Highway to HELL Ultra Cycle (Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan)

Turkmenistan

JW
John Ward
  • Email address verified
17 reviews
Aug 15 - 19, 2025
Group size: 1 - 18
Highway to HELL Ultra Cycle (Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan)
Turkmenistan

John Ward
  • Email address verified
17 reviews

Aug 15 - 19, 2025
Group size: 1 - 18

About this trip

What is this 'HIGHWAY TO HELL ULTRACYCLE' all about?!

A couple of things. Seeing the Gates of Hell before they close. Tick. 

Visiting one of the least visited countries in the world. Tick. 

But... earning your right to see them, by cycling 300km from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's Capital, to the Gates of Hell over 2 days. 



BUT WHY?!

My 2 passions in life are fitness and REAL adventure. They bring about true self-development. So it's time to bring them together and share them with the world. 


I have been organising epic group trips to wild countries over the last decade, to places like Central African Republic, Mali, Afghanistan, Yemen and I feel a huge sense of privilege being able to show people these wild places, that perhaps otherwise they wouldn't venture too.


As I've been doing that, I've been doing all the crazy stuff physical challenges above, and I knew how beneficial those experiences have been to me. How huge a part they've played in me becoming who I am. Of me feeling fulfilled, content. How it's help keep me motivated to become financially free, but also to know I'm reaching my potential. Even though most of the experiences are absolute torture while I do them!


So, now, since turning 40 this year. I want to share that with the world. I want to show people that I'm not special. I'm not some elite athlete. I'm just a guy who decided to do some epic stuff. Then some more, and more. And now I'm here. I want to create an event where you'll be the hero of the story. Not some guy or girl you follow on line. 


So sure, 300km off road will be hell. But you'll be a legend when you finish it. And finish it you will. So come with me. 

The first edition of HIGHWAY TO HELL ULTRACYCLE is this AUGUST, 2025. It will be a yearly event, hopefully a huge one in years to come. Come suffer with me on the first one. 



How Does the Ultra Cycle Work?


Basically, all the 'athletes' (cough, cough) start on Race Day 1 at the same starting point, around sunrise. We have approximately 150km (around 100 miles) to get through today, before sunset. 


We'll all be competing at different speeds (from SUPER SLOW to something marginally faster than super slow) and we'll all eventually all meet at Camp at the end of race day 1. Where our time is logged. You then eat together, cry together, and sleep in the pre-setup tents. 


Race day 2, sunrise again, we eat brekkie together, meet at the start point, hear the buzzer, and go again. 150km more today. Meeting at the GATES OF HELL 5-15 hours later, depending on your speed. 


Your time upon arrival at camp is logged, and added to yesterday's time and you are done!

Celebrate in a world of pain and pride. You're officially a legend. Let's get drunk.

Is the race self-sufficient?

NO! I've competed in self-sufficient races before, and I hate them. 


A self-sufficient race is a race where you have to bring EVERYTHING for the enroute duration of the race. All your food, all your sleeping stuff, all your gear. 3,4 or 5 days worth. The bag is heavy. It's uncomfortable. 


So, when designing my own events, I want to make it more enjoyable. Why? firstly, our race doesn't follow any 'easy route'. Lot is off-road, so we have spare bicycles, a mechanic, and water anytime you need. 


So our local Turkmen team set up a wonderful camp for us each night. They provide delicious local fare, both for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. The camp will be waiting for us as we hobble into camp. E


How About Water?

There are water stations, with flags, on the route every 30km. You can refill at will. 

Won't we get lost?

It's (almost) impossible. We have a team of  off-road vehicles driving back and forth the 150km route each day. 

So you literally go in one direction the whole time. Your compass can't fail you there. 

You only have to make it 30km until the next check-point. All good.

How about Medical Care?

Your ass will get chewed up. That's a fact folks. We have a nurse at camp each night, staying with us, who tends to all our wounds at will. 

We also have a doctor on call. 

Why visit Turkmenistan?

Join My Turkmenistan Tour, including the GATES OF HELL BEFORE THEY CLOSE!

TLDR? The gates of hell are closing! We don't know if it's 2025, 2026 or 2027, but there is now a permanent base beside the Gates of Hell where engineers are actively trying to shut them down. So come and join me, it may be your last chance!!
Turkmenistan Tour time! Ever since I first visited Turkmenistan, and made a very shaky youtube video about the Gates of Hell, I've had people email me asking if I could finally organise a onestep4ward trip there, so here it is. Turkmenistan is actually the 10th least visited country in the world, with a tricky visa situation and a government who couldn't care less about tourist dollars. So historically it hasn't been the easiest place to visit. That's where I come in though folks, so jump on board and let's go together. 


For hardcore travelers, there are 2 main reasons. It's one of the least visited countries in the world, which is already pretty cool. And then of course, Turkmenistan is famous for their Gates of Hell. And my Turkmenistan tour, of course, focuses on that. But that's not the only reason to visit Turkmenistan. For me there are 3 epic places to visit in this secretive central Asian nation. 


  • The Gates of Hell. Come and see them soon! The rumours are that they're due to close it any time!
  • Ashgabat, the futuristic capital city. One of the strangest cities in the world. Just wait and see. 
  • Yangy Kala Canyon. Central Asia's answer to the grand canyon, and including a cool overnight train to traverse the country, to the coast of the Caspian Sea, to reach it!

There are some other spots around the country that are historic, and hold cultural significance too. But my trips are more focused on crazy adventures so I've tailored this tour to include the 3 coolest places and try to keep the cost, and time, down. I know a lot of the people who travel with me have the same outlook, so I hope this works for all you guys too!

What are the Gates of Hell?

The Derweza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell, is a natural gas field in Turkmenistan that collapsed into an underground cavern in 1971, creating a large crater approximately 70 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep. In an effort to prevent the release of toxic gases, Soviet scientists set the crater on fire, hoping that the gas would burn off within a few weeks. However, the fire has been burning continuously for over 50 years, creating a spectacular and eerie sight that draws visitors from around the world. The area around the crater is now a popular tourist attraction and has been dubbed the "Gates of Hell" due to the infernal flames that never go out.

HOW TO GET TO TURKMENISTAN?

You're welcome to land any time on August 15th and my team will meet you at the airport. If you want to come a day earlier to prepare for the cycle, that's fine too. Let me know in advance so I can organise the permits, the hotel and the airport transfer. It's about an additional $100-$150 for all that. 


Flights to Turkmenistan are super limited. And the few that do exist arrive at awful times. Most of us will probably fly via Istanbul or Dubai, and land at a god-awful hour, similar to my Mauritania trips. 

Don't worry, airport pick-ups are still organised even if it's the middle of the night!

IS TURKMENISTAN SAFE?

Safe doesn't even come close. I'll avoid getting political as the permits are hard enough to get, but let's just say everyone obeys the law in Turkmenistan, and leave it at that. As we say in Ireland, "safe as houses"

What’s included

  • Letter of Invitation
    And all help with the visa, so you can get it when you land in the airport
  • All transport
    Includes buses, over night trains, and even a domestic flight!
  • Local guide
    Artem, my buddy from my first time here
  • Night train
    Ashgabat to Turkmenabashi sleeper train
  • Domestic flight
    The train one-way will be enough, we're cheating on the way back.
  • All accomodation
    It can be a little rough and ready but it's in hotels
  • Camping
    One night by the crater (tents and sleeping bags provided)

What’s not included

  • Visa fee
    Pay on arrival depending on nationality. $50-$100 for most people
  • COVID costs
    Right now, Turkmenistan is requiring testing for flights etc, so we may have to test occasionally.
  • Video/Photo fees
    Officially you need these when asked, you may have to pay a fee (I've never had to though)
  • Lunches and Dinners
    We'll eat in local places, expect maybe $10 a meal or so. Can be less if you're on a budget.

Available Packages

Trip Price
Deposit:$250
$2,499
Deposit:$250

Available options

NIGHT-TRAIN AND CASPIAN SEA ADD ON
$749

If, after the cycle, you're not ready to go home. Come join me on an epic night train ride, traversing the whole of Turkmenistan. Ending up on the Caspian Sea, in the city of Turkemenbashi.


Here, we'll go offroad to check out Central Asia's (slightly more humble, but A LOT less visited) answer to the Grand Canyon, Yangky Kala. 


One night in Turkmenbashi. And the next morning we fly back to Ashgabat, the capital. One day to decompress, relax (or run around for yet more sightseeing) before a final posh dinner at a rooftop restaurant to sign this expedition off in style. 

Single Supplement
$349

If you don't want to share a room, you can choose this option

Bicycle Rental
$199

You can bring your own bike on the plane if you wish. 


Or you can rent one from my team in Turkmenistan. To rent it, it's quite pricey as I'm not actually renting it, I have to buy them. 

Itinerary

DAY 1 (August 15)
Arrive in Turkmenistan

You can arrive anytime on August 15th. Ideally early so you can prep and be ready for Day 1 of the cycle tomorrow. 


If you need to come one day early, that's possible too. Message me and I can help organise. 

Your Organizer


JW
John Ward
17 reviews
Irish blogger @ onestep4ward.com. Every country in the world, 7 summits, North and South Pole. Now helping some crazy friends go to places they probably shouldn't.

Reviews

Loved it!! 5 packed days, great group of traveller's, one of the most intriguing travel experiences, Johnny was brilliant as usual. Anyone reading this and undecided about doing this one... don't think, just do it. You won't regret it.
By Aavishkar M for Turkmenistan (and the Gates of Hell) on Sep 23, 2024
Everything about Mauritania was perfect; the group, the experience, the country and its people. Nothing that I expected but everything that I wanted. Thank you Johnny and team.
By Aavishkar M for Mauritania & The Iron Ore Train on Dec 30, 2023
I absolutely loved this tour of Mauritania. The people in our group were phenomenal, the locals are probably the most kind and welcoming people I’ve ever met. And the train was epic of course :) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Courtney J for Mauritania & The Iron Ore Train on Dec 18, 2023
Amazing in every way!! Spending time exploring an amazing country with fantastic people. We always felt looked after so well. Brilliant trip!!
By Janice B for Mauritania & The Iron Ore Train on Dec 14, 2023
I admittedly don't usually love tours, but Johnny nailed every part of this trip once again and he has a brilliant skill in making everyone feel included while having one of the wildest adventures in a friendly and fun country.
By Anthony M for Mauritania & The Iron Ore Train on Dec 14, 2023
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