Каков основной маршрут этого 3-дневного транзитного тура?

Маршрут начинается на узбекско-туркменской границе Шават (недалеко от Хивы) и проходит через Дашогуз в пустыню Каракумы к газовому кратеру Дарваза. Далее путь лежит на юг с посещением Водного и Грязевого кратеров в Ашхабад, где проводится экскурсия по городу. Тур завершается трансфером на выбор: на границу Хоудан для выезда в Иран или в Международный аэропорт Ашхабада.

Какие условия ночевки предусмотрены возле кратера Дарваза?

Во время посещения горящего кратера Дарваза в пустыне Каракумы для путешественников организован ночлег в традиционном юрточном кемпинге, что позволяет увидеть эффектное ночное сияние «Врат ада» и погрузиться в атмосферу кочевой жизни.

Какие варианты завершения тура доступны для туристов?

Тур ориентирован на транзитных путешественников и предлагает два удобных варианта финала: трансфер через живописные горы на пограничный переход Хоудан для продолжения поездки в Иран либо прямой трансфер в Международный аэропорт Ашхабада (ASB) для вылета международным рейсом.

Что включено в программу посещения Ашхабада?

В Ашхабаде туристов ждет комплексная экскурсия с профессиональным гидом, в рамках которой можно познакомиться со знаменитой беломраморной архитектурой столицы, монументальными сооружениями и ключевыми городскими достопримечательностями.

3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Khiva to Iran or Ashgabat Airport #29

days

groups

options

Quick facts

Duration: 3 days
Price: from $527 The price depends on group size: in larger groups the guide and transport costs are shared.
Next departure: 27 October 2026 (2 open groups)

Route: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Darvaza Gas Crater – Ashgabat – Howdan Border (to Iran) / Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)

A fantastic 3-day transit route connecting Khiva to Iran or global flight connections! Cross the Shavat border and venture into the Karakum Desert for an incredible night of yurt camping by the spectacular burning Darvaza Gas Crater. Travel south to discover the unique Water and Mud craters before enjoying a comprehensive guided tour of Ashgabat's iconic white-marble architecture. Conclude your tour with a scenic mountain transfer to the Howdan border for Iran, or a direct transfer to Ashgabat Airport.

Available Departure Dates

2 open groups

27.10.2026 10:00

1 free

3 booked 1 free

1 person: $527 4 people: $527

22.06.2027 10:00

3 free

1 booked 3 free

1 person: $656 4 people: $527

Tour program

Day 1 Shavat Border → Dashoguz → Darvaza Gas Crater

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.

Dashoguz Stop: Short drive to Dashoguz for a traditional local lunch. Visit the local bazaar to experience the culture and shop for desert supplies/snacks.

Desert Journey: Begin the drive to Darvaza (~300 km, approx. 4 to 4.5 hours) crossing the Central Karakum Desert. Please note that certain sections of the road are rough and uneven, making the drive bumpy, this is a true off-road desert adventure.

Darvaza Gas Crater ("Shining of Karakum"): Arrive at the spectacular burning gas crater. Experience the desert sunset as the crater’s fiery glow begins to intensify.

Evening & Dinner: Enjoy a traditional, open-air BBQ dinner freshly prepared by our team at the yurt camp. The night offers the ultimate viewing and photography opportunities as the burning crater glows brilliantly under the desert stars.

Overnight: Stay in a traditional Turkmen yurt at the crater yurt camp.

Day 2 Darvaza Gas Crater → Ashgabat

Sunrise Experience: Optional pre-dawn visit to the crater edge to experience the surreal morning light and capture the last glowing flames before sunrise over the desert.

Breakfast & Departure: Enjoy a fresh breakfast at the yurt camp, pack up, and begin your southward journey across the Karakum Desert to the capital city, Ashgabat (~270 km, approx. 3.5 hours). Please note that certain sections of the road are rough and uneven, making the drive bumpy, this is a true off-road desert adventure.

Desert Craters Stops: En route, make short stops to explore the unique Water Crater and Mud Crater, witnessing the diverse geological phenomena of the desert.

Lunch: Enjoy a lunch break upon arrival in Ashgabat.

Ashgabat City Tour: After lunch, embark on a guided exploration of Ashgabat. Discover the city's signature white-marble architecture, historic monuments, and cultural sites tailored to your pace.

Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Ashgabat.

Day 3 Ashgabat → Howdan (Gaudan) Border or Ashgabat Airport

Breakfast & Ashgabat Tour: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today, continue your tailored exploration of the capital city with your expert guide. This morning session is designed to cover the remaining landmarks, cultural sites, and architectural highlights that you didn't catch yesterday, perfectly matching your personal pace and departure schedule.

Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant before your departure transfer.

Departure Transfer (Customizable Options): Depending on your onward travel plans, your private transfer will be arranged as follows:

Option A: Departure to Iran (Howdan / Gaudan Border): Depart Ashgabat around 14:30 for a scenic drive up into the Kopetdag Mountains to the Howdan-Bajgiran border checkpoint (~40 km). Arrive punctually before the afternoon border closure. Your guide and driver will assist you through all customs and exit formalities on the Turkmen side.
Option B: Departure via Ashgabat International Airport (ASB): Enjoy a seamless private transfer to the airport, departing your hotel or restaurant 2 hours prior to your scheduled international flight to allow comfortable time for check-in and security.

End of Tour.

Route Map

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Day start Day end 4 points

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, domestic flights, and train tickets (as specified in your itinerary), along with a professional English-speaking guide for all designated routes.
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).

Accommodations

Darvaza

1 nights

Ashgabat

1 nights

Standard: Hotel "Mizan"

Comfort: Hotel "Oguzkent"

FAQ

What is the main itinerary for this 3-day transit tour?

The tour begins at the Shavat Uzbek-Turkmen border crossing (near Khiva) and travels through Dashoguz into the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza gas crater. The journey then continues south, visiting the Water and Mud craters on the way to Ashgabat, where a city tour is provided. The tour concludes with a transfer of your choice: to the Howdan border for travel to Iran, or to Ashgabat International Airport.

What overnight accommodation is provided near the Darvaza crater?

During the visit to the burning Darvaza crater in the Karakum Desert, an overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp is arranged for travelers, allowing them to witness the spectacular nighttime glow of the "Gates of Hell" and immerse themselves in the nomadic lifestyle.

What options are available for concluding the tour?

Designed for transit travelers, the tour offers two convenient conclusion options: a transfer through scenic mountains to the Howdan border crossing to continue the journey into Iran, or a direct transfer to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) for an international flight departure.

What is included in the Ashgabat sightseeing program?

In Ashgabat, tourists will enjoy a comprehensive guided tour with a professional guide, during which they can discover the capital's famous white marble architecture, monumental structures, and key city landmarks.