Ashgabat to Konye Urgench is 550 km more or less, Darvaza is right in the middle.
In 2010 it was all tarmac, very good except for the last 80 km close to Konye Urgench, wich was still tarmac but in bad conditions.
Is doable in one day, but the best thing is to depart from Ashgabat in the late morning, sleep close to Darvaza (in tent or asking in the white houses you'll see around the road) and go to Konye Urgench the next morning.
As for fuel, there is a Gas Station in Yerbent, almost 2/3 from Ashgabat to Darvaza, but you can also find it on the black market, sold in bottles, north of Darvaza.
They will sell you insurance at the border when you enter the country.
No Hotel recommendation in Ashgabat from me: I don't remember the name of the one I sleeped, but I would not recommend it:-)
|