Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan · Geological Wonders

2-Day Khiva to Ashgabat Tour with Darvaza Gas Crater and Koneurgench

2 Days Round trip from Khiva Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border and complete formalities smoothly
02 Explore ancient mausoleums and historic sites in Koneurgench
03 Experience the mesmerizing glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Gates of Hell"
04 Discover Ashgabat's stunning white marble architecture and modern landmarks
05 Visit the National Museum of History to learn about Turkmen heritage

Experience the best of Turkmenistan on this captivating 2-day journey from Khiva. Visit the ancient city of Koneurgench to explore its historic mausoleums and monuments, then travel across the vast Karakum Desert to witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the "Gates of Hell." Spend a night in a traditional yurt under the stars before continuing to Ashgabat, renowned for its impressive white marble buildings, cultural museums, and iconic landmarks.

Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked dinner beside the glowing crater, known as the "Gates of Hell."

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

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

Languages English, French, Italian, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Khiva to Koneurgench and Darvaza Gas Crater

Transfer early in the morning to the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border at Shavat - Dashoguz.
Complete border formalities at both checkpoints and cross the 1.5 km neutral zone.
Meet your Turkmen guide and begin the journey to Koneurgench (96 km, approximately 1.4 hours).
Visit key historical sites, including the Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra, the Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym, Minaret Kutlug-Timur, and Mausoleum Arslan II.
Spend about one hour on the sightseeing tour.
Drive through the vast Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater (280 km, approximately 6 hours).
Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater and set up camp near the crater.
Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked dinner beside the glowing crater, known as the "Gates of Hell."

Spend the night in a traditional yurt at the campsite.

Day 02

Darvaza Gas Crater to Ashgabat

Have a camp-style breakfast in the morning.
Depart at 8:00 AM and drive to Ashgabat (275 km, approximately 4 hours).
Explore Ashgabat, the capital city famous for its abundant white marble buildings.
Visit the National Museum of History to learn about Turkmenistan's heritage.
See the Monument of Neutrality, Presidential Square, and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque.
Walk through the recently built Independence Park.
At 6:00 PM, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for onward travel.