TheDarvaza Gas Crater, often called the "Door to Hell" or "Gates of Hell," is top of most peoples bucket list when visiting Turkmenistan. Located in the heart of Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert, this fiery pit has been burning continuously for decades, creating an otherworldly spectacle, it’s easily reachable from Ashgabat. It’s one of the most unique sites in the world, and might not be around much longer - the current Turkmenistan government is trying to reduce the gas output for safety and financial reasons. Although the previous president did famously stage a spectacle at it, to dispel rumours that he was dead. YouTube video. President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov raced through the Karakum desert in a rally car, doing donuts around the Gates of Hell. CNN article. Although we don’t drive donuts around it, you can visit the Gates of Hell with TravelToTurkmenistan.co.uk.
The Darvaza Gas Crater wasn't always burning. In 1971, Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas in the Karakum Desert when they accidentally hit a cavern filled with methane gas. The ground beneath their drilling rig collapsed, creating a massive crater approximately 70 meters (230 feet) in diameter and 20 meters (66 feet) deep.
Fearing that the escaping methane gas would pose environmental and health risks, the Soviet scientists made a controversial decision: they set the crater on fire, expecting it to burn out within a few weeks. However, the gas reserves were much larger than anticipated, and the crater has been burning continuously ever since.
The crater gets its dramatic nickname "Door to Hell" from the local Turkmen people, who were awed by the seemingly eternal flames. In Turkmen, "Darvaza" means "gate" or "door," making the English translation particularly fitting for this fiery gateway to another world.
Most visitors to Darvaza start their journey in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital. The drive to the crater takes approximately 3-4 hours through the vast Karakum Desert. The route follows a combination of paved roads and desert tracks, offering stunning views of the endless sand dunes.
You can do a tour or self drive with a guide, from Khiva/Urgench (Dashoguz border crossing). It’s about a 4-5 hour drive to the crater through the Karakum desert. The roads are bad from Dashoguz on, for about 120km, it’s a graveyard for car and truck tyres, although the views are good, and it is possible in a normal car. Bring 2 spare tyres, as it’s a rough drive. The final 8km is desert tracks, although there is parking just off the main Ashgabat/Dashoguz road, where you can probably hitch a ride to the crater.
Organized Tours: The most reliable way to visit Darvaza is through an organized tour, such as TravelToTurkmenistan.co.uk. These typically include:
The journey to Darvaza is an adventure in itself. You'll pass through:
As you approach the crater, the first thing you'll notice is the orange glow on the horizon, visible even during daylight hours. The closer you get, the more surreal the experience becomes. The crater appears like a portal to another dimension, with flames dancing and flickering against the dark desert sky. During the day, many of the flames are invisible, as it’s burning natural gas that produces a hard to see flame, but at night, it becomes 100 times better.
Size and Scale: The crater is massive, about the size of a football field. You can stand close to the edge of the crater (At your own risk, we have to recommend staying behind the safety fence) and feel the sheer heat radiating from the flames below. The walls of the crater are composed of hardened clay and sand, creating a natural amphitheater for the fiery spectacle, and you can still see the wreckage of the original gasworks. The gas burns with varying intensity, creating a mesmerizing display of orange, yellow, and blue flames. The heat is intense, especially during the summer days, where temperatures outside can reach 45 degrees Celsius. There is a part of the crater protruding over the fires, where you can walk out above it, stretch your arms, and feel the hot air lifting your arms on each side of you.
Sunset and Night: The most magical time to experience Darvaza is during sunset and after dark. The flames become more visible and dramatic against the darkening sky, creating spectacle.
Weather Considerations: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter brings cold desert nights. Although winter has much less tourists, so there is a chance you’ll have the place to yourself.
To capture the best photos of Darvaza:
Always maintain a safe distance from the crater edge. The ground can be unstable, and the intense heat can cause equipment damage or personal injury.
Many visitors choose to camp in the yurts near the crater overnight, which provides the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of the Darvaza phenomenon. As the sun sets, the crater transforms into a natural light show, and the desert sky reveals countless stars. It is possible to do it in a day trip from Ashgabat or Uzbekistan, but it is a long day of 8-10 hours driving. There are several campsites to choose from, and your tour company will usually have a deal with one of them. The yurts are all within walking distance from the crater, and contain 4 beds in each, with covers and a pillow. They're certainly not the most luxorious, but have solar powered lighting. There is running water at most yurt sites, for brushing you teeth, washing up, etc. Our tours include a BBQ dinner, of your choosing.
The Darvaza Gas Crater burns primarily methane gas, along with smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons. The gas seeps from underground reservoirs through natural fractures in the Earth's crust.
While the burning gas does release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the crater has become an important tourist attraction that brings economic benefits to the region. Scientists continue to study the phenomenon to better understand natural gas reservoirs and their environmental implications.
For the local Turkmen people, Darvaza holds both practical and spiritual significance. While it represents a natural resource, it's also viewed with a sense of wonder and respect for the power of nature. It is one of the key aspects of Turkmen life - horses, carpets, and natural gas.
The crater has become an important part of Turkmenistan's tourism industry, helping to put the country on the map for adventurous travelers. It represents the country's unique natural wonders and geological diversity.
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The Turkmenistan government has made efforts to reduce the outflow of gas to the crater, and it has been mildly successful, with guides saying the flames are about half the size of what they were in the past. This is likely to continue, as it has environmental impacts and the gas is considered to be wasted.
Given the uncertain future of the Darvaza Gas Crater, visiting now ensures you can experience this unique natural wonder while it still exists, as the flames will only get lower. Even without government intervention, the flames will eventually recede.
Take the time to learn about Turkmen culture and history during your visit. The people of Turkmenistan are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. A visit to Ashgabat is recommended to really explore Turkmen culture and life, and Ashgabat is one of the most unique cities in the world.
There are other gas crater sites nearby, although not as spectacular as the gates of hell, they are worth a visit. There is a massive water crater, where the collapsed gas works went under the water table. Here you can still see the gas bubbling through the water. There is also the mud crater, where the crater initially had water, that has mostly evaporated now, and you can see small fires burning in the mud.
The Darvaza Gas Crater is more than just a tourist attraction - it's a testament to the power and mystery of our planet. Standing at the edge of this burning crater, you'll feel a connection to the Earth's geological processes and the incredible forces that shape our world.
Whether you're a photographer seeking the perfect shot, an adventurer looking for unique experiences, or simply someone who appreciates natural wonders, Darvaza offers an unforgettable journey to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
The "Door to Hell" may sound intimidating, but it's actually a gateway to understanding, wonder, and appreciation for the incredible diversity of our planet's natural phenomena. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this remarkable spectacle while you can.
Remember: The Darvaza Gas Crater is a natural phenomenon that should be respected and approached with caution. Always follow safety guidelines and respect the local environment during your visit.