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Ashgabat to Khiva via Darvaza – 3 Day Tour
Turkmenistan
Real itineraryCustomizable datesPrice confirmed after inquiry
Ashgabat to Khiva via Darvaza – 3 Day Tour
Duration: 3 Days
Travel style: Private
Route: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Shavat Border / Khiva Gateway
Support: LOI support, private guide, Darvaza yurt camp & border transfer
Ashgabat to Khiva via Darvaza Tour Overview
This compact 3-day private journey connects Ashgabat with the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border at Shavat, making it a convenient route for travelers continuing onward to Khiva. Along the way, the tour combines the modern landmarks of Ashgabat with one of Turkmenistan’s most famous desert experiences.
Highlights include Ashgabat’s white-marble monuments, an introduction to the renowned Akhalteke horse breed, a local bazaar visit, the Karakum Desert and an evening at the Darvaza Gas Crater with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt or private tent.
The tour includes Letter of Invitation support, private transportation, an English-speaking guide, sightseeing entrance fees, daily drinking water and the Darvaza desert camp experience. It is especially suitable for travelers combining Turkmenistan with Uzbekistan and continuing from the Shavat border toward Khiva.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Ashgabat – City Highlights and Akhalteke Horses
Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport, where you will be met by the local team and transferred to your hotel with early check-in arranged according to the program. Enjoy some free time before beginning an afternoon sightseeing tour of Turkmenistan’s capital. See key landmarks including the Wedding Palace, Yildyz Hotel, Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Independence Monument and Park, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium and the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Later, visit a horse stable to learn about the famous Akhalteke horse, one of the strongest symbols of Turkmen heritage and a breed developed in the region over many centuries. Overnight at the hotel in Ashgabat.
Day 2 Ashgabat Bazaar – Karakum Desert – Darvaza Gas Crater
After breakfast, check out from the hotel around noon. Depending on the operating day, visit the Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar, a large open market known for carpets, textiles, jewelry, traditional clothing and other local goods. When Altyn Asyr Bazaar is closed, visit Gulistan Bazaar in central Ashgabat, where travelers can explore food stalls, spices, dried fruits, clothing and souvenir shops. In the afternoon, leave Ashgabat and drive approximately 276 km across the Karakum Desert to Darvaza. Visit the famous burning gas crater and, when local conditions allow, see the nearby water and mud craters as well. In the evening, enjoy the desert atmosphere as the crater glows after sunset. Dinner is served as a barbecue at the camp. Overnight in a traditional Turkmen yurt or private tent near Darvaza.
Day 3 Darvaza – Dashoguz Region – Shavat Border
Enjoy a simple picnic-style breakfast at the desert camp. After breakfast, depart Darvaza and travel north toward the Dashoguz region and the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border at Shavat, approximately 309 km away. On arrival at the border, complete the Turkmenistan-side departure formalities. The Belet Travel service concludes at the Shavat border, from where travelers can continue onward to Khiva with their separately arranged Uzbekistan-side transfer.
What is Included
- Letter of Invitation support, including State Registration and Travel Pass arrangements where applicable
- Ak Altyn 3-star BB hotel allocation in Ashgabat – 2 nights, including the early check-in arrangement according to the program
- One night at the Darvaza desert camp in a traditional yurt or private tent, including sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows and basic lighting
- English-speaking escort guide service
- Transportation according to the itinerary using air-conditioned regular road vehicles and 4x4 vehicles where terrain requires
- Entrance fees for sightseeing places mentioned in the program
- Meals: hotel breakfast and barbecue dinner at Darvaza, as specified in the itinerary
- 1.5 liters of bottled water per person per day
- Travel tax
Not Included
- International flights
- Turkmenistan visa and border fees, approximately USD 70–100 depending on current procedures
- PCR or other health-related tests if required at the time of travel
- Photo and video fees where applicable
- Lunches and dinners not specifically listed as included
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Medical or travel insurance
- Uzbekistan-side transfer from Shavat border to Khiva unless booked separately
- Personal expenses and services not shown in the program
Ashgabat to Khiva via Darvaza – 3 Days Tour Route Map
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Before arrival and throughout your journey, our team coordinates the local arrangements and remains available when you need assistance.
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Payment & cancellation terms
10% deposit · Balance due 15 days before departure · Clear cancellation conditions
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FAQ
Is this tour suitable for travelers continuing to Khiva?
Yes. The route finishes at the Shavat Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border, which is commonly used by travelers continuing toward Khiva. The Uzbekistan-side transfer should be arranged separately unless it is added to your booking.
Which hotel is included in the listed price?
The listed price is based on Ak Altyn 3-star BB hotel in Ashgabat. Sport 4-star and Archabil 5-star hotel upgrades are available on request.
Why does the price include two hotel nights on a 3-day itinerary?
The source quotation is based on a two-night hotel allocation in Ashgabat, which includes the early check-in arrangement on arrival before the first day’s sightseeing.
Is the Letter of Invitation included?
Yes. Letter of Invitation support and related local arrangements listed in the program are included. Turkmenistan visa and border fees are paid separately.
Where do we stay at Darvaza?
The Darvaza overnight is at a simple desert camp in a traditional Turkmen yurt or private tent. Sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows and basic lighting are provided according to the program.
Which bazaar will we visit in Ashgabat?
Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar is visited when it is open. According to the source program, it operates on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. On other days, Gulistan Bazaar can be visited instead.
Are the driving times exact?
No. Driving times are approximate and may vary because of road conditions, traffic, border procedures and stops along the route.
Should I carry cash in Turkmenistan?
Yes. The source program recommends carrying cash because card payments may not work in many places. Small US dollar banknotes in good condition are useful for visa, border and other local procedures.
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