Route: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater – Dashoguz – Shavat Border / Khiva
Tour Overview
This 2-day Darvaza Gas Crater tour from Khiva is the ideal short adventure for travellers staying in Khiva or Urgench who want to experience Turkmenistan’s most famous desert attraction without committing to a longer itinerary.
Cross into Turkmenistan through the nearby Shavat Border, travel through Dashoguz and continue deep into the Karakum Desert to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, often known as the “Gates of Hell”.
Watch the fiery crater glow at sunset, enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars and spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt beside the crater. The following morning, return across the desert to Dashoguz and continue back to Uzbekistan via the Shavat Border.
Day 1: Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater
10:00 AM approximately – Shavat Border Meeting
After entering Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border, complete the required passport and 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 desert journey.
Journey Across the Karakum Desert
Continue towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, approximately 300 km from Dashoguz.
The journey normally takes around 4 to 4.5 hours through the Central Karakum Desert.
Some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so expect a bumpy ride in places. This is part of the authentic overland desert experience.
Darvaza Gas Crater – Shining of the Karakum
Arrive at the spectacular burning crater in time to experience the changing light around sunset.
As the sky darkens, the flames become increasingly dramatic and the crater begins to glow brightly against the surrounding desert.
BBQ Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a freshly prepared traditional open-air BBQ dinner at the yurt camp.
After dinner, spend time beside the crater and enjoy one of the best moments 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, just a short distance from the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater – Dashoguz – Shavat Border / Khiva
Optional Sunrise Experience
Wake before dawn for an optional visit to the crater edge.
The early morning offers a different atmosphere as the remaining flames glow against the first light over the Karakum Desert.
Breakfast and Return Journey
Return to the yurt camp for breakfast before packing up and beginning the drive back across the Karakum Desert to Dashoguz.
The return distance is approximately 300 km, with an estimated driving time of 4 to 4.5 hours.
Dashoguz Farewell Lunch
Arrive in Dashoguz and enjoy a farewell lunch at a traditional local restaurant.
This is a final opportunity to taste regional dishes before continuing to the border.
Transfer to Shavat Border
After lunch, take a short drive to the Shavat Border Checkpoint.
The transfer normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Approximately 03:00 PM – Border Arrival
Arrive at the border terminal, where our team will assist you with the required Turkmen customs procedures and departure immigration formalities in accordance with official border regulations.
After completing the crossing, continue back towards Khiva or Urgench in Uzbekistan.
End of Tour Services.
