Darwaza crater, Turkmenistan
Najm ad-Din al-Kubra Mausoleum
Turabek Khanum Mausoleum
Il-Arslan Mausoleum
Kutlug Timur Minaret
Darvaza Crater
Welcome to the ancient historical city of Kunya Urgench and the world-famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell,” which has been burning continuously for nearly half a century. This unique combination of cultural heritage and natural wonder makes the tour an unforgettable experience.
The program is a perfect option for a private or family trip, serving as an ideal extension to a classical Uzbekistan tour that starts from Khiva and concludes in Nukus. Guests can explore remarkable monuments, learn about the history of Kunya Urgench, and witness the breathtaking sight of Darvaza’s eternal flames under the desert night sky.
Book your tour at a special price – early booking is highly recommended!
08:00 Meet the driver at your hotel in Khiva.
Transfer from Khiva to the Uzbek-Turkmen border pass "Shavat" (60 km).
Border passing formalities ( visa/ passport control/ PCR test usually take 1.5 - 3 hrs).
The guide and driver will meet at the Turkmenistan side of the land border.
Transfer to Kunya – Urgench.
Start sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench, visiting
- Mausoleum of the founder of the Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (12th-13th centuries);
- Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym;
- Minaret Mamun (10th-11th centuries);
- Minaret Kutlug-Timur (12th-14th centuries, the highest minaret in Central Asia);
- Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in BC - III A.D.);
- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city - the date of its construction is roughly estimated by the 11th century).
- Transfer to the Darvaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum Desert track, and continue 10 km deep inside.
In 1971, geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists hoped the fire would go out in a few days, but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate - Darvaza. The views are impressive, especially at sunset and night, when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings.
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt or tent.
Camp - style breakfast.
10:00 Transfer from Darvaza gas crater to Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan border post Shavat ( closer to Khiva) or border post Hojeily ( closer to Nukus) by car (5 hours).
Border formalities ( visa/ passport control) on both sides.
The driver will meet at the Uzbekistan side of the land border.
Transfer to Khiva or Nukus
The end of the tour.
-The tour is published on June 16, 2026 and the rates as per program and conditions specified are actual for 180 days ( 6 month) from the date of publication.
All the rates will be subject to change if the request is after 180 days from date of publication because any changes in the seasonal tariffs for hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may cause the increase of rates.
- By request, the itineraries can be adjusted for solo traveller or family private tours, please note the tariffs for individual/ private tours may be higher than in group offers.
- If the hotels noted in the program are fully booked or not available for the dates in case of stop-sale dates/ temporary reconstruction works, booked for government delegation, etc.. Tour company reserves the right to book the other hotels of the same category and similar service in case of last-minute booking due to restricted time and high season intensity.
- We highly recommend early booking of Central Asia group tours, family tours about 9- 6 months before the tour dates, and not later than 3 months before the tour dates.
Please note, in case of late booking less than 3 month ahead and last-minute booking less than 10 days ahead the trip it is possible that the itineraries can be changed because of restricted time and high season availability of the hotels and train tickets for the date of booking/ for travel dates.
- Yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions. Single accommodation in the guesthouses, yurts and homestays is not guaranteed and will be subject of availability.
- Please note the international flights Tashkent – Bishkek/ Bishkek - Tashkent, Tashkent – Almaty/ Almaty - Tashkent, Almaty - Dushanbe/ Dushanbe – Almaty are regular flights but can be scheduled not every day, the program can be slightly adjusted as per actual flight details.
- Please confirm your return flights and provide full information ( flight details, passport copies and if required, other documents for visa support) to book the tours. We highly recommend acknowledging the necessary documentation before the trip: valid passport with expiration not later than 6-month, visa / e-visa/ LOI.
- Travel/ medical insurance is not included in the tour packages as it is not obligatory, but we highly recommend all tourists buying the travel/medical insurance in the country of residence.
- Please note that during the national holidays, during the big summits, fairs, festivals, major sport and cultural events, some parts of the roads can be temporarily blocked for delegations and events as per government decrees.
- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;
- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;
- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;
- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;
- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;
- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).
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