Darvaza Gas Crater guide
🇹🇲 Packing List
What to pack for Darvaza Gas Crater
In July, Darvaza Gas Crater is typically hot, typically dry (27–38°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Darvaza Gas Crater essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
- A scarf or shawl to cover hair where required
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- After-sun lotion
- Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover for freshest food. Avoid raw salads washed in tap water outside the city centre.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type C/F (two round pins). Voltage: 220V, 50Hz.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Turkmenistani Manat (TMT)
- Cash is widely accepted. International cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Carry local currency for...
Local know-how
- Do not consume alcohol in public — it is prohibited or heavily restricted
- Local SIM: Altyn Asyr (state monopoly). Limited 3G. Slow and monitored internet. VPNs unreliable.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
- Overpriced equipment rental — confirm what's included in tour package upfront
- July highlights: Very hot - afternoon rest common
Trip gear
- Cooling towel or portable fan