Darvaza Gas Crater Tour — "Door to Hell"

The Darvaza Gas Crater, known worldwide as the "Door to Hell", is Turkmenistan's most famous sight — a giant crater in the Karakum Desert that has been burning for decades. Join a guided Darvaza tour with camping under the stars, dinner by the fire, and full visa support.

See Darvaza Tours Departure Dates

Overnight camping next to the crater

Licensed local guide & driver

Visa invitation (LOI) included

Small groups or private trip

Darvaza Gas Crater Tours You Can Book Online

The classic way to see the crater is an overnight trip from Ashgabat: drive through the Karakum Desert, set up camp a short walk from the crater, watch it at sunset and after dark, and sleep in a tent under a sky full of stars. It can be booked as a stand-alone 2-day tour or combined with Ashgabat, Ancient Merv or the Yangykala Canyons.

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View all Turkmenistan tours

Upcoming Darvaza Departures

Join a guaranteed small-group departure to the Gas Crater — no need to organize logistics yourself.

Tour	Departure date	Details
2-dniowa wycieczka do Turkmenistanu z Buchary do Starożytnego Merwu i Turkmenabatu	22.08.2026	Book now
5-dniowa podróż tranzytowa z atrakcjami Turkmenistanu z Chiwy do Buchary	01.09.2026	Book now
3-dniowa wycieczka objazdowa po najważniejszych atrakcjach Turkmenistanu z Aszchabadu	03.09.2026	Book now
3-dniowa wycieczka tranzytowa przez Turkmenistan z Chiwy do Buchary pociągiem nocnym	04.09.2026	Book now
2-dniowa wycieczka do krateru Darvaza z Chiwy (Uzbekistan)	05.09.2026	Book now
4-dniowa wycieczka po Turkmenistanie: Aszchabad, Starożytny Merw i krater gazowy Darvaza	06.09.2026	Book now

All departure dates

How to Book a Darvaza Tour

Booking your trip to the Gas Crater takes a few minutes:

1

1. Pick your Darvaza tour

A 2-day overnight trip, or Darvaza combined with Ashgabat, Merv or the Yangykala Canyons.

2

2. Send your request

Book online or send an enquiry — we confirm dates and prices within 24 hours.

3

3. We arrange your visa (LOI)

A Letter of Invitation is required for a Turkmenistan tourist visa. We prepare it for every booking.

4

4. Camp by the crater

Your guide drives you into the Karakum Desert, sets up camp, and you spend the night beside the burning crater.

Why Book Your Darvaza Trip with TmTourism

We know the desert

Our drivers and guides run the Darvaza route year-round and know the safest, most scenic way in and out of the Karakum.

Visa support included

Every Darvaza tour comes with a Letter of Invitation (LOI), the document required for your Turkmenistan tourist visa.

Comfortable camping

Tents, sleeping bags, a cooked dinner and breakfast by the fire — everything is set up for you.

Combine with more of Turkmenistan

Add Ashgabat's marble avenues, Ancient Merv or the Yangykala "Martian" canyons to your Darvaza trip.

Visa for Turkmenistan — Included

A Turkmenistan tourist visa requires a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a licensed tour operator. It is included in every Darvaza tour booking — read our full visa guide for the details.

Turkmenistan visa guide

Darvaza Gas Crater Tour — FAQ

What is the Darvaza Gas Crater?

The Darvaza Gas Crater, nicknamed the "Door to Hell", is a natural gas field that collapsed into an underground cavern and has been burning continuously since the 1970s. It sits in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 km north of Ashgabat.

How do I get to Darvaza from Ashgabat?

The crater is roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive from Ashgabat. All our Darvaza tours include private transport with an experienced driver — you do not need your own vehicle or a 4x4.

Do I need a visa to visit Darvaza?

Yes. Almost all visitors to Turkmenistan need a tourist visa, which requires a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a licensed local operator. We prepare and submit the LOI as part of every Darvaza tour booking.

Is camping at the crater safe?

Yes — camps are set up a safe, guided distance from the crater edge, and an English-speaking guide stays with the group throughout the night. Thousands of travelers camp there safely every year.

What is the best time of year to visit the Darvaza crater?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable desert temperatures. The crater can be visited year-round, but summer daytime heat and winter nights are more extreme.

Can I visit Darvaza as a day trip, without camping?

The crater is far enough from Ashgabat that most visitors prefer the overnight camping trip to properly experience it after dark. A long single-day round trip can be arranged on request for a private tour.

FAQ

Ready to See the "Door to Hell"?

Group departures fill up and visa processing takes time — book your Darvaza tour today. Questions first? We reply within 24 hours.

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