TURKMENISTAN TOUR: DASHOGUZ BORDER-ASHGABAT
About tour
A "Dashoguz Border-Kunya Urgench-Darvaza-Ashgabat" tour is a popular route for travelers exploring Turkmenistan, often done in a few days. It's a journey that combines ancient history, a stunning natural phenomenon, and the country's futuristic capital.
Itinerary
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Your trip typically starts at the Shavat-Dashoguz border crossing, often after traveling from Khiva, Uzbekistan. Once you clear the border formalities, you'll meet your Turkmen guide and be driven to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya Urgench. This is the ancient capital of the Khorezm Empire and is a must-see for history buffs. You'll spend the day exploring the historical monuments, including: The Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of Central Asia's tallest minarets. The beautiful Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, a masterpiece of 14th-century architecture. Other mausoleums and ruins, such as those of Sultan Tekesh and Sultan Il Arslan, which offer a glimpse into the city's past as a major center on the Silk Road. After a lunch at a local cafe, you'll head south into the Karakum Desert. The journey is a key part of the experience, as you travel across the vast, arid landscape in a 4x4 vehicle. The highlight of the day is arriving at the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the "Door to Hell." You'll have time to see the crater in the light of day before witnessing its true spectacle at night. As the sun sets, the fiery pit becomes a mesmerizing sight, its flames dancing against the dark desert sky. You'll enjoy a dinner, often a fire-cooked meal, and spend the night in a traditional yurt camp under the stars.
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After breakfast at the camp, you'll take one last look at the flaming crater before beginning the drive to Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. On the way, some tours may make stops at the nearby mud and water craters. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, you'll be struck by the stark contrast between the desert and the city's futuristic architecture. Known for its endless white marble buildings, golden monuments, and grand boulevards, Ashgabat is a city unlike any other. Your tour will include a sightseeing program that may feature: Independence Park and the Monument of Independence. The Neutrality Arch, topped with a golden statue of former president Saparmurat Niyazov. The National Museum of Turkmenistan, which houses a vast collection of artifacts. The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, which resembles Istanbul's Blue Mosque. The Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, a massive mosque complex and the final resting place of Niyazov.
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Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels on DBL/TWIN sharing
- Darvaza - yurt or tent - 1 night
- Ashgabat - Ak Altyn Hotel 3* / Sport Hotel 4* - 1 night
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver as per the program
- o 1-2 pax - Sedan car up to 4 seats “Toyota Camry, Kia, Hundai”
- o 3-7 pax – Minivan up to 7 seats “Toyota Siena, Toyota Haice”
- o 8-19 pax – Minibus “Toyota Coaster”
- 1-2 Days 4WD car
- English speaking local guide
- Daily 5 bottles of 0.5l water per person
- Full Board meals: 2 Lunches / 2 Dinners
- BBQ style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater
- Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs)
- Entrance fees to mentioned sights per program (excluding photo and video charges at sights)
- Visa support to Turkmenistan, registration and travel pass
- Porter services
- Handmade souvenir per person
Excluded
- Visa consular fees and processing expenses 80+15 USD per person, when obtained at land border (subject to change, nationality dependent)
- Turkmenistan migration tax 14 USD per person
- PCR nose test 33 USD (subject to change)
- Photo and video charges at sights
- A tax of 2 USD per night paid to the hotel upon check out
- Beverages
- International air tickets to / out of Ashgabat
- Travel Insurance
- Extras, not indicated in inclusions
Additional info
PRICING: 2026
Hotel 3*
1 pax - 774 USD
2 pax - 527 USD
4 pax - 482 USD
6 pax - 430 USD
8 pax - 418 USD
10 pax - 418 USD
Single Supplement: 60 USD
Hotel 4*
1 pax - 874 USD
2 pax - 627 USD
4 pax - 582 USD
6 pax - 530 USD
8 pax - 518 USD
10 pax - 518 USD
Single Supplement: 100 USD
Note:
Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
Set menu includes salad, soup, main course, bread, tea, coffee & water
We offer at Darvaza Gas Crater BBQ style menu
Dinner is a highlight of the camping experience and is typically a hot, freshly prepared meal
Barbecue (BBQ) or Shashlik: This is the most common and traditional offering. Our guide and driver will prepare "nomad-style kebabs" or grilled skewers (shashlik) over an open fire. Meats are usually lamb or chicken.
Meals are universally accompanied by fresh bread, salads, and sometimes roasted vegetables like potatoes or eggplant.
Dessert in the Desert: Turkmen Melons and watermelons: If traveling during the harvest season (late summer/early autumn), the famous, incredibly sweet Turkmen melon and watermelon is the country's most beloved natural dessert and is often served.
We also offer our customers our national Turkmen drinks: green tea, kefir/ayran, and fermented Camel Milk (Chal)
For breakfast, we offer boiled eggs, yogurt, fruits, jam, bread, tea, and coffee.
Vegetarian/Dietary Needs: Because meals are prepared in advance, you must inform our tour operator well ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies). They can usually accommodate with things like simple vegetable plov or grilled vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, sweet pepper).
Our company also organizes a folklore performance. If you want to watch a folklore performance, you have to pay extra.
Child policy:
Child 0-2 years old -No extra bed, free charge
Child 3-6 years old- with bed, 50 % charge of the tour cost
Child 7 years old and above -with bed 100 % charge of the tour cost
Payment:
Tour payment should be made not less than 10 days prior to tourist group arrival to our bank account as per sent invoice
Cansellation prior to 30 days - no charges apply
Cansellation prior to 29-20 days 50% charge of the tour price
Cansellation prior to 19-10 days - 100 % charge of the tour price
Notes:
If the traveler stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on a local Tourist Board
An express PCR test for Covid-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs 33 USD (subject to change)
Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures
Customer Support
We have a professional customer support team and always accompany you on every trip.