Sultan Ali. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla hill.
In the afternoon drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakym desert (270 km, 4 h.). Set up the camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meals: lunch, dinner
In the afternoon drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakym desert (270 km, 4 h.). Set up the camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meals: lunch, dinner
After camp style breakfast depart to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point Dashoguz-Shavat (370 km, 5 hrs). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross the 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.
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
- 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.
- Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- Travel insurance.
