Why Darvaza Gas Crater tours? Darvaza Gas Crater is widely known as the Gates of Hell. Deep in the heart of the Karakum Desert, north of Ashgabat, lies one of the world’s most surreal natural spectacles. Burning continuously for over 50 years, this massive fiery pit is not a monument or ancient ruin, but a raw force of nature. Standing at its edge at night, surrounded by endless desert, you feel an apocalyptic, almost otherworldly atmosphere that few places on Earth can match. Remote, wild, and completely real, Darvaza is the top reason to Turkmenistan.
As a licensed local Turkmenistan travel agency, we provide SAFE, LEGAL, and reliable access to this desert zone - something independent travelers cannot arrange alone.
Special Darvaza Experience for You: Desert Camp & BBQ
Darvaza tour is overnight desert adventure. Enjoy traditional Turkmen-style BBQ dinner prepared near the crater, then spend night in comfortable yurts/tents, experiencing nomadic life under star-filled sky. Wake early to watch sunrise over the golden dunes, when the desert feels silent, vast, and timeless.
Latest News! The Turkmenistan government has repeatedly announced plans to extinguish the fire or close the area for gas extraction. Darvaza may not remain accessible in the coming years. See it before it’s gone.
How to Arrange Your Darvaza Gas Crater Tour
1. From Ashgabat (capital to center Turkmenistan): The CLASSIC route. Plan 2 days for round trip. Drive about 272 km (4-5 hours) through the Karakum Desert, arriving before sunset. Watch the crater transform as darkness falls, enjoy dinner and overnight camping, then return to Ashgabat the next morning.
2. From Uzbekistan Dashoguz-Shavat Border (north Turkmenistan - center - capital): Traveling from Khiva? Cross into Turkmenistan via the Dashoguz–Shavat border. Our Turkmen guide meets you at the border, assists with all formalities, and drives you south across the desert to Darvaza for a dramatic night at the crater.
Why AOT for Your Darvaza Gas Crater Tours?
Mandatory LOI Support: You cannot obtain a Turkmenistan visa without a Letter of Invitation. We handle it for you.
Local Experts & 4×4 Vehicles: Licensed Turkmen guides, experienced desert drivers, and well-maintained 4WD vehicles - never stranded.
Best Camping Comfort: Carefully selected yurts and tents for the best possible desert stay.
Travel Your Way: Join small group (up to 16 travelers) for shared cost and fun, or choose private VIP tour.
Choose from our 10 Best Darvaza Gas Crater Tours below and experience one of Earth’s most extraordinary sights - safely, comfortably, and professionally. Explore now!

"Excellent Tour, best experience"
"A unique experience despite a difficult context thanks
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A private guided tour is the most popular way to visit the Darvaza Gas Crater. Visiting the crater typically requires an overnight camping stay.
How to select your itineraries? (1) The Classic Route (From Ashgabat): Most travelers begin in the capital, Ashgabat, for 2-5 day comprehensive tour of Turkmenistan. (2) The Cross-Border Route: If entering from Uzbekistan, choose a tour starting at Dashoguz–Shavat border that heads directly to the crater center. (3) The Grand Extension: Extend adventure to cover all major attractions, including Ancient Merv, Kunya-Urgench, spectacular Yangykala Canyon. Check your likes!
Asia Odyssey Travel understands the value of your budget. That’s why we’ve launched our exciting Darvaza Gas Crater GROUP tours. For 2026, select from 5 unique itineraries to witness the “Gates of Hell.” Our routes seamlessly link with Uzbekistan, with full support for all cross-border services. Whether you want quick trip or epic Five Stans journey, we offer the best AFFORDABLE prices and the fun of shared travel. Know more Turkmenistan Group Tours >>
The Darvaza Gas Crater is just one highlight of your Central Asia tour. Don’t waste your international flight - extend your trip and see more!
Tick off more bucket-list experiences: admire Uzbekistan’s domes in Bukhara and Samarkand; go horse riding and relax by the lakes in Kyrgyzstan; hike canyons and stroll through the City of Apples in Almaty (Kazakhstan). More scenery & authentic experiences await you in Central Asia!
Absolutely.Darvaza is worth it if you want once-in-a-lifetime desert highlight. The crater is most impressive after sunset, when the flames glow strongly and the desert becomes quiet and dramatic. It’s not a “museum-style” attraction - there are limited facilities and the experience is about the view + atmosphere.
The most comfortable seasons are spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October): pleasant days, cooler nights, better overall comfort. Summer can be extremely hot (often exceeding 40°C (104°F)) and winter nights can be very cold and windy. No matter the season, the best viewing is sunset to night - plan to arrive before sunset and stay into full darkness for the strongest effect.
The most reliable way is a private tour/transfer with a 4x4 vehicle, because the last part often involves off-road tracks and sand. Driving time is usually about 3.5–5 hours one way, depending on road and weather. A classic plan is: leave Ashgabat in the afternoon, arrive before sunset, visit at night, overnight near the crater, then return the next morning.
From Kunya-Urgench (near Dashoguz), the practical choice is also a private 4x4 transfer/tour. You typically route via Dashoguz and then head toward the Derweze area, with the final section off-road. Expect roughly 4–6 hours one way, depending on the exact start point and track conditions. This route works well when you combine Kunya-Urgench + Darvaza + Ashgabat in one itinerary.
One overnight stay is the perfect duration. Most travelers prefer overnight stay, because the crater looks strongest at night and the desert sky adds a lot to the experience. For comfortable pacing, plan arrive before sunset → stay 2–3 hours after dark → overnight → leave next morning.
Camping is usually simple and desert-style. Facilities are limited (often basic toilets; showers are not guaranteed), but the reward is the night view, stars, and quiet Karakum desert feeling. Nights can be windy and temperatures drop fast, so warmth matters. Safety is important: always keep a safe distance from the crater edge, especially in the dark, and follow the guide’s instructions.
Wear layers: light, breathable clothing for the day and a warm layer for the night; add a windproof jacket if possible. Choose long pants and closed-toe shoes with grip to handle sand, rocks, and wind. Pack essentials for remote conditions: headlamp/flashlight, water, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), wet wipes/hand sanitizer, power bank, and any personal medicine. A scarf or buff is useful for dust and wind, and a small snack can help due to long drive.

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