Route: Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) – Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat Border / Khiva or Hojaili Border / Nukus
Tour Overview
This 2-day Turkmenistan transit tour from Ashgabat to Khiva or Nukus via Darvaza is designed for travellers who want to combine the country’s modern capital, the legendary Karakum Desert and UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench before continuing into Uzbekistan.
Begin your journey at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) and explore the striking white-marble architecture of the capital.
In the afternoon, travel north through the vast Karakum Desert to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Door to Hell. Arrive around sunset, enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and spend the night in a Turkmen yurt or comfortable tent near the burning crater.
On the second day, continue north to Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore its remarkable medieval monuments before choosing the most convenient border crossing for your onward journey to Khiva, Urgench, Nukus or Muynak.
Day 1: Ashgabat Airport – Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), complete passport control, customs and immigration formalities.
Airport Meet-Up and Breakfast
Meet our guide or driver after leaving the arrivals area.
Our team will recognise you using the photograph provided in advance.
Transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast and a short refresh before beginning the sightseeing programme.
Ashgabat City Highlights
Begin with a morning orientation tour of Ashgabat, widely known for its distinctive white-marble architecture.
Explore grand monuments, modern avenues, landscaped parks and other cultural landmarks.
The programme can be adjusted according to your available time and interests.
Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before leaving the capital.
Journey into the Karakum Desert
In the afternoon, travel north from Ashgabat towards Darvaza Gas Crater.
The distance is approximately 270 km, with a driving time of around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy journey through the Karakum.
Darvaza Gas Crater – Door to Hell
Arrive at the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater around sunset.
As daylight fades, the fiery glow becomes increasingly dramatic against the surrounding desert.
This is one of the best times to enjoy the crater and take photographs.
BBQ Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner prepared by our team at the camp.
After dark, spend time beside the crater and experience the famous Door to Hell beneath the desert sky.
Desert Overnight
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt or a comfortable tent near the crater.
Overnight: Yurt or tent camp at Darvaza.
Day 2: Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat / Hojaili Border – Khiva / Nukus
Optional Sunrise at Darvaza
Wake before dawn for an optional return to the crater edge.
Enjoy the quiet desert atmosphere and the changing morning light before returning to camp.
Breakfast and Departure
Enjoy breakfast and begin the journey north towards Kunya-Urgench.
The distance is approximately 260 km, with an estimated driving time of around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed monuments of Kunya-Urgench, once an important centre of medieval Khorezm and the Silk Road.
Kutlug-Timur Minaret
See the impressive Kutlug-Timur Minaret, one of the most remarkable medieval structures in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum
Visit the elegant Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum, famous for the intricate geometric decoration of its interior dome.
Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan Mausoleums
Explore the historic mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan, known for their distinctive conical domes.
Caravanserai Gate
See the surviving Caravanserai Gate, a reminder of Kunya-Urgench’s historic role in Silk Road trade.
Lunch in Kunya-Urgench
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Border Transfer Options
Choose the most convenient border crossing according to your onward travel plans in Uzbekistan.
Option A: Shavat Border – Khiva / Urgench
Travel south via Dashoguz to the Shavat Border Crossing.
The distance is approximately 130 km, with a driving time of around 2 hours.
This option is recommended for travellers continuing to Khiva or Urgench.
Option B: Hojaili Border – Nukus / Muynak
Travel directly to the Hojaili–Kunya-Urgench Border Crossing.
The distance is approximately 35 km, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
This option is more convenient for travellers continuing to Nukus or Muynak.
Border Assistance and Departure
Upon arrival at the selected border terminal, our team will assist you with Turkmen customs and departure immigration procedures in accordance with official border regulations.
After crossing into Uzbekistan, continue your journey towards Khiva, Urgench, Nukus or Muynak.
End of Tour Services.
