Embark on a captivating 2-day journey through Turkmenistan’s most fascinating and mysterious landmarks. Start in Kunya-Urgench, an ancient city once devastated by the forces of Genghis Khan and Timur, where impressive ruins echo the past glories of the region. Explore its towering minarets, intricate mausoleums, and ruins that tell stories of a time long past.
As the day fades, head into the heart of the desert for an unforgettable experience: the Darvaza Gas Crater. Known as the “Gateway to Hell,” this continuously burning natural gas fire will captivate you with its eerie beauty and surreal ambiance. Spend the night under the stars near the crater, enjoying the tranquility of the desert and the warmth of a campfire.
Whether you’re an enthusiast of history, an adventurer seeking new landscapes, or simply craving a short escape to explore a new country, this 2-day tour promises memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable glimpse into Turkmenistan’s hidden gems!
The adventure begins at 09:30 as we depart from Khiva and head towards the Turkmenistan border at Shavat-Dashoguz, located 60 km away (approximately 1 hour by road). Upon arrival at the border, you will complete the necessary customs and passport procedures at both the Uzbek and Turkmen checkpoints. After the border formalities, you will meet our friendly Turkmenistan guide and driver, who will be waiting for you with a sign featuring your name. From here, you will embark on a 4-hour journey to the iconic Darvaza Gas Crater, situated in the heart of the Karakum Desert. The crater, also known as the «Gateway to Hell,» has been burning for decades, offering a mesmerizing and eerie landscape. After arriving at the crater, we will set up camp where you can enjoy a traditional fire-cooked meal as you watch the sun set over the desert, with the flaming crater casting a surreal glow on the surroundings. Spend the night in tents, surrounded by the vast desert, and fall asleep to the crackling of the fire.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Meals: Dinner
Wake up to the tranquil desert morning and enjoy a hearty camp-style breakfast. Afterward, we will depart for the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located approximately 370 km (5 hours) away. Upon arrival, we will delve into the city’s historical significance, exploring the fascinating ruins and monuments, including the towering Kutlug Timur Minaret, the Mausoleum of Tyurabek-Khanym, the Mausoleum of Tekesh, and the Mausoleum of Il Arslan, as well as the impressive Caravansaray gateway. These stunning sites give a glimpse into the once-thriving city that played a crucial role along the Silk Road. After exploring, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local café before heading back to the border. We will then make our way to the Dashoguz-Shavat border point for the return journey to Uzbekistan. Following the border formalities on both sides, we will transfer you back to Khiva, completing the 2-day tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist | $900 | $550 | $540 | $480 | $400 |
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour programme with local guides Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights 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 Visa support for Turkmenistan tourist visa Tour leader to accompany travellers for the whole period of the tour
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for Turkmen tourist visa and associated expenses
Thank you Shahina Travel for arranging this wonderful tour! I was blown away by the Darvaza Gas Crater – it’s truly otherworldly. Spending the night in the desert with the sound of fire crackling around us was surreal. Kunya-Urgench was an unexpected gem, with so much to see and learn about Turkmenistan’s rich history. The entire experience was well-organized, and the tour guide was fantastic. I’m so glad I took this trip and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the region.
An amazing 2-day tour! The drive through the desert to reach the Darvaza Gas Crater was worth every minute, and the evening by the burning flames was absolutely unforgettable. Kunya-Urgench was another highlight – rich in history and stunning ruins. Shahina Travel was brilliant in handling all logistics, making the trip easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking to experience the wonders of Turkmenistan in a short time.
I was so impressed with this short but packed tour of Turkmenistan. The highlight for me was definitely the Darvaza Gas Crater – it’s surreal to be next to such an incredible natural phenomenon. Our guide was fantastic, sharing so much insight into the history of Kunya-Urgench and the region’s ancient heritage. Shahina Travel arranged everything, including smooth border transitions, making this trip stress-free and memorable. This tour is perfect for anyone short on time but wanting to experience the best of Turkmenistan
Shahina Travel did an exceptional job organizing this 2-day tour from Khiva to Turkmenistan. The visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater was nothing short of magical, especially as the flames danced against the night sky. The camp experience was very unique, and I loved the fire-cooked meal. Kunya-Urgench was a fascinating journey through history, with well-preserved ruins and intricate architecture. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and the trip was perfectly organized. I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable experience in Turkmenistan. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for adventure and culture!
I had an unforgettable experience on this tour. The Darvaza Gas Crater is truly a spectacle, and the camp under the stars was an experience I’ll cherish forever. The visit to Kunya-Urgench allowed me to explore centuries of history with impressive archaeological sites. Shahina Travel made everything seamless, from border crossings to providing an amazing guide who was both knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an authentic adventure in Turkmenistan!