About This Khiva to Khiva or Nukus via Turkmenistan Tour
This 3-day Turkmenistan transit tour from Khiva to Khiva or Nukus combines the Karakum Desert, Darvaza Gas Crater, Ashgabat and UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench in one compact circular journey.
Enter Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border and travel across the Central Karakum Desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater, where you will spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt. The following day, continue south to Ashgabat, stopping at the Water and Mud craters before exploring the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture.
In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train from Ashgabat back to Dashoguz. On the final day, travel to Kunya-Urgench to explore its medieval monuments before continuing to Uzbekistan through either the Shavat Border for Khiva and Urgench or the Hojaili Border for Nukus and Muynak.
This route is particularly suitable for travellers based in Khiva who want to explore Turkmenistan and return to western Uzbekistan without continuing towards Bukhara or Iran.
Route
Khiva / Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat → Overnight Train → Dashoguz → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat Border (Khiva) / Hojaili Border (Nukus)
Tour Highlights
- Enter Turkmenistan from Khiva through the Shavat Border
- Cross the Central Karakum Desert
- Spend the night in a traditional yurt near Darvaza Gas Crater
- See the Water Crater and Mud Crater
- Explore the white-marble architecture of Ashgabat
- Travel overnight from Ashgabat to Dashoguz by sleeper train
- Visit UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench
- Exit towards Khiva through Shavat or Nukus through Hojaili
Day 1 – Shavat Border, Dashoguz and Darvaza Gas Crater
Meeting at Shavat Border
At approximately 10:00, meet our local guide inside the main hall of the Shavat Border Control Terminal on the Turkmen side.
While you complete migration and passport procedures, the border officers will contact our team. Your guide will then enter the terminal and meet you directly using your photograph for identification.
Stop in Dashoguz
After leaving the border, take a short drive to Dashoguz.
Enjoy a traditional local lunch before visiting the local bazaar. Here, you can experience the atmosphere of the city and purchase snacks or supplies before travelling into the desert.
Journey Across the Karakum Desert
Begin the drive towards Darvaza through the Central Karakum Desert.
The journey covers approximately 300 km and takes around 4–4.5 hours.
Please note that some sections of the road are rough and uneven, so the journey may be bumpy in places.
Darvaza Gas Crater
Arrive at the remarkable Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Door to Hell, towards sunset.
As daylight fades across the Karakum Desert, the flames become increasingly visible against the darkening landscape.
BBQ Dinner and Desert Evening
Enjoy a traditional open-air BBQ dinner freshly prepared by our team at the yurt camp.
After nightfall, return to the crater area for evening views and photography as the flames glow beneath the desert sky.
Overnight at Darvaza
Spend the night in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the crater camp.
Overnight: Darvaza yurt camp.
Day 2 – Darvaza, Ashgabat and Overnight Train to Dashoguz
Optional Sunrise at Darvaza
Travellers who wish to wake early can make an optional visit to the crater before sunrise.
See the remaining glow of the flames as the first morning light spreads across the surrounding desert.
Breakfast and Departure for Ashgabat
Return to camp for breakfast, pack your belongings and begin the journey south towards Ashgabat.
The route covers approximately 270 km and takes around 3.5 hours.
Some sections of the desert road are rough and uneven, so parts of the journey may be bumpy.
Water Crater and Mud Crater
On the way to Ashgabat, make short stops at the Water Crater and Mud Crater.
These unusual geological sites offer another perspective on the natural landscape of the Karakum Desert.
Lunch in Ashgabat
Upon arrival in the capital, enjoy a lunch break before starting the city tour.
Ashgabat City Tour
Explore Ashgabat with a guided programme adapted to your pace.
Discover the capital’s characteristic white-marble architecture, historic monuments and cultural sites while learning more about modern Turkmenistan.
Flexible Dinner
Before departure, take a flexible dinner break.
Your guide can arrange a meal at a local café in Ashgabat or help you prepare a light dinner and snacks to take aboard the train, depending on your preference.
Overnight Train to Dashoguz
Transfer to Ashgabat Railway Station and board the overnight sleeper train to Dashoguz.
Departure: 20:30
Spend the night aboard the train in a comfortable 4-berth compartment.
Overnight: Overnight train from Ashgabat to Dashoguz.
Day 3 – Dashoguz, Kunya-Urgench and Border Transfer to Khiva or Nukus
Arrival in Dashoguz
Arrive in Dashoguz at 08:45 after the overnight train journey from Ashgabat.
Meet your private driver at the railway station and take some time to refresh before continuing the programme.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench
Depart Dashoguz and travel towards Kunya-Urgench, approximately 100 km away.
The journey takes around 1.5–2 hours.
Kunya-Urgench was once an important capital of the Khorezm Empire and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour
Explore the main monuments of the historical park with your guide.
Kutlug-Timur Minaret
See one of the most prominent medieval minarets in Central Asia and a defining landmark of Kunya-Urgench.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum
Visit this historic mausoleum, particularly known for its elaborate geometric ceiling decoration.
Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan
Discover two important medieval monuments characterised by their distinctive conical domes.
Caravanserai Gate
See a surviving reminder of the trade routes that once connected Kunya-Urgench with the wider Silk Road network.
Lunch in Kunya-Urgench
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing towards your selected border crossing.
Continue to Khiva or Nukus
The final border transfer can be selected according to your onward journey in Uzbekistan.
Option A – Shavat Border for Khiva or Urgench
Travel south via Dashoguz to the Shavat Border Crossing.
The journey covers approximately 130 km and takes around 2 hours.
This option is suitable for travellers continuing to Khiva or Urgench.
Option B – Hojaili Border for Nukus or Muynak
Travel north to the nearby Hojaili–Kunya-Urgench Border Crossing.
The journey covers approximately 35 km and takes around 45 minutes.
This option is suitable for travellers continuing towards Nukus or Muynak.
Border Formalities and Departure
Arrive at your selected border terminal.
Our team will escort and assist you with Turkmen customs and departure immigration procedures in accordance with official border regulations.
End of Tour Services
