2-Day Tour to Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench And Darvaza

Exploring the 2-Day Tour to Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench, and Darvaza

If you’re craving an adventure that combines history, surreal landscapes, and a touch of the extraordinary, this 2-day tour in Turkmenistan could be just what you’re looking for. Offered by Asman Tourism, this journey promises a glimpse into ancient architecture, the vast desert scenery, and the famous “Gates of Hell” crater—all in a compact itinerary.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert-guided visits to UNESCO-listed Kunya Urgench with its impressive minarets and mausoleums. Second, the breathtaking experience of witnessing the Darvaza Gas Crater, a fiery hole in the earth that’s been burning for decades. Lastly, the chance to enjoy a camping night under the stars with a dinner right beside this natural spectacle.

That said, a potential challenge is the long drive—around five hours each way—through the desert, which might not suit everyone’s pace. Also, travelers should be prepared for additional costs like visas, Covid testing, and park entry fees.

This experience appeals most to those interested in offbeat destinations, road trip enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Turkmenistan’s lesser-visited sites. If you’re comfortable with simple accommodations and a bit of adventure, this tour offers great value and unforgettable sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Authentic cultural experience with guides who are knowledgeable and attentive.
• Stunning landscapes, from ancient city ruins to the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater.
• Cost considerations include extra fees for visas, Covid tests, and meals.
• Camping overnight near the crater offers a rare opportunity for star-gazing.
• Long travel days involve several hours on the road through the desert.
• Suitable for adventurous travelers, history buffs, and landscape lovers.

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Turkmenistan Tour

Starting Point: Border Crossing and Formalities

The journey begins with your guide meeting you at the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which is a crucial step in making this trip smooth. The guide is responsible for helping you navigate the border formalities, which can sometimes include a quick Covid test—costing around $30—and paying in US Dollars. Travelers have noted that having the correct paperwork, such as two passport-sized photos, helps avoid delays.

The border crossing can be a bit of an adventure in itself, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the procedures, but having a knowledgeable guide makes this process more straightforward. They also handle the logistics, so you can focus on the impending sights.

Day 1: Exploring Kunya Urgench and Journey to Darvaza

Once through customs, your day kicks off with a drive north toward Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO-listed site that was once the capital of the Khorezm region. The drive offers a chance to settle into the landscape of Turkmenistan’s desert interiors, with many reviewers noting the beautiful desert vistas and an appreciation for how vast and unspoiled this land feels.

In Kunya Urgench, you’ll visit a series of remarkable monuments: mausoleums of Nejmeddin al-Kubra and Tyurabek Khanum, the towering minaret of Kutlug Timur—the tallest in Central Asia—and the Il-Alp-Arslan monument. Guides are praised for their depth of knowledge here, sharing stories about the history and significance of each site, which enhances the experience beyond just sightseeing.

While some travel reviews mention that the sites can be quite weathered or less restored than other UNESCO sites, this adds a layer of authenticity. You’re walking through a place that truly feels like stepping back in time, away from the crowds.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Long Drive to Darvaza

After the morning sightseeing, you’ll embark on a 5-hour drive across the Karakum desert to Darvaza. The journey is part of the adventure—expect vast, open landscapes stretching to the horizon, with occasional Bedouin-style camps or nomad herds. The guide might share insights about the region’s geology and history, making the drive more engaging.

Several reviewers have pointed out that the vehicle’s air conditioning is a lifesaver during the daytime heat—an essential comfort. The drive is slow-paced, offering plenty of opportunities for photos, especially of the desert’s changing light.

The Highlight: Darvaza Gas Crater at Sunset

Arriving at Darvaza in the late afternoon, you’re greeted with the sight of the famous Gas Crater, a huge, continuously burning hole in the earth. The sight of the flaming crater at sunset is truly mesmerizing. It’s an iconic image, and the fact that it’s been burning for decades makes it even more surreal.

You can spend time observing the crater in daylight, feeling the heat emanating from the flames, and listening to the crackling sound of the burning gases. Guides often describe this as “like standing next to a giant oven,” and many comments acknowledge that this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Camping Experience: Under the Starry Sky

This tour’s unique appeal lies in spending the night in a camp right beside the crater. Most reviews describe the camping setup as simple but comfortable—tents or yurts with basic amenities, but enough to enjoy a cozy night. The dinner, a fire-cooked meal, adds a rustic charm, with some reviewers noting the deliciousness of the local cuisine prepared on open flames.

The highlight? Watching the stars unfold overhead, with the roaring crater providing a fiery glow that makes the night feel both humbling and extraordinary. Some travelers mention that falling asleep under the vast, starry sky is an experience they won’t forget.

Day 2: Breakfast and Return to Dashoguz

Waking up early, you’ll enjoy a simple breakfast before heading back east toward Dashoguz. The return trip offers a different perspective on the landscape and a chance to reflect on what you’ve seen.

Once in Dashoguz, you might have some free time or optional stops depending on your schedule. The city itself isn’t the highlight, but it serves as a practical endpoint for the tour.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is priced at $495 per person, which encompasses the guided service, transportation, and daily water. The cost is reasonable considering the inclusions, but travelers should budget extra for visa fees, entry tickets, meals, and additional services. The visa fee varies from $55 to $85, depending on your nationality, and the Covid test adds around $30.

Transport is described as air-conditioned, which is a welcome feature given the desert heat, and the group size tends to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention from guides.

Accommodation for the night is camping—either in yurts or tents—so travelers should be prepared for basic but authentic lodging. If you’re used to luxury, this might seem rustic; if you’re open to adventure, it’s part of the charm.

The tour’s flexibility is notable, with the option to reserve and pay later, giving you a chance to plan ahead while keeping your schedule adaptable.

Considerations and Tips

Travelers should be aware of the long drives, so packing snacks and entertainment is advisable. Also, because entry to monuments and other sites might require additional fees or camera charges, bringing some cash in local or US dollars is recommended.

The tour isn’t suitable for young children or those with specific health conditions like diabetes, and pregnant travelers should consider the physical demands. Also, it’s essential to bring a photo for border formalities.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This 2-day adventure offers an exciting blend of history, natural wonder, and desert adventure in Turkmenistan. It’s ideal for adventurous souls eager to explore beyond typical tourist paths, especially those interested in ancient architecture and surreal landscapes. The experience of camping near the Darvaza Crater adds a layer of authenticity and thrill that appeals to travelers seeking memorable, off-the-beaten-path trips.

While the long drives and basic accommodations might not suit everyone, those with a spirit of discovery and curiosity about the Turkmen desert will find tremendous value here. The knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas make this tour a solid choice for anyone wanting to step into a land where natural phenomena and ancient ruins coexist in a quiet, awe-inspiring way.

This journey isn’t just about seeing sights; it’s about feeling like you’ve truly experienced a piece of a seldom-visited country, with moments that will stay with you long after your return.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers guides for 2 days, transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, and daily bottled water. Meals, entry tickets, visas, and additional services are extra.

How long is the drive to Darvaza?
Expect about five hours each way through the Karakum Desert, offering a scenic, if lengthy, journey between the sites.

Is camping comfortable?
Camping is described as simple but cozy, with tents or yurts and basic amenities. The experience emphasizes authentic desert life with a memorable night under the stars.

Are there any additional costs to consider?
Yes, visas ($55–$85), entry tickets to sites, Covid testing ($30), and meals are not included. Be sure to budget for these extras.

What should I bring for border formalities?
You’ll need two passport-sized photos (5×6) for entry, and having your visa and travel documents ready helps streamline border crossing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 2 years old, babies under 1, or travelers with certain health conditions like diabetes. It’s best suited for adventurous, fit travelers prepared for long drives and camping.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear sense of what to expect from this unique Turkmenistan adventure. With its combination of history, natural spectacle, and authentic camping, it promises an experience of a lifetime for the curious and adventurous.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby