Route: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater – Water Crater – Mud Crater – Ashgabat – Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)
Tour Overview
This 2-day Darvaza Gas Crater transit tour from Khiva to Ashgabat Airport is ideal for travellers who want to cross Turkmenistan efficiently while experiencing one of the country’s most famous landmarks.
Enter Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border near Khiva and travel through Dashoguz before continuing south across the Karakum Desert.
Spend an unforgettable evening beside the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, also known internationally as the Door to Hell. Watch the flames become more dramatic after sunset, enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and spend the night in a Turkmen yurt close to the crater.
The following morning, continue towards Ashgabat with stops at the unusual Water Crater and Mud Crater. After lunch, explore the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture before a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
Day 1: Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater
10:00 AM – Meet at Shavat Border
After crossing from Uzbekistan, complete passport and migration formalities at the Shavat Border.
Meet our local guide inside the main hall of the Turkmen border terminal.
During the entry process, border officers will contact our team, and your guide will recognise you using the photograph provided in advance.
Dashoguz Stop
Continue to nearby Dashoguz for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, visit the local bazaar to experience everyday life in northern Turkmenistan and purchase fruit, snacks or supplies for the desert journey.
Journey Through the Karakum Desert
Leave Dashoguz and travel south towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
The distance is approximately 300 km, with a driving time of around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy journey through the Central Karakum Desert.
Darvaza Gas Crater – Door to Hell
Arrive at the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater around sunset.
As daylight fades, the fiery glow becomes increasingly intense and transforms the surrounding desert landscape.
This is one of the best times to experience the crater and take photographs.
BBQ Dinner at the Yurt Camp
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner freshly prepared by our team.
After dinner, spend time beside the crater and watch the famous Door to Hell glow beneath the desert stars.
Overnight in a Traditional Yurt
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the desert camp near Darvaza.
Overnight: Yurt camp at Darvaza Gas Crater.
Day 2: Darvaza – Water Crater – Mud Crater – Ashgabat – ASB Airport
Optional Sunrise at Darvaza
Wake before dawn for an optional return to the crater edge.
Experience the quiet desert atmosphere at sunrise and enjoy one final view of the flames before daylight becomes stronger.
Breakfast and Departure
Return to camp for breakfast and begin the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The distance is approximately 270 km, with a driving time of around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road remain rough and uneven.
Water Crater and Mud Crater
On the way to Ashgabat, make short stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These unusual geological formations offer an interesting contrast to the burning Darvaza Gas Crater.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Upon arrival in the capital, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Ashgabat City Tour
Spend the afternoon exploring Ashgabat, known for its remarkable white-marble architecture.
Depending on your available time and international flight schedule, visit major monuments, architectural landmarks and cultural sites.
The programme can be adjusted to suit your interests and preferred pace.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport
After completing the city tour, enjoy a private transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).
The transfer will be arranged according to your international departure time.
End of Tour Services.
