3-Day Ashgabat and Darvaza Gas Crater Tour with Desert Camp

3 Days Round trip from Ashgabat International Airport Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover Ashgabat's white marble architecture and monumental avenues
02 Visit Independence Park, the Arch of Neutrality, Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, and panoramic city viewpoints
03 Watch the Darvaza Gas Crater glow after sunset and experience it after dark
04 Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner in the Karakum Desert
05 Spend a night in a desert camp or yurt

Discover the white marble landmarks of Ashgabat and the wide-open landscapes of the Karakum Desert on this short journey through Turkmenistan. Explore the capital's monumental avenues before heading to Darvaza to watch the famous gas crater glow after sunset. Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner, spend a night in the desert, and return to Ashgabat the following day. This tour can also be arranged as an extension to a wider Central Asia itinerary.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Ashgabat, Karakum Desert, Darvaza

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Ashgabat and White Marble City Tour

Arrival: Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, meeting with your guide, and transfer to the hotel.
Hotel: Check in at the hotel.
City tour: Discover the capital's white marble architecture and monumental avenues.
Visit: Independence Park.
Visit: the Arch of Neutrality.
Visit: Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque.
Visit: panoramic city viewpoints.
Optional visit: The National Museum.
Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: 4-star hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 02

Drive Through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza

Breakfast: After breakfast.
Drive: Depart for Darvaza through the Karakum Desert.
Scenery: Enjoy the desert scenery en route to the famous "Gates of Hell."
Arrival: Arrive in time for sunset and experience the crater after dark.
Dinner: Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner.
Activity: Weather permitting, go stargazing in the heart of the desert.
Overnight: Desert camp or yurt.

Day 03

Desert Breakfast and Return to Ashgabat

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in the desert before driving back to Ashgabat.
Transfer: Depending on your flight schedule, transfer directly to Ashgabat International Airport or continue with optional sightseeing.
End: End of services.