2-day tour: Fiery Night at Darvaza Crater via Shavat
$485.00
Route: Shavat – Dashoguz – Darvaza – Dashoguz – Shavat
The Fiery Heart of the Karakum: Darvaza Crater Express Tour
Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure in the very heart of the desert! This short yet incredibly immersive route via the ‘Shavat’ border leads directly to Turkmenistan’s greatest wonder—the flaming Darvaza Crater. Witness a magical transformation of the landscape: from a fiery sunset over the abyss to a serene sunrise amidst the vast dunes. Spending the night at the very edge of the ‘Gates of Hell’ allows you to truly feel the raw power of nature, whilst a comfortable return through the vibrant city of Dashoguz provides the perfect finale to this vivid journey.
Tour programme
Day 1: Shavat border – Dashoguz – Darvaza gas crater
Journey to the Fiery ‘Gates of Hell’
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Expedition Start: Meet at the Shavat border at 10:00. Your adventure begins in Dashoguz, where we shall enjoy a traditional lunch and visit the local bazaar to stock up on oriental treats and supplies for the desert crossing.
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Across the Karakum: Embark on a 300 km drive through the vast expanses of the Central Karakum Desert. Let the serene desert landscapes set the mood before encountering the main element.
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Sunset Magic: Arrive at the Darvaza Crater. Witness the unique moment as the sky turns pink and the crater’s glow intensifies against the twilight.
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Desert Evening: Enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner under the open sky. The night view of the burning abyss is the day’s highlight—the perfect time for breathtaking photography.
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Overnight: Sleep in an authentic Turkmen yurt or a comfortable tent camp right by the ‘Gates of Hell’.
Day 2: Darvaza – Dashoguz – Shavat border
Dawn Over the Abyss and Return to the Oasis
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Morning Serenity: A pre-dawn visit to the crater offers magical morning light—the perfect time to watch the desert wake up in golden hues.
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Alfresco Breakfast: After breakfast at the camp, we head back through the dunes towards civilisation.
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Farewell to the Oasis: Upon arriving in Dashoguz, we shall have a farewell lunch at a local restaurant to reflect on our journey.
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The Conclusion: A transfer to the border and assistance with all formalities at the Shavat crossing by 15:00 for your onward travel to Uzbekistan.
Available Departure Dates:
January 28, 2026 — 10:00 AM
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Status: 3 of 4 spots available
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1 person: $480
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4 people: $260 (per person)
March 03, 2026 — 10:00 AM
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Status: 3 of 4 spots available
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1 person: $485
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4 people: $265 (per person)
March 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM
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Status: 2 of 4 spots available
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1 person: $485
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4 people: $265 (per person)
