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.
- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;
- Please note that the tour price does not include seasonal VAT 15 %, VAT can be added to the basic tour price.
- 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).
16 days, from: $3030
Season: March - October
15 days, from: $5000
Season: March - October
10 days, from: $1535
Season: all year round
1 days, from: $150
Season: March - November
16 days, from: $2595
Season: March - November
8 days, from: $1385
Season: March - November
