Day 1: Ashgabat to Darvaza
Land at Ashgabat International Airport and proceed to complete the airport's visa formalities, and pay in American dollars in cash. After receiving your visa at the Airport, you will take the COVID test there (at the Airport), which costs $35$. Pay in cash in American dollars. Be prepared that all these procedures will take you about 2 hours.
Ashgabat City Tour starts with the historical monument “Old Nisa” fortress, the capital of the Parthian Empire (since 2007, under the protection of UNESCO). The tour with a professional guide is one hour long.
After excursions in Old Nisa fortress, a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, a “Health” trail in the mountains.
Visit the monument to Neutrality and a monument to Independence, the Ferris wheel, a Wedding palace, the TV tower and other attractions of the city; the whole city is dressed in expensive white marble.
15.00 – Drive to Darvaza Gas crater.
On the way to Darvaza, visit the village of Erbent or Bahardok to observe the rural life of Turkmen people. Erbent, located in the heart of Turkmenistan about 3 hours north of Ashgabat, is a destination for those interested in the traditions of Turkmen nomads.
Explore the basic cultural evidence of Erbent, such as Felt products and carpets, camel milk, yurt life, hunting dogs, superstitions, and magical beliefs that make up pastoral life in Erbent.
Continue with moving to Darvaza, to the Water, Clay and Gas Crater. In the evening (20.00), enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the Gas Crater.
Arriving at the Gate before sunset is the best way to truly enjoy this end of the world. Only in the dark is the full beauty of this phenomenon revealed. Powerful gas exhausts emit huge tongues of red-blue flame several metres upward at various intervals, creating the illusion of something unreal, otherworldly.
Stay in a camp with tasty catering – dinner at picnic style - the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Observe the fantastic view of the crater during daylight and at night, feel the heat, and listen to the sound this giant oven creates.
Overnight at the camp.
Day 2: Darvaza to Ashgabat
06.00 - Early morning breakfast at the camp.
07.00 - Еarly departure from the camp, return to Ashgabat, travel time 5 hours, distance 270 km.
12.00 - Arrive at Ashgabat.
Transfer to International Airport.
End of the tour.
