Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · Desert Adventure

2-Day Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza Tour with Desert Camp Stay

2 Days Round trip from Дашогуз Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the ancient architectural monuments of Old Urgench
02 See the Kutlug Timur minaret, the highest in Central Asia
03 Witness the dramatic flaming Darvaza Gas Crater
04 Cross the striking landscapes of the Karakum Desert
05 Spend the night in a yurt or tent under the starry sky

Experience a captivating journey through Turkmenistan's rich history and striking desert landscapes on this 2-day tour to Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza. Explore the ancient architectural monuments of Old Urgench, including the impressive Kutlug Timur minaret and renowned mausoleums, before crossing the Karakum Desert to the dramatic flaming Darvaza Gas Crater. Spend the evening by the crater with a picnic-style dinner and an overnight stay in a yurt or tent under the starry sky.

Observe the fantastic view of the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound that this giant oven creates.

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 Dasoguz, Kunya Urgench, Karakum Desert, Darvaza

Languages Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Explore Kunya-Urgench and Drive to Darvaza

Our guide will meet you at the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and help you through all the necessary formalities. Be prepared for the possibility of a Covid-testing procedure that costs $35. Please pay in cash in US dollars.
Drive to the northern province of Turkmenistan to visit the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, the capital of Khorezm in the XVII century.
Visit the Mausoleum of Nejmeddin al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Alp-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, and the Kutlug Timur minaret, the highest minaret in Central Asia.
At 15:00, after the excursion, drive through the Karakum Desert to Darvaza - Water, Clay, and Gas Craters - including the huge flaming crater located 270 km away, with about 5 hours of travel.
Enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater in the evening.
Stay in a camp with tasty catering and a 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 that this giant oven creates.
Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the gas crater.
Overnight at the camp in a yurt or tent under the starry sky.

Day 02