Karakum — the heart of desert Turkmenistan
The Karakum desert occupies most of the territory of Turkmenistan and is one of the most recognizable natural symbols of the country. It is a space of sands, dunes, rare settlements, caravan roads, ancient routes and the unique atmosphere of Central Asia.
Why you should go to the Karakum
A tour across the Karakum Desert is not just a road to a single attraction. It is a chance to feel the expanse of Turkmenistan, see life beyond the cities and spend an evening in one of the most unusual locations in Central Asia.
- See the sandy landscapes and dunes of the Karakum
- Visit the Darvaza gas crater — the Gates of Hell
- Spend the evening by the crater and take striking photos and videos
- Arrange an overnight stay in yurts or a tent camp
- Combine the desert with Ashgabat, Nisa, Merv, or Kunya-Urgench
What you can see in the Karakum Desert
The route can be tailored to your dates, interests and level of comfort. The program can include natural locations, stops along the way, photo breaks, dinner in the desert and an overnight stay.
Sand dunes
Classic desert landscapes, open spaces, sunset light and atmospheric stops along the route.
Yurts and camp
An overnight stay in the desert, dinner by the campfire, a traditional atmosphere and a quiet evening far from the city.
The night sky
The Karakum is especially impressive at night: silence, stars and the view of the burning Darvaza crater.
Darvaza — the Gates of Hell
The Darvaza gas crater is the main tourist attraction of the Karakum Desert and one of the most famous places in Turkmenistan. It is best to arrive at the crater closer to sunset: during the day you can see the desert landscape, and in the evening — the fire, which looks especially striking in the dark.
We can arrange a one-day trip from Ashgabat or make a program with an overnight stay in the desert.
Request a tour to DarvazaTour options around the Karakum
You can choose a short trip to Darvaza or a full-fledged route with an overnight stay in the desert.
Karakum and Darvaza in 1 day
A trip from Ashgabat to the Darvaza gas crater with stops along the route and return to the city.
Darvaza with an overnight stay in the desert
The most atmospheric option: sunset, dinner by the crater, an overnight stay in yurts, and a morning in the Karakum.
Individual itinerary
A route through the Karakum can be combined with Ashgabat, Nisa, Merv, Kunya-Urgench and other destinations.
What the arrangements include
We take on the main stages of the trip so that guests can travel around Turkmenistan with peace of mind.
FAQ — questions about the tour to the Karakum
We briefly answer the most frequent questions about a trip to the Karakum desert and the Darvaza gas crater.
We will select a route through the Karakum for your dates
Write to us about which format of trip interests you: Darvaza in one day, an overnight stay in the desert, a VIP transfer or an individual route around Turkmenistan.
