Tour itinerary: Khiva – Kunya Urgench – Darwaza – Ashgabat
Season: all year round
Days: 3 | Nights: 2
Short Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva is a 3 day itinerart passing the land border Shavat, with excursions in Kunya Urgench and modern capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. Overnight in a yurt camp of picturesque Darwaza gas crater in the desert will be a life -memorable experience.
Enjoy a short journey to explore Turkmenistan pearls!
Meet the driver at the hotel lobby.
08:00 Transfer to Turkmen – Uzbek Border post Shavat/ Dashoguz.
Pass the border. Border passing formalities (passport and visa control might take 1 to 2 hrs depending on the customs formalities). Meet the guide and driver at Turkmen side of the border.
Transfer to Kunya – Urgench.
Start sightseeing tour with visiting
- Mausoleum of the founder of Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII C);
- Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym;
- Minaret Mamun (X-XI);
- Minaret Kutlug-Timur (XII-XIV c, 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 bookmark is roughly estimated by XI century).
- Transfer to Darvaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, 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 in sunset and night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings.
BBQ dinner and overnight stay in yurt or tent.
Breakfast at the yurt camp.
Transfer to Ashgabat, on arrival in Ashgabat start sightseeing:
- Ancient Nissa (18 km from Ashgabad) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of I millennium BC - I millennium BC).
- Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. It is considered the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousand people). There are a beautiful garden and fountains near the mosque.
- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque with four minarets reminding the Blu Mosque of Istanbul was built in honor of Ertogrul the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire,
- Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118 m column that is considered the highest building in the country);
- Neutrality Arch - a unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun;
- National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique expositions from Ancient Merv and Nissa.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
Early morning departure flight from Ashgabat.
End of the tour.
- Turkmenistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);
- Accommodation based on shared yurt/private tent in Darwaza camp (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow);
- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms in Ashgabat;
- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class/SUV transport as per road conditions including transfers to-from airports /borders;
- English-speaking local guide/s in Turkmenistan ( D1-D2);
- Meals: breakfast at hotel in Ashgabat; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp;
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums, and natural fees as per program;
- Tourist tax per person.
- International flights, internal flights in Uzbekistan;
- Accommodation in hotels in Uzbekistan, guide service in Uzbekistan ( can be offered as extra);
- Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent) and migration tax 10+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent);
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- Meals: lunches and dinners except those specified in the included section;
- VAT; personal/travel insurance; portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.
ACCOMMODATION
| CITY | STANDARD | COMFORT |
| DARWAZA | Yurt camp |
| ASHGABAT | Ak Altyn | Sport |
