About This 2-Day Turkmenistan Tour
Route: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater – Kunya-Urgench – Khojaeli Border / Nukus
This 2-day Turkmenistan tour from Khiva to Nukus is a compact overland journey combining the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater with the UNESCO-listed monuments of Kunya-Urgench.
Starting at the Shavat border crossing near Khiva, the tour continues through Dashoguz and across the vast Karakum Desert to Darvaza. Spend an unforgettable evening beside the famous burning gas crater (Darvaza Gas Crater tours), enjoy a traditional kebab dinner and stay overnight in a Turkmen yurt beneath the desert sky.
On the second day, travel north through the Karakum Desert towards Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan’s most important historic Silk Road cities. Explore its medieval mausoleums, minaret and caravanserai remains before continuing to the Khojaeli border crossing for your onward journey to Nukus in Uzbekistan.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater
Shavat Border Crossing: In the morning, meet our team at the Shavat border crossing between Khiva and Dashoguz. The recommended arrival time at the border is 11:00. After completing immigration and border formalities, meet your driver on the Turkmenistan side.
Dashoguz: Continue by car to Dashoguz, where you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the journey south through the Karakum Desert.
Drive to Darvaza: At approximately 14:00, depart Dashoguz and travel towards the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, widely known as the “Gates of Hell”.
Darvaza Gas Crater: Arrive at approximately 20:00 and spend time exploring the area around the crater as daylight fades. Sunset and the first hours after dark offer some of the most impressive views of the flames.
Dinner at the Yurt Camp: At around 21:00, enjoy dinner at the desert camp, including locally prepared kebabs.
Darvaza at Night: At approximately 22:00, return to the crater to experience it in complete darkness. When the sky is clear and moonlight is limited, the remote Karakum Desert can also provide excellent views of the stars and the Milky Way.
Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt camp near the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Day 2: Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Khojaeli Border / Nukus
Morning at Darvaza: After breakfast at approximately 07:00, make a final visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater before leaving the camp.
Karakum Desert: Depart Darvaza and travel north towards Kunya-Urgench. If time permits, stop at the Water Crater and Mud Crater along the way before continuing across the Karakum Desert.
Kunya-Urgench: Arrive in Kunya-Urgench in the late afternoon. Once an important centre of trade and culture along the historic Silk Road, Kunya-Urgench is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the city’s principal historical monuments.
Kunya-Urgench Sightseeing: Visit the towering Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the impressive Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum and the surviving Portal of the Caravanserai, together representing different periods of the city’s remarkable medieval history.
Khojaeli Border Transfer: In the late afternoon or early evening, transfer to the Khojaeli border crossing with Uzbekistan. After completing border formalities, continue independently towards Nukus.
Your 2-day Turkmenistan tour from Khiva to Nukus concludes at the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border.
