2-Day Kunya-Urgench & Darvaza Gas Crater Tour from Shavat Border

Day 1 — Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Kunya-Urgench → Mud Crater → Darvaza Gas Crater

Approximate driving distance: 420–440 km

09:00 — Arrival at the Shavat Border Crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

After completing the Uzbek border procedures, cross into Turkmenistan, where our professional local guide will meet you on the Turkmen side of the border.

Your guide will welcome you and provide assistance with all necessary immigration, electronic visa and border-entry formalities, helping you complete the procedures as smoothly as possible.

After meeting your driver, continue to Dashoguz.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you will have an opportunity to enjoy traditional Turkmen or Central Asian cuisine.

Lunch is not included in the tour price and is payable directly at the restaurant.

After lunch, drive to Kunya-Urgench, one of the most important historical destinations in northern Turkmenistan and a former centre of the medieval Khorezm civilization.

Explore the impressive archaeological and architectural monuments of ancient Kunya-Urgench, including some of the region’s most remarkable medieval structures.

Highlights of the visit include:

• Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of the most impressive surviving medieval minarets in Central Asia
• Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, famous for its elegant architecture and richly decorated interior
• Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum
• Il Arslan Mausoleum
• Other remains of the ancient city and its historic religious complexes

Following the sightseeing tour, continue south toward Darvaza, travelling through the remote landscapes of the Karakum Desert.

On the way, make a stop at the Darvaza Mud Crater, an unusual natural site where underground geological activity can still be observed.

Continue toward the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, widely known as the “Gates of Hell.”

Arrive at the yurt camp near the crater in the evening.

After settling into your traditional Turkmen yurt, visit the crater as darkness falls. The burning crater becomes particularly spectacular at night, when its intense orange glow illuminates the surrounding desert.

Enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ dinner at the campsite.

After dinner, there will be additional time to enjoy nighttime views of the crater, take photographs and experience the unique atmosphere of the Karakum Desert.

Overnight: Traditional Turkmen yurt camp near Darvaza
Meals included: BBQ dinner
Meals not included: Lunch in Dashoguz

Day 2 — Darvaza Gas Crater → Dashoguz → Shavat Border

Approximate driving distance: 300–320 km

Wake up surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of the Karakum Desert.

Breakfast will be served at the yurt camp.

Depending on the season and sunrise time, you may have an opportunity to make a final morning visit to the area around the Darvaza Gas Crater before departure.

After breakfast, begin the return journey north through the Karakum Desert toward Dashoguz.

Enjoy the changing desert landscapes during the drive before continuing toward the Shavat Border Crossing.

Upon arrival at the border, your guide will assist you with the necessary Turkmenistan exit and border formalities and accompany you to the checkpoint for your onward journey into Uzbekistan.

The tour ends on the Turkmen side of the Shavat Border.

Meals included: Breakfast