Departure from Ashgabat
We meet you at the hotel or an agreed address and drive towards the Karakum Desert.
Karakum · Turkmenistan
Darvaza — the legendary Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan
A journey to the gas crater in the heart of the Karakum Desert, with transfer from Ashgabat, local support and an optional overnight stay in a yurt camp.
1–2 daysduration
≈ 270 kmfrom Ashgabat
4×4comfortable transfer
Individuallyor small group
About the route
One of Central Asia’s most unusual landscapes
Darvaza is a gas crater in the Karakum Desert that is especially impressive after sunset. By day, the scale of the desert dominates the view; at night, the fire inside the crater becomes the journey’s visual highlight.
We organise the route from Ashgabat around your preferred format: a day trip with return to the city, an evening visit with dinner at the crater, or a programme with an overnight yurt stay.
What is included
A carefully planned journey with the practical details coordinated
01
Transfer
Departure from Ashgabat in a suitable vehicle and return according to the agreed programme.
02
Support
Russian- or English-speaking support throughout the route and assistance with practical matters.
03
Meals
Dinner in the desert can be included, with breakfast added for an overnight stay.
04
Overnight stay
Optional accommodation in a yurt camp near Darvaza.
Route
How the journey works
Departure time and stops are adapted to the season, weather and selected tour format.
Drive through the desert
See the characteristic Karakum landscape, with short photography stops where appropriate.
Sunset by the crater
The centrepiece is Darvaza in the evening light and after darkness falls.
Return or yurt stay
After dinner, return to Ashgabat or stay overnight at the camp.
Options
Choose your preferred format
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Darvaza trip
Where does the trip start?
In Ashgabat: we pick you up at your hotel or an agreed address and drive towards the Karakum Desert.
Can Darvaza be combined with other places?
Yes. The programme can be combined with Ashgabat, Nisa, Merv, Kunya-Urgench and other Turkmenistan routes.
Do you help with visa / LOI?
Yes, we help with visa support and the LOI for your trip to Turkmenistan as part of the programme. Details are on the Visa and LOI page.
Can I request a private itinerary?
Yes. Options include a day trip, an overnight stay in a yurt camp and a private format with your own vehicle and a flexible schedule.
How do I get the itinerary and price?
Leave a request on this page or message us on WhatsApp — we will suggest the format, itinerary and a quotation.
Tour request
Receive a Darvaza itinerary and quotation
Tell us your dates, number of guests and preferred format. We will propose an itinerary and explain what can be included.
Darvaza can also be combined with Ashgabat, Nisa, Merv and other Turkmenistan routes.
Discuss your trip on WhatsApp
Tell us what you need
Darvaza or a private Turkmenistan tour?
Add your full name and phone number, then describe the requested tour, dates, number of guests and preferences.