2-day Darvaza Gas Crater Tour From Shavat Border (Uzbekistan)
About this tour
Cross the border from Uzbekistan and plunge straight into the heart of the mystical Karakum Desert! This seamless 2-day adventure takes you from the Shavat checkpoint directly to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the "Gates of Hell."
Witness the mesmerizing contrast of a roaring fiery abyss under the desert stars, enjoy an authentic Turkmen BBQ dinner cooked on an open fire, and spend an unforgettable night sleeping in a traditional yurt or cozy tent. With hassle-free border pickups, comfortable transport, and expert guiding, this is the ultimate way to witness one of the world's most spectacular wonders.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Дашогуз, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан
* 10:00 AM: Meet and greet at the Turkmen side of the Shavat Border Checkpoint. * Short drive to Dashoguz for a traditional lunch and a visit to the local market (shopping for supplies/snacks for the desert). * Begin the journey to Darvaza (~300 km, 5 hours). The route crosses the Central Karakum Desert. * Arrival at the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell"). Experience the sunset over the desert as the crater’s glow begins to intensify. * Traditional BBQ Dinner served at the campsite. Spectacular nighttime viewing of the burning crater—the best time for photography. * Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen Yurt or tent campsite.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан to Дашогуз, Туркменистан
* Pre-dawn sunrise visit to the crater for the best morning light. * Breakfast at the camp and departure for the return drive to Dashoguz. * Arrival in Dashoguz. Farewell lunch at a local restaurant. * Transfer to the Shavat Border Checkpoint (approx. 15-20 minutes drive). * 03:00 PM: Assistance with border formalities for departure to Uzbekistan. * End of Tour.
What's included
* Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors. * Private transport and English speaking guide for the days and routes specified in your itinerary. * All expenses of your driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, meeting you at the border and seeing you off at the border. * Daily breakfasts during the tour. * Dinner and overnight in a yurt at the Darvaza gas crater. * All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour. * The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border.
* Visa and other border fees are not included. The visa can be obtained either at the embassy or at the border. * International flights and any transport to/from Turkmenistan at the start and end of the tour. * Meals not included in the program (estimated 3–8 USD per meal per person, depending on the location and restaurant). * Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated). * Drones (strictly not allowed in Turkmenistan).
Languages spoken
What to know
* Drones are strictly not allowed in Turkmenistan. * Please ensure you have your printed Letter of Invitation (LOI) and a passport valid for at least 6 months with enough blank pages for the visa sticker and stamps. * The Karakum Desert can get chilly at night. Please bring warm clothing layers. * There is no electricity or Wi-Fi at the desert camp, so please bring your power banks and charge your devices.
Route & locations
Дашогуз, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан