Three Days of Turkmen Wonders: Ashgabat, Darvaza and Turkmenabat
Journey through Turkmenistan’s gems in just three days! From the futuristic skyline of Ashgabat to the blazing Darvaza Crater, this tour offers a whirlwind adventure. Maximize your time with a convenient night train, saving on hotel costs while experiencing the local culture cuisine.
Itinerary
Day 1, Dashoguz (Near Khiva) – Darvaza
- We will be waiting for you at the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan called “Shavat”. You will have to get to the border on your own.
- After checking off the border crossing, we will drive to the city of Dashoguz (15 minutes drive) and have lunch at a restaurant.
- After lunch we will go to the Darvaza gas crater (280 km, 6 hours drive). This crater is located in the middle of the Karakum desert (translated as “Black Sands”) and has been burning for more than 50 years.
- 20:00 We get to Darvaza and take a short walk around the surrounding area.
- 21:00, Lunch of local preparation with kebabs cooked on the fire of trees called Saxauls. They say that the smoke from these trees gives the kebabs a special aroma.
- 22:00, Have a free time at the Darvaza, “Gates to Hell”
- Overnight in Darwaz in local yurts or camping tents, as per your preference.
Day2, Darvaza – Ashgabat (Night Train to Dashoguz)
- 06:00. After breakfast, travel to Ashgabat (270 km, 4.5 hours drive), the capital and one of the most unusual cities in the world with interesting architecture and cleanliness. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the city with the most white marble buildings in the world.
- 11:00 Quick lunch at a restaurant and start sightseeing in Ashgabat.
- 18:00, Boarding the night train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat.
- Overnight on the night train.
Day 3, Turkmenabat – Uzbekistan Border.
- You will arrive in Turkmenabat by train. The old name of this city was Amul, and it is the largest city along the Amu Darya River. In fact, the Amu Darya River gets its name from this city (Amul). Here you can take your time to enjoy restaurants and cafes. The city is large and clean.
- You can cross the Uzbekistan border at any time. This is the only border in Turkmenistan that is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
- End of the Tour!!
Note: All citizens of the world need to obtain a visa to visit Turkmenistan. This process has recently become easier. Click Here for Visa Information
