Description
Ashgabat and Darvaza: A Dual Delight in Turkmenistan
Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
Route: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashgabat
Period: All year around
Individuals dates available on request
Group size: min 1-14 persons
A 4-day tour from Ashgabat to Darvaza offers a captivating exploration of Turkmenistan’s unique landscapes and rich history. Begin in Ashgabat, the capital, with visits to its striking white-marble monuments, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, and the National Museum. Explore the city’s modern architectural wonders, including the neutral monument and the Independence Monument. On day two, head to the ancient ruins of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the nearby Ertoshtik fortress. On the third day, journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Gateway to Hell.”
Additional Information: PCR test
Upon arrival in Turkmenistan, all travelers (including Turkmenistan nationals) are required to undergo a PCR test, regardless of their vaccination status. The cost of the PCR test is $33 and is not included in your tour package.
For updates on any changes to regulations or restrictions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Exclusions
- Visa cost and service fee $50-$100 (depending on citizenship)
- PCR test cost $33 upon arrival
- Migration duty $14
- Additional services in the hotel
- Tips to the guide and the driver (recommended)
- Personal expenses and itinerary modifications
- Photo and video camera fees at sites/museums
Inclusions
- Comfort A/C transportation (minivan or minibus in the cities and 4WDs in the desserts and off-roads)
Accommodation 3* Ak Altyn and tents/yurt in Darvaza - Visa support (LOI)
- Water along the way
- Entrance fees to sites
- English-speaking tour guide
- Camping gear/breakfast/lunch/dinner while camping
- Complimentary 1-hour night tour in Ashgabat
Tour itinerary
Ashgabat
Early morning arrive in Ashgabat International Airport. Meet your guide and the driver and transfer to Ak Altyn hotel. Start the day with a trip to Bagir village to explore the ruins of Old Nisa Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), located 15 km from Ashgabat city center.
After Old Nisa tour, we visit National Museum of History (closed on Tuesdays) where you can take a close look at exclusive ancient artifacts and treasuries from different historical and archaeological sites of Turkmenistan.
PM we will explore the “the City of Love” – Ashgabat. Sightseeing will include the “Bagt Koshgi” – Wedding Palace hill platform with a panoramic view of the city, the Monument of Neutrality, the Park of Independence, and the monument to the Book of Ruhnama. We will also visit the Ertogrul Gazi mosque. A short walk in the “Park of Inspiration” with a number of statues of famous influencers of Turkmen history.
Ashgabat – Darvaza
After breakfast in the hotel we will check out and start the day by visiting Tolkuchka bazaar (OPEN ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS ONLY) (28 km from the city), a very famous Sunday market where people come from all corners of Turkmenistan for trade.
PM We catch our 4×4 AC vehicles and head north towards the central Karakum, to see the Darvaza gas crater (270 km, 4 hours), internationally known as “Door to Hell”. On the way to Darvaza we will also see “bubbling water” and “bubbling sulfur-mud” craters. Short tour at the site upon arrival while nomad-style kebabs are being prepared. Dinner at sunset and another photo session by the flaming crater.
Camp and ride
Darvaza – Bokurdak – Ashgabat
After breakfast, we pack up and drive back to Ashgabat. En route make short sightseeing stop at Bokurdak desert village to see the lifestyle of local semi-nomadic Turkmen families. Life in the village is very much in a harmony with the nature. The day begins with the first lights of the sun.
Dromedary in Bokurdak.
After short exploration of the area we will continue our journey to Ashgabat. Arrive in Ashgabat by lunch time and hotel check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure or shopping at local markets and bazaars for souvenirs.
We can have a short city tour until dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat/departure
Early morning check-out and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for flight home. End of services.
Tour Map
Tour Gallery
Tour Prices
On request
Single supplement $75
- H/B is $30
- F/B is $50
For group the price is negotiated
