2-day Tour: Fiery Night At Darvaza Crater Via Shavat
About this tour
Route: Shavat – Dashoguz – Darvaza – Dashoguz – Shavat
The Fiery Heart of the Karakum: Darvaza Crater Express Tour
Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure in the very heart of the desert! This short yet incredibly immersive route via the ‘Shavat’ border leads directly to Turkmenistan’s greatest wonder—the flaming Darvaza Crater. Witness a magical transformation of the landscape: from a fiery sunset over the abyss to a serene sunrise amidst the vast dunes. Spending the night at the very edge of the ‘Gates of Hell’ allows you to truly feel the raw power of nature, whilst a comfortable return through the vibrant city of Dashoguz provides the perfect finale to this vivid journey.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: кан. Шават, Дашогуз, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан
Journey to the Fiery ‘Gates of Hell’ Expedition Start: Meet at the Shavat border at 10:00. Your adventure begins in Dashoguz, where we shall enjoy a traditional lunch and visit the local bazaar to stock up on oriental treats and supplies for the desert crossing. Across the Karakum: Embark on a 300 km drive through the vast expanses of the Central Karakum Desert. Let the serene desert landscapes set the mood before encountering the main element. Sunset Magic: Arrive at the Darvaza Crater. Witness the unique moment as the sky turns pink and the crater’s glow intensifies against the twilight. Desert Evening: Enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner under the open sky. The night view of the burning abyss is the day’s highlight—the perfect time for breathtaking photography. Overnight: Sleep in an authentic Turkmen yurt or a comfortable tent camp right by the ‘Gates of Hell’.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан to кан. Шават, Дашогуз, Туркменистан
Dawn Over the Abyss and Return to the Oasis Morning Serenity: A pre-dawn visit to the crater offers magical morning light—the perfect time to watch the desert wake up in golden hues. Alfresco Breakfast: After breakfast at the camp, we head back through the dunes towards civilisation. Farewell to the Oasis: Upon arriving in Dashoguz, we shall have a farewell lunch at a local restaurant to reflect on our journey. The Conclusion: A transfer to the border and assistance with all formalities at the Shavat crossing by 15:00 for your onward travel to Uzbekistan.
What's included
PLEASE NOTE: Official tour prices are fixed in USD. Due to platform settings, prices are displayed in EUR, but the remaining 90% balance must be paid in USD cash upon arrival according to our fixed USD price list. We appreciate your understanding. Price includes: Letter of Invitation (LOI) and mandatory registration assistance, private 4x4 transport with fuel and professional driver, English-speaking guide, all accommodations (standard hotels and yurt camp), meeting at the border and seeing off, daily breakfasts, BBQ dinner at Darvaza, all museum entrance fees and photography permits (for sites visited with the guide), and travel insurance.
Not included: Visa fees and border taxes (paid at the border), international flights, lunches (approx. $3-8 per meal), personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, minibar), tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated), and fees at the "Turkmen Ojagy" Ethnographic Complex.
Languages spoken
What to know
Visa: The visa fee is paid separately at the embassy or right at the border. Drones: Please note that drones are strictly prohibited in Turkmenistan. Logistics: The tour starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (Farap, Shavat, or Hojayli). Pickup and drop-off are included. Payment: The remaining 90% of the tour price must be paid in USD cash upon arrival.
Route & locations
кан. Шават, Дашогуз, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан