2-Day Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza Gas Crater Tour from Shavat

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Kunya-Urgench
• 02 Witness the Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest minaret in Central Asia
• 03 Experience the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater known as the "Door to Hell"
• 04 Enjoy a desert overnight stay in traditional yurts under the stars

Discover two of Turkmenistan's most remarkable destinations on this immersive 2-day journey through history and nature. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya-Urgench, once a powerful Silk Road capital, before travelling deep into the Karakum Desert to witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater. This unique tour combines ancient Islamic architecture, desert landscapes, and one of the world's most surreal natural phenomena.

Arrive at the "Door to Hell" and experience the burning crater at sunset and after dark.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Dasoguz, Kunya Urgench, Darvaza

Languages English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Shavat Border, Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza Gas Crater

• Meet your guide at the Shavat (Dashoguz) border and receive assistance with border formalities.
• Proceed through customs procedures and complete the required COVID test (35 USD per person, payable in cash).
• Drive to the Kunya-Urgench UNESCO World Heritage Site, approximately 1.5 hours away.
• Explore the Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest minaret in Central Asia.
• Visit the Turabek-Khanym Mausoleum, known for its turquoise dome.
• Discover the mausoleums of Najmuddin Kubra and Sultan Tekesh.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Continue your journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater, with an approximate drive of 4-5 hours.
• Arrive at the "Door to Hell" and experience the burning crater at sunset and after dark.
• Enjoy dinner cooked over the fire at a desert camp.
• Overnight stay in traditional yurts near the crater.

2

Day 02

Darvaza to Shavat Border

• Enjoy breakfast at the desert camp.
• Depart from Darvaza towards Shavat Border, with an approximate drive of 3-4 hours.
• Complete border formalities and exit to Uzbekistan.
• End of the tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Tour package (LOI, registration fee, permit fee)
• 1-night accommodation in camp with dinner and breakfast
• Services of a guide for 2 days
• Transfers throughout the entire route
• Entry tickets to museums
• Daily bottled water (1.5L per person)
• Extra meals and services

What's Not Included

• Visa fee
• Migration tax (12 USD + 4 USD bank fee)
• COVID test (35 USD)
• Private expenses and gratuities
• Insurance

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Derweze, Turkmenistan

Tour start

Derweze, Turkmenistan

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.