Description
The Kunya Urgench & Gas Crater Darvaza Tour offers a thrilling journey through Turkmenistan’s rich history and natural wonders. Explore the ancient city of Kunya Urgench, home to impressive ruins and UNESCO-listed landmarks, before heading to the awe-inspiring Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell,” where flames dance in the desert night. This tour combines history, adventure, and the unforgettable beauty of Turkmenistan’s unique landscapes.
Period: Year around
Individuals dates available on request
Group size: min 1-15 persons
Additional information
Drive to the Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.), go through formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km the neutral zone (minibus available for ca. 1 USD). With your invitation letter you will be able to get your Turkmenistan visas at the border.
Please note: Depending on the number of people waiting to cross the border you will need to wait up to one or two hours, also be prepared to be thoroughly searched.
Services not included in tour price:
- Turkmenistan tourist visa 55+4 USD per person, when obtained at border post (subject to change; nationality dependent)
- Turkmenistan migration tax 10 USD per person, to be paid at land border post (subject to change)
- COVID-19 PCR tests by arrival and/or departure 33 USD per person per test (subject to change!)
- Meals not indicated in itinerary-program table
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Camera usage fees in historical parks and museums
- Tips for local guides and drivers
- Souvenirs and other personal items
- All other charges and services not mentioned under “Services included in tour and extension tour prices”
Services included in tour price:
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass)
- Overland transport as per program per AC vehicles as in the table under “itinerary”; 1-3 passengers per regular sedan car; 4-7 passengers per regular minibus; 1-4 passengers per jeep
- Accommodation based on shared yurt camping (incl. foldable beds, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, tent light), including breakfast
- Fixed meals (1 dinner), indicated in the table under “meals”
- English-speaking local guide-interpreter services as mentioned in the table under “guide”
- Bottled drinking water en route 1,5l pppd
Notes:
- National Museum is closed on Tuesdays
- Weekend Bazaar (aka Tolkuchka or Altyn Asyr Gundogar Bazaar) is best visited on Sundays, when there is an additional livestock section. On Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays this bazaar is closed, but other city bazaars are open (no photography permitted)
Important notes for all travelers:
- Please bring only cash USD for your local expenses in Turkmenistan, no EURO and no credit cards
- Please be aware that a member of staff of our agency will need to take your original passport for several hours for registration
- Please be aware that there may be various vehicles and drivers used during your tour, depending on the route section and type of transport needed on that section
- National History Museum and Fine Arts Museum are closed on Tuesdays
- National Carpet Museum is closed on Saturday afternoon and Sundays
- Weekend Bazaar (aka Tolkuchka or Altyn Asyr Gundogar Bazaar) is best visited on Sundays, when there is an additional livestock section On Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays this bazaar is closed, but other city bazaars are open (no photography permitted)
Photo fees at historical sites and museums
- Nissa (UNESCO): ~3 USD per camera
- Kunya Urgench (UNESCO): ~3 USD per camera
- Carpet Museum: ~4 USD per photo!
- Fine Art Museum: ~14 USD per camera
- National Museum: ~14 USD per camera
Tour itinerary
BP Shavat-Dashoguz-Kunya Urgench-Darwaza (4×4 ~400 km.)
On the Turkmenistan side of the border, meet your English Speaking Turkmen guide and driver and transfer to Kunya Urgench (UNESCO)
(100 km, 2 h.). Have lunch at a local café and visit mausoleums of Turebek Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret. In the afternoon drive to Darwaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakym desert (270 km, 4-5 h.). Discover the burning gas crater by day and nighttime. Accommodation in the yurts. Dinner
Camp dinner and overnight in yurts (three, four people per yurt).
Darwaza-BP Shavat (4×4 <270 km)
In the morning, after a camp breakfast, depart from Darwaza gaz crater and transfer to BP Shavat, arrival at the border post around 12;00h.
Tour Map
Tour Gallery
Tour Prices
1 person – $ 750 per person
2 – 3 persons – $555 per person
4 – 5 persons – $ 500 per person
6 persons – $ 465 per person
For group the price is negotiated
