From Iran to Uzbekistan: 3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Adventure
Dive into an unforgettable journey through Turkmenistan with our Express Transit Tour, crafted specifically for travelers transiting from the Gaudan/Bajigiran border and exiting via the Dashoguz/Shavat border into Uzbekistan.
In just three dynamic days, immerse yourself in Ashgabat's modern marvels, spend a captivating night by the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater, and venture through the Central Karakum Desert's rugged terrain. This streamlined itinerary caters perfectly to travelers seeking a swift yet enriching experience in Turkmenistan.
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
Route: Bajigiran/Gaudan – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Dashoguz/Shavat
Arrival 2 times a month on Fridays from Iran through the Gaudan/Bajigiran checkpoint, departure on Sunday to Uzbekistan through the Dashoguz/Shavat checkpoint. See the excursion calendar for more details.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1. Bajigiran - Ashgabat
Arrival at Gaudan/Bajigiran border. Meet your guide and complete arrival formalities (visa stamp, declaration form, customs, and PCR test). Transfer to the hotel. Check-in.
After short rest we will go out to explore the Ashgabat city, translated from Persian as “the City of Love”. We will start the tour by visiting the State Museum of History and Ethnography where you can take a close look at exclusive ancient artifacts and treasuries from different historical and archaeological sites of Turkmenistan.
After lunch we drive to one of the oldest parts of the city where we begin our walking tour starting at Ashgabat Park along Magtymguly Avenue. Magtymguly avenue is the oldest and main avenue in Ashgabat, crossing the city from northwest to southeast. Historically, it was called Mervskiy Avenue that ran through the entire city and then merged with the road leading to Merv/Mary. During USSR it was called Svoboda Avenue. Our professional tour guides will give you an insight of how the city was formed on one of the main streets now named after a Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly. We will take a walk to Magtymguly Square to see the monument which was erected in 1971 surrounded by the first fountains of the city. Continue to the Lenin Square passing by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Monument of Lenin is the only monument that stood the 1948 earthquake that completely destroyed the city. Continue to the “Russian Bazaar” (now known as “Gulistan”), one of the main bazaars of the city since Soviet times and city’s popular landmark. In this bazaar you can shop for dry fruits, sweetest fruits from the fields of Turkmenistan, melons and watermelons that the country is famous for. Also, here you can find nice souvenirs, traditional embroideries and Turkmen carpets. Right across the street through the tunnel we walk up to the monument of Ahal-Teke Horses, not too far from the president’s palace and the parliament. Duration of the walking tour – 3 hours.
Then we drive to the modern part of the city to explore the unique landmarks from Independence period. Ashgabat is a city known for its striking white marble architecture and modern amenities. It offers a unique blend of cultural richness and contemporary comfort, making it an intriguing destination for tourists. The city features lush parks, vibrant markets, and a range of museums that showcase Turkmenistan’s history and traditions. With its clean, well-planned streets and welcoming atmosphere. The name of the city is translated from Persian as “the City of Love” and you will see why during this part of the tour. Our first stop will be the Park of Independence and its monuments. Continue to the Monument of Gigantic Book “Ruhnama” (translated from Turkmen as “the book of soul”, written by the first president of Turkmenistan). We will make a very short stop for pictures at the Monument of Constitution and Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center. Passing by all the ministry buildings we reach the 60-meter high Magtymguly Monument erected at the foothills of Kopetdag Mountains.
We end our tour by visiting one of the main highlights of Ashgabat city “the Monument of Neturality” with a 12-meter high golden statue of the first president of Turkmenistan on top of it.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 2. Ashgabat – Darvaza (ca. 270, about 4 hrs drive)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out before noon. Today, we are heading to the center of Karakum Desert to see the Darvaza gas crater, also known as “Gates of Hell” on the internet. On the way to Darvaza we make a stop at Tolkuchka bazaar (OPEN ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS ONLY) (28 km from the city), a very famous Sunday market where people come from all corners of Turkmenistan for trade. Here, locals sell goods like jewelry, Turkmen national dress, traditional accessories, carpets, handicrafts, fruits and vegetables, domestic animals, etc. Test your trading skills to negotiate for the best price on your purchases. Continue to Darvaza.
En route make short sightseeing stops at Yerbent desert village to see the lifestyle of local semi-nomadic families. On the way to Darvaza we will also see “bubbling water” and “bubbling sulfur-mud” craters. Short tour at the site upon arrival while nomad-style kebabs are being prepared. Dinner at sunset and another photo session by the flaming crater.
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, wild camping.
Day 3. Darvaza – Dashoguz (ca. 300 km, about 5.5-6 hrs drive)
After breakfast at the camp we bid farewell to the flaming crater and head north to Dashoguz to cross the border to Uzbekistan.
Now, be prepared for the road challenge as the road from Darvaza to Dashoguz is quite damaged but our experienced drivers have strong wheels to handle it. With few short stops to stretch our legs we arrive in Dashoguz right before lunch time. Optional lunch stop.
- Note: the Dashoguz/Shavat border will be closed for lunch from 12:30 to 14:00.
Transfer to the border. Your guide will help you with border-crossing formalities. Say goodbye to your driver and the guide and proceed to the Uzbeks border using the shuttle transfer (cost $1 per person).
End of services!
Tour price information
Price per 1 pax in DBL/TWN + breakfast:
- 2 pax $590
- 3 pax $570
- 4 pax $495
- 5 pax $455
Single supplement: $30
Meals: expect to spend around $8-$12 per meal at local restaurants
- Comfort A/C transportation (transportation will be provided according to group size; bus, minibus, minivan, sedan, and 4WD on off-roads like Darvaza trip)
- Accommodation 3*
- Visa support (LOI – Letter of Invitation)
- Water along the way
- Entrance fees to the museum
- English-speaking tour guide (or other language if available)
- Dinner and breakfast in Darvaza
- Camping gear in Darvaza
- Visa cost $50-$100 paid in cash on arrival (the cost depends on citizenship)
- PCR test cost $33 upon arrival
- Migration duty $14 p/p (paid at the border on arrival)
- Additional services in the hotel
- Tips to the guide and the driver (recommended)
- Personal expenses and itinerary modifications
- Photo and video camera fees at sites/museums
- H/B or F/B meals