Ashgabat and Darvaza: A Dual Delight in Turkmenistan
Experience the best of Turkmenistan as you explore the delights of Ashgabat’s modernity and the mystique of the Darvaza Crater’s eternal flames. This tour promises a harmonious blend of culture and nature.
Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
Season: all year round
Price: from 555$ per person
Route: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashgabat
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ashgabat
Arrival and Check-In: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport with Turkish Airlines at 2:00 AM or other. You will be greeted and transferred to hotel for an early check-in.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning to relax and acclimate.
Afternoon Adventure: Kick off the afternoon with a visit to Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, dedicated to Turkmenistan’s heroes and victims of WWII, the Geokdepe Battle, and the 1948 earthquake. Explore its three captivating halls with dramatic dioramas and poignant exhibits.
Modern Ashgabat: After the museum, we will start exploring the capital after Independence period. Our first stop will be Yyldyz Hotel and the “Bagt Koshgi”-Wedding Palace, both located on hill with a panoramic view to the city.
Drive through modern Ashgabat, famed for its white marble buildings. Explore the Park of Independence, the Monument of the Gigantic Book “Ruhnama,” the Monument of Constitution, and the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center. End at the 60-meter high Magtymguly Monument and the iconic Monument of Neutrality topped with a golden statue of the first president.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner with a panoramic view of the city.
Overnight: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Ashgabat.
Day 2: Ashgabat – Darvaza (ca. 270, about 4 hrs.)
Morning Kick-Off: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Visit the State Museum of History and Ethnography to see ancient artifacts and treasures from Turkmenistan’s rich history.
Old Nisa Fortress: Drive to Bagir village to explore the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa Fortress, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire. Wander through its atmospheric ruins, set against the picturesque Kopet-Dag Mountains.
On the way to Ashgabat, we will make a stop to visit an impressive complex in Kipchak village, consisting of the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the first president of Turkmenistan.
On the way, stop in Yerbent village at the monument to the victory over the Basmachi in Central Asia. Arrive in Darvaza and exploration of the sight while nomad style kebabs (DINNER included) are being prepared. Enjoy the dinner at the sunset with a traditional tea prepared in “tunche”.
- The crater was formed in the early 1970s when the ground collapsed during a Soviet gas drilling expedition. Scientists reportedly lit the massive hole on fire to prevent the spread of natural ga, and it’s been burning since then. The National Geographic expedition revealed that some unusual lifeforms were thriving in the inhospitable conditions.
Overnight in tents or yurts.
Day 3: Darvaza – Ashgabat (ca. 270, about 4 hrs.)
Morning Farewell: Wake up to breakfast at the camp, take one last look at the mesmerizing flaming crater, and then we’ll head back to Ashgabat.
Arrive in Ashgabat and hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own or continue with walking tour in older part of the city with a chance of souvenir or carpet shopping.
Walking Tour: Start our walking tour in Ashgabat’s historic district at Ashgabat Park on Magtymguly Avenue. Learn about the city’s history as we stroll to Magtymguly Square, Lenin Square, and the lively “Russian Bazaar” (Gulistan). Visit the striking monument of Ahal-Teke Horses.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 4: Departure
After midnight transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for departure. End of services.
- Comfort A/C transportation according to the route and the group size (SUV’s for Darvaza trip)
- Accommodation 3*4*5* – see the options
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation)
- Water along the way
- Entrance fees to sites
- English -speaking tour guide
- Camping gear for desert overnight (Darvaza)
- Breakfast, and dinner in Darvaza
- Registration of tourists
- Welcome dinner
- Visa cost $50-$100 paid in cash on arrival
- PCR test cost $33 upon arrival (paid by each traveller)
- Migration duty $14 p/p (paid at the border on arrival)
- Additional services in the hotel
- Tips to the guide and the driver (are welcome)
- Personal expenses and itinerary modifications
- Photo and video camera fees at sites/museums
- Beverages + alcohol
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- International flights
