Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

5-Day Heritage Tour of Ashgabat, Darvaza and Khiva via Kunya Urgench

5 Days Round trip from X9JF+FC8 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Roam around Nissa Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
02 See Ashgabat's white-marble landmarks, including the Presidential Palace and Wedding Palace
03 Witness the burning Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert
04 Visit Ertogrul Gazy Mosque and the historic monuments of Kunya Urgench
05 Take time to explore the beautiful city of Khiva

Explore the historical heritage of Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench, Darvaza, and Khiva on this 5-day journey through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Discover the white-marble city of Ashgabat with its grand palaces and monuments, visit Nissa Fortress, and see the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque. Cross the Karakum Desert to witness the burning Darvaza Gas Crater, then continue to Kunya Urgench to admire its old minarets, mausoleums, and madrassas before ending in the beautiful city of Khiva.

Locals call it "The Door to Hell."

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Ashgabat, Dasoguz, Kunya Urgench, Khiva, Karakum Desert, Darvaza

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Ashgabat

Get picked up by your Ashgabat tour guide from the airport and head to the hotel by car.

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 02

Ashgabat City Tour and Nissa Fortress

Have breakfast at the hotel and drive to Nissa Fortress, the sanctuary of the Parthian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon, tour Ashgabat city, also called the white-marble city, and see the Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, the modern Yildiz Hotel, the Ferris Wheel, and the Constitution Monument.
Head over to see the Arch of Neutrality, the Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat sports and housing facilities, and the monuments to the victims of World War II.
Later, drive east of Ashgabat into the desert to visit the stables of Akhalteke horses, the pride of the Turkmen people.
Return to Ashgabat and spend the night here.

Day 03

Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater

Have breakfast at the hotel and spend the morning at leisure.
In the afternoon, drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Locals call it "The Door to Hell."
En route to Darvaza, cross the Karakum Desert and stop in the small desert village of Erbent.
In the evening, watch the spectacular view of the Gas Crater as you enjoy a barbecue dinner and camp near the crater.

Overnight in camp.

Day 04

Darvaza to Kunya Urgench and Dashoguz

Have a picnic breakfast and drive to Kunya Urgench.
Visit the Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, and Turabek Khanum Mausoleum.
Drive to Dashoguz.

Overnight in a hotel in Dashoguz.

Day 05

Dashoguz to Khiva

Start your day with an early morning breakfast.
Drive to Khiva and explore the city.

Where this trip takes you

Nissa Fortress, Karakum Desert, Darvaza Gas Crater, Khiva

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from X9JF+FC8 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Invitation
Registration
Accommodation (twin or double)
Camping tents with sleeping bags
Turkmenistan tour guide
Comfortable transport
Meals
Entrance fees
All transfers
Daily 1.5 lt water
Fee for using cameras on monuments
Insurance

What's Not Included

Visa fee
Migration tax (12$ + 2$)

Know before you go

Nissa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC - 211 BC) and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian kings, although it has not been established whether the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum.
Five thousand years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. This unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Illustrious emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Akhalteke horses. According to superstition, a sick person who touches an Akhalteke horse will get well soon.
The Darwaza area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today.

Logistics