Route: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater – Ashgabat – Howdan Border (Iran) / Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)
Tour Overview
This 3-day Turkmenistan transit tour from Khiva to Iran or Ashgabat Airport is a convenient overland journey for travellers continuing south from Uzbekistan.
Enter Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border, travel via Dashoguz and cross the Karakum Desert to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater. Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt beside the burning crater, enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ dinner and experience the desert under a star-filled sky.
The next day, continue south towards Ashgabat, with stops at the unusual Water and Mud craters along the way. After arriving in the capital, explore its famous white-marble architecture, monuments and cultural sites with a local guide.
On the final day, continue your Ashgabat sightseeing before choosing between two onward travel options: a private transfer to the Howdan–Bajgiran Border for Iran or a direct transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your international flight.
Day 1: Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater
Approximately 10:00 AM – Shavat Border Meeting
After entering Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border, complete passport control and the required migration formalities inside the main hall of the Turkmen border terminal.
Border officers will contact our team, and your local guide will enter the terminal to meet you directly using the photograph provided in advance.
Dashoguz Stop
After leaving the border, drive to Dashoguz for a traditional local lunch.
You will also have time to visit the local bazaar, experience everyday life in northern Turkmenistan and purchase snacks or supplies for the journey into the desert.
Journey Across the Karakum Desert
Continue towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, approximately 300 km from Dashoguz.
The journey usually takes around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Some sections of the route are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy drive in places. This is part of the authentic overland experience through the Central Karakum Desert.
Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the famous burning crater in time to experience the changing desert light around sunset.
As darkness falls, the flames become increasingly dramatic and the crater glows brightly against the surrounding desert landscape.
BBQ Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner freshly prepared by our team at the yurt camp.
After dinner, spend time beside the crater and enjoy excellent opportunities for night photography as the flames illuminate the desert beneath the stars.
Overnight in a Traditional Yurt
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the crater camp.
Overnight: Yurt camp at Darvaza.
Day 2: Darvaza – Water Crater – Mud Crater – Ashgabat
Optional Sunrise Experience
Wake before dawn for an optional visit to the crater edge.
The early morning offers a different atmosphere as the final glow of the flames contrasts with the first light over the Karakum Desert.
Breakfast and Departure
Return to camp for breakfast before beginning the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The distance is approximately 270 km, with an estimated driving time of around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road remain rough and uneven, so the journey may be bumpy in places.
Water and Mud Craters
On the way to Ashgabat, make short stops at the unusual Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These geological formations provide an interesting contrast to the burning Darvaza Gas Crater.
Lunch in Ashgabat
After arriving in the capital, enjoy a lunch break before beginning your city tour.
Ashgabat City Tour
Spend the afternoon exploring Ashgabat with your local guide.
Discover the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture, important monuments and cultural attractions.
The programme can be adapted to your interests and preferred pace.
Overnight: Hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 3: Ashgabat Tour – Iran Border or Ashgabat Airport
Breakfast and Morning Sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring Ashgabat with your guide.
The morning programme is designed to cover additional architectural landmarks, monuments and cultural sites that were not visited the previous afternoon.
The sightseeing schedule can be adjusted according to your departure time and onward travel plans.
Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant before your departure transfer.
Departure Options
Depending on your onward journey, choose one of the following options.
Option A: Ashgabat to Iran via Howdan–Bajgiran Border
Depart Ashgabat at approximately 14:30 and travel south towards the Kopetdag Mountains.
The journey to the Howdan–Bajgiran Border is approximately 40 km.
Your guide and driver will accompany you to the border area and assist with the required Turkmen customs and departure immigration formalities.
The transfer is timed to ensure arrival before the afternoon border closure.
Option B: Ashgabat International Airport Transfer
If your journey continues by air, enjoy a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
Departure from your hotel or restaurant will be arranged approximately 2 hours before your scheduled international flight, allowing time for airport check-in and security procedures.
End of Tour Services.
