Turkmenistan · Desert Adventure

2-Day Ashgabat and Darvaza Tour with Old Nisa and Desert Camp

2 Days Round trip from X9JF+FC8 Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Ashgabat's architectural landmarks and the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa fortress
02 Visit Erbent or Bahardok to observe the rural life of Turkmen people
03 See the Water, Clay, and Gas Craters in the Karakum Desert
04 Experience the Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset and after dark from a desert camp

Discover Ashgabat's iconic landmarks and the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa fortress before heading into the Karakum Desert to witness the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater. Along the way, visit the village of Erbent or Bahardok to observe the rural life and traditions of Turkmen people. Spend the night at a desert camp, enjoying the crater's dramatic glow by day and after dark, then return to Ashgabat for your departure.

Discover Ashgabat's iconic landmarks and the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa fortress before heading into the Karakum Desert to witness the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Baherden, Ashgabat, Darvaza

Languages Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Ashgabat City Tour and Darvaza Desert Camp

Land at Ashgabat International Airport and complete the airport visa formalities, paying in American dollars in cash. After receiving your visa at the airport, you will also take the COVID test there, which costs $35. Please be prepared for these procedures to take about 2 hours.
Your Ashgabat city tour starts with the historical monument of the "Old Nisa" fortress, the capital of the Parthian Empire, which has been under UNESCO protection since 2007. The guided tour with a professional guide lasts about one hour.
After the excursion to Old Nisa fortress, continue with a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, including the "Health" trail in the mountains.
Visit the Monument of Neutrality, the Monument of Independence, the Ferris wheel, the Wedding Palace, the TV Tower, and other attractions of the city. The whole city is dressed in expensive white marble.
15.00 - Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater.
On the way to Darvaza, visit the village of Erbent or Bahardok to observe the rural life of Turkmen people. Erbent, located in the heart of Turkmenistan about 3 hours north of Ashgabat, is a destination for those interested in the traditions of Turkmen nomads.
Explore the basic cultural evidence of Erbent, such as felt products and carpets, camel milk, yurt life, hunting dogs, superstitions, and magical beliefs that make up pastoral life in Erbent.
Continue to Darvaza to see the Water, Clay, and Gas Craters. In the evening at 20.00, enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater.
Arriving at the Gate before sunset is the best way to truly enjoy this end-of-the-world setting. Only in the dark is the full beauty of this phenomenon revealed. Powerful gas exhausts emit huge tongues of red-blue flame several meters upward at various intervals, creating the illusion of something unreal and otherworldly.
Stay in a camp with tasty catering and picnic-style dinner, the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Observe the fantastic view of the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound this giant oven creates.
Overnight at the camp.

Day 02

Return from Darvaza to Ashgabat

06.00 - Early morning breakfast at the camp.
07.00 - Early departure from the camp and return to Ashgabat. Travel time is 5 hours, and the distance is 270 km.
12.00 - Arrive in Ashgabat.
Transfer to the international airport.
End of the tour.

Where this trip takes you

Old Nisa fortress, the Karakum Desert, Darvaza Gas Crater

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from X9JF+FC8 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guide (2 days)
Transport (2 days): all vehicles are equipped with air conditioning
Transfers throughout the entire route
Daily water

What's Not Included

Visa fee: $55-$85
Migration tax: $12 + $4 bank fee
COVID test: $35
Tour package (LOI, registration fee, permit fee)
Camp (1 night)
Dinner and breakfast at the camp
Entry tickets (Nisa)
Meals and services
Personal expenses and gratuities
Insurance
Fee for using cameras at monuments

What to bring

Each traveller should have two photos (5x6) to present at entry points.

Know before you go

Whether there will be a city tour and a visit to the Old Nisa fortress depends on your flight schedule. Departure from Ashgabat to the Darvaza Gas Crater is always at 15.00. Return from Darvaza to Ashgabat is always at 12.00. The Ashgabat city tour takes 2-4 hours and can take place either before or after Darvaza, depending on your flight.
13.00 trip to the oriental and exotic bazaar "Altyn Asyr" for shopping and buying souvenirs. If you're looking for a truly authentic shopping experience in Ashgabat, look no further than Altyn Asyr Bazaar. Located on the outskirts of the city, this bustling market is the largest in Turkmenistan and the fifth-largest in Central Asia. With its vibrant atmosphere, historical significance, and unique architectural features, Altyn Asyr Bazaar is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. The market is particularly busy and sells many goods, including handicrafts, jewellery, animals, food, and other products. In addition, you can buy traditional Turkmen clothes.

Logistics