Nature & DesertKhiva · Turkmenistan

Journey to the Darvaza Gas Crater

A 2-day journey from Khiva to the famous Darvaza gas crater — one of Central Asia's most striking natural wonders. Known to Turkmens as "Yalkym" ("spark of the Karakum desert"), the crater has been burning continuously for over 50 years. Along the way you'll stop in the village of Erbent, where the traditional lifestyle of Turkmen nomads is preserved, and in the evening share a barbecue dinner in a real Turkmen yurt under the starry sky of the Karakum desert.

Highlights

The famous burning Darvaza crater ("Gate to Hell")
Overnight stay in a traditional Turkmen yurt
Stop in the village of Erbent — Turkmen nomadic lifestyle
Barbecue dinner under the open sky of the Karakum desert
Guide accompaniment throughout, including at the border

Day-by-day itinerary

Transfer from Khiva to the Turkmen-Uzbek Shavat border, group meeting. Lunch in Dashoguz, then drive to the Darvaza gas crater (250 km, 4–4.5 hours) with a stop in the village of Erbent. In the evening — view the blazing crater and enjoy a barbecue dinner in a Turkmen yurt (8:00–9:00 PM).

Early breakfast, drive to Dashoguz, transfer to the Shavat border, assistance with border formalities, and transfer back to Khiva. Tour ends.