Turkmenistan In 2 Days. From The Marble City To The “Gates Of Hell”
About this tour
Route: Ashgabat — Karakum Desert — Darvaza Crater — Ashgabat
Short on time but hungry for discovery? This intensive two-day experience is designed specifically for those who wish to see the iconic landmarks of Turkmenistan without wasting a single second. In just two days, you will journey from the futuristic boulevards of the white-marble capital to the blazing heart of the desert.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан
Arrival and First Impressions: We will meet you at Ashgabat’s futuristic airport and immediately immerse you in the atmosphere of this city of records. Ashgabat Your Way: Forget rigid templates. Your excursion is a flexible construct. Your guide will adapt the route to suit your arrival time, offering the perfect blend of ancient history, golden domes, and modern architecture. Into the Karakum: Leaving the city behind, we head north (approx. 270 km). Our destination is the legendary Darvaza. The Magic of Fire: You will arrive at the crater just as the sun sets. Once the sun disappears behind the dunes, you will witness the “Gates of Hell” in all their terrifying grandeur. Evening by the Fire: A barbecue dinner right by the flaming abyss and a night in a traditional Turkmen yurt. This will be the most unusual night of your life—under the crackling flames and the infinite starry sky.
Day 2: Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан to Ашхабад, Туркменистан
Desert Dawn: Coffee with a view of the crater in the rays of the rising sun is an essential ritual for rare photographs. Secrets of the Karakum: On the drive back to Ashgabat, we will visit Darvaza’s “younger siblings”—the unique Water and Mud craters. These natural phenomena prove that the desert is full of surprises. A Final Farewell to Ashgabat: We continue our exploration of the capital. Whether you wish to browse a traditional bazaar for souvenirs or ascend to the panoramic viewpoints of the Kopet Dag mountains, your guide will adjust the pace to ensure you see it all before check-in. The Journey’s End: In the late evening—a comfortable transfer to the airport. Your journey ends where it began, but you now have a story you will be retelling for years.
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.
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
Ашхабад, Туркменистан to Darvaza Gas Crater, Дарваза, Туркменистан