3-Day Tour to Kunya-Urgench and Darvaza Crater from Khiva

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Itinerary: Khiva / Shavat border – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz – Izmukshir – Darvaza gas crater – Dashoguz – Shavat border / Khiva

An incredible 3-day desert and history adventure starting from Khiva! Cross the Shavat border to explore the UNESCO-listed medieval architecture of Kunya-Urgench and the ancient ruins of the Izmukshir fortress. Journey deep into the Karakum Desert for an unforgettable night in a traditional yurt camp by the spectacular burning Darvaza gas crater. Enjoy an authentic barbecue under the stars and experience local culture at the vibrant Dashoguz bazaar before returning to Uzbekistan.

Available Departure Dates

3 open groups

10.08.2026 10:00

4/4 seats

1 person: $705 4 people: $529

Secure payment via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Processed by TMTOURISM LLC (Wyoming, USA).

10.09.2026 10:00

4/4 seats

1 person: $705 4 people: $529

Secure payment via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Processed by TMTOURISM LLC (Wyoming, USA).

10.10.2026 10:00

4/4 seats

1 person: $705 4 people: $529

Secure payment via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Processed by TMTOURISM LLC (Wyoming, USA).

What is included/not included

What is included

Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors.
Accommodation in standard hotel rooms: twin rooms shared by same-gender guests; double rooms for couples; single rooms arranged when needed (other room categories on request).
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 and at Gozli Ata (if included in your itinerary).
Entrance fees and photography permits for museums and attractions visited with your guide.
Travel insurance.
All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour.
The tour usually starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (other pick-up or drop-off points can be arranged on request).

What is not included

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 are not included in the program (approximately 5–10 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 (not allowed in Turkmenistan).

Tour program

Day 1 Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Kunya-Urgench → Dashoguz

* 10:00 AM (Approx.): Meet and greet inside the main hall of the Shavat Border Control Terminal on the Turkmen side; as you process your migration and passport check, the border officers will contact our team, and our local guide will enter the hall to meet you directly based on your photo.
* Drive to Kunya-Urgench: Depart toward Kunya-Urgench (~100 km, approx. 1.5 to 2 hours), the ancient capital of the powerful Khorezm Empire and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
* Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch upon arrival in Kunya-Urgench (or en route in Dashoguz, depending on exact timing).
* Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour: A comprehensive guided exploration of the historical park, featuring:
Kutlug-Timur Minaret: The tallest medieval minaret in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum: Famous for its breathtaking, mathematically perfect geometric ceiling mosaic.
Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh & Il-Arslan: Showcasing unique conical domes.
Caravanserai Gate: A glimpse into the old Silk Road trade hub.
* Return to Dashoguz: Drive back to Dashoguz. Enjoy a brief evening orientation city tour to see the local life, followed by a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant.
* Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Dashoguz.

Day 2 Dashoguz → Izmukshir → Darvaza Gas Crater

Day 3 Darvaza Gas Crater → Dashoguz → Shavat Border