Begin with a tour of Ashgabat, visiting iconic landmarks and historical sites. Experience the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater and camp under the starry desert sky. Explore Ashgabat architectural treasures before departing. Visit the village of Erbent or Bahardok to observe the rural life of Turkmen people.
2-Day Classic Tour Ashgabat City And Darvaza
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Overview
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa fortress, the former capital of the Parthian Empire
- Tour Ashgabat’s white-marble cityscape and visit its iconic monuments and landmarks
- Walk along the scenic Health Trail in the surrounding mountains
- Visit a traditional desert village to observe the local nomadic lifestyle and culture
- Witness the dramatic flames of the Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset and after dark
What's included / excluded
Camping Accommodation: traditional yurt camp and sleeping bags
Daily Water
Dinner and Breakfast at the Camp
Entry Tickets for Museums
Letter of Invitation
Professional Guide
Tour Package (LoI, Register fee, Permit fee)
Transportation
Covid Test 35 USD
Free for use Cameras on Monuments
Hotel Accommodation: Breakfast Included
Meals, services
Meals: Many meals and daily breakfasts included
Migration Tax: 12 USD and 4 USD Bank fee
Private Expenses, Gratuities
Visa fee 55 USD - 85 USD
Itinerary
Enjoy an immersive 2-day Ashgabat to Darvaza experience combining culture, history, and desert adventure. Discover Ashgabat’s iconic white-marble architecture and major landmarks, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa fortress with a guided visit, observe traditional life in a desert village en route, and witness the spectacular Darvaza Gas Crater at sunset. Conclude the journey with a picnic-style dinner and overnight desert camping before returning to Ashgabat.
Tour Plan
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Day 1 Arrival in Ashgabat – City Tour – Darvaza Gas Crater
- Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport and proceed with visa formalities at the airport.
- Complete the mandatory COVID test at the airport if required, payable in cash in US dollars.
- Allow approximately two hours for arrival procedures, including baggage claim.
- Begin the guided city tour of Ashgabat.
- Visit Old Nisa Fortress, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a professional guided tour.
- Continue sightseeing through Ashgabat and walk along the Health Trail in the surrounding mountains.
- Visit major landmarks including the Neutrality Monument, Independence Monument, Ferris Wheel, Wedding Palace, Television Tower, and other notable sites showcasing the city’s white marble architecture.
- Drive north toward the Karakum Desert in the afternoon.
- Continue toward the Darvaza area and visit the Water Crater, Clay Crater, and Gas Crater.
- Arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater before sunset to experience the changing colors of the flames.
- Enjoy a picnic-style dinner at the desert camp near the crater.
- Observe the dramatic glow, heat, and sound of the burning crater after dark.
Overnight stay at the desert camp.
Day 2 Darvaza – Ashgabat – Departure
- Enjoy an early morning breakfast at the desert camp.
- Depart Darvaza and drive back through the Karakum Desert toward Ashgabat.
- Arrive in Ashgabat and transfer directly to Ashgabat International Airport.
- Complete departure formalities and conclude the tour with unforgettable memories of Turkmenistan’s capital and desert landscapes.
3 Comments
4
Everything was seamless and well-organized. The guide was engaging, the activities were fun, and the food was delicious.
4
The guide was friendly, and the stops were well-planned and enjoyable. The scenery was breathtaking. Highly recommend!
5
The itinerary was perfect, with a great mix of adventure and relaxation. The guide’s enthusiasm made it even more enjoyable.