Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · Archaeology

2-Day Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza Tour with yurt camp stay

2 Days Round trip from Köneürgench Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Kunya-Urgench and its ancient architectural monuments
02 See the Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest in Central Asia
03 Experience the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater at night
04 Stay in a yurt or tent under the stars in the Karakum Desert

Embark on a 2-day journey through Turkmenistan, visiting Kunya-Urgench to explore ancient monuments such as the Mausoleum of Nejmeddin al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Alp-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, and the Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest in Central Asia. Continue through the Karakum Desert to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, where you will enjoy a picnic-style dinner and an overnight stay in a yurt or tent under the stars. On the second day, return to Dashoguz to explore the highlights of this northern Turkmenistan city before continuing to your next destination.

Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater and enjoy the evening view of the flaming crater.

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, Karakum Desert, Darvaza

Languages Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Dashoguz Border Arrival, Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza

Meet your guide at the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border for assistance with formalities. Please be prepared for potential COVID testing, which costs $35.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench in northern Turkmenistan, the ancient capital of Khorezm in the 17th century.

Visit the architectural monuments of Kunya-Urgench:

Mausoleum of Nejmeddin al-Kubra
Tyurabek Khanum
Il-Alp-Arslan
Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey
Kutlug Timur Minaret, the tallest in Central Asia
Drive to Darvaza through the Karakum Desert (5 hours, 270 km).
Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater and enjoy the evening view of the flaming crater.
Dinner: enjoy a picnic-style fire-cooked meal near the crater.
Overnight stay in a yurt or tent near the crater under the stars.

Day 02