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

1 open groups

10.10.2026 10:00

4 free

0 booked 4 free

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, 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).

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

08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.

Bai Bazaar: Visit the vibrant local Bai Bazaar. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience authentic local life and pick up fresh fruits, snacks, and travel supplies for the desert journey.

Izmukshir Fortress: Depart Dashoguz and drive to the ancient Izmukshir Fortress (~25 km). Explore the impressive, massive clay ruins of this historical site, famous as the birthplace of the great medieval philosopher Al-Zamakhshari.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch en route at a roadside teahouse in a local settlement before heading deeper into the desert.

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 3 Darvaza Gas Crater → Dashoguz → Shavat Border

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 the return drive across the Karakum Desert to Dashoguz (~300 km, approx. 4 to 4.5 hours).

Dashoguz & Farewell Lunch: Arrive in Dashoguz and enjoy a farewell lunch at a traditional local restaurant, tasting regional specialties.

Border Transfer: Short drive to the Shavat Border Checkpoint (approx. 15–20 minutes).

03:00 PM (Approx.): Arrival at the border terminal. Our professional team will escort and assist you through all Turkmen customs and departure immigration formalities as per official border permit regulations.

End of Tour.