Darvaza Gas Crater - Door to Hell
Darvaza Gas Crater - the Man-Made Geological Wonder of the Karakum
The Darvaza Gas Crater is one of the most mystical and captivating places on Earth. Located in the heart of Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert, the crater has been burning continuously for nearly 55 years. Both fascinating and eerie, it draws visitors from around the world and sparks intense debate. While some argue that the flames should be extinguished, others believe this unique man-made geological wonder should be preserved for its immense tourism potential.
Discover the history and significance of this remarkable phenomenon with our comprehensive Darvaza Gas Crater travel guide, which also includes essential travel tips to help you plan your visit.
Main Facts About the Darvaza Gas Crater
- Darvaza Gas Crater "Door to Hell" Location
The Darvaza Gas Crater is situated in the central part of Turkmenistan, within the Karakum Desert in Dashoguz province. It lies approximately 270 km north of Ashgabat.
Darvaza Gas Crater latitude and longitude: 40.25250088846401° N, 58.43926220114535° E
The crater is called Darvaza because it was named after a nearby settlement that existed at the site until 2004. - Why is it Called the "Door to Hell"?
The Darvaza Crater earned the nickname "Door to Hell" due to the eerie and dramatic sight of flames erupting from beneath the ground. However, in Turkmenistan, it is known by a less ominous name: "Garagum Yalkymy", meaning "Desert Flame". - Why is the Darvaza Gas Crater Still Burning?
The crater remains constantly aflame due to a massive underground methane deposit. The gas seeps to the surface, igniting to form hundreds of individual flames. While most of these fires are relatively small, some can reach heights of 10-15 meters. - A Unique Geological Phenomenon
Darvaza is the only permanently burning gas crater in the world. Other naturally occurring burning sites are typically found in mountainous or hilly regions, such as:
The Yanar-dag Mountain in Azerbaijan;
Yanartaş in Turkey;
Wingen Mountain in Australia;
The Smoky Hills in Canada. - Extreme Temperatures
The temperature inside the Darvaza Gas Crater can reach up to 1,000°C, comparable to the heat used in industrial metal smelting furnaces. - How Deep is the Darvaza Gas Crater?
Darvaza is the largest gas crater by area:
Circumference: Over 200 meters
Diameter: Approximately 70 meters
Total area: More than 2,800 m²
Depth: Up to 20 meters
Unlike typical gas craters, which tend to be deeper with a smaller surface area, Darvaza has a relatively shallow depth but a much larger diameter. For example, Siberian gas craters are usually about 50 meters deep but only 20 meters in diameter. - Other Nearby Craters
There are other craters in the Darvaza area, but they contain much less gas. Among them are the Mud Crater and the Water Crater. While these neighboring formations are intriguing, they lack the fiery spectacle that makes the Darvaza Gas Crater one of the world's most extraordinary natural phenomena.
Can You Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater?
The Darvaza Gas Crater is one of Turkmenistan’s most iconic tourist attractions. Often referred to as the country's calling card, it draws around 10,000 visitors annually.
Unlike many natural landmarks worldwide, Darvaza offers a raw and untouched experience. There are no paid parking lots, walking paths, fences, or souvenir stalls - just the vast, silent expanse of the Karakum Desert, stretching for miles in every direction.
Darvaza Gas Crater Tours
One- or Two-Day Trips from Ashgabat - While visiting Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, you can take a short excursion to the Darvaza Crater. For a more immersive experience, you can stay overnight at the nearby Yurt camp, where you can witness the crater’s mesmerizing glow under the night sky.
Two-Day Trips from Uzbekistan - If you are traveling in Uzbekistan, you can also visit Darvaza from Khiva. Though the distance is slightly greater than from Ashgabat, this side trip is well worth it. Along the way, you’ll traverse the unique landscapes of the Karakum Desert and experience one of Turkmenistan’s most extraordinary sights.
Best Time to Visit Darvaza Gas Crater
The ideal time to visit the Darvaza Gas Crater is in April or October, when temperatures are mild and comfortable. During these months, both the area surrounding the crater and the yurt camp provide a pleasant experience. Many tours are scheduled during this period.
May & September: The weather remains manageable, with average temperatures around 35°C. While warm, it is still bearable for visitors.
June to August (Summer): These are the hottest months, with temperatures soaring up to 50°C, and the ground heating up to 80°C. The extreme heat, combined with the crater’s blazing fire, makes summer the least favorable time for a visit. However, if you must travel during this period, we still organize limited tours in July and August, ensuring comfortable conditions with water, air-conditioned transport, and other amenities.
Apart from choosing the right season, the time of day also plays a crucial role in experiencing Darvaza’s full effect.
Under the bright sun, the crater may appear as nothing more than a large hole in the ground, failing to live up to its eerie nickname, the “Door to Hell”.
Evening and night are the best times to witness Darvaza’s otherworldly beauty. As darkness falls, the hundreds of flames flickering inside the crater become vividly visible, creating a truly mesmerizing and unforgettable sight. Arriving before sunset allows you to watch the crater gradually come to life against the backdrop of a setting sun.
What is the Story Behind the Darvaza Gas Crater?
The origins of the Darvaza Gas Crater date back to 1971, when the area was still covered with a solid layer of earth, blending seamlessly into the surrounding desert. At that time, the nearby village of Darvaza was home to locals who had no idea that their village’s name would soon become famous worldwide.
During a Soviet-era gas exploration mission, a team of geologists began drilling in the area, searching for natural gas fields. However, as the work progressed, the ground beneath them unexpectedly collapsed, creating a massive crater. Fortunately, no one was injured, but large amounts of methane gas began leaking into the air.
To prevent the risk of methane poisoning for locals, the geologists made a bold decision: they set the crater on fire, expecting the gas to burn out completely within a few days. However, the fire never went out. Instead, the crater continued to burn for years - and still burns today.
In 2004, Turkmenistan’s then-leader, Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashi), ordered the relocation of the Darvaza village to another area. However, the gas crater remained untouched and has continued to burn ceaselessly ever since.
In 2013, National Geographic launched an expedition to study the crater’s long-term sustainability. Their findings confirmed that Darvaza has vast gas reserves, meaning it could potentially burn for hundreds of years if left undisturbed.
However, the environmental impact of the Darvaza Gas Crater is a growing concern. Burning methane contributes to climate change, and discussions about whether to extinguish the crater have taken place both in Turkmenistan and internationally.
In 2024, the Turkmen government once again announced its intention to put out the fire, but no final decision has been made. As a result, the debate continues: Should Darvaza be extinguished, or should it remain as one of the world’s most unique geological wonders? The answer remains uncertain.
Top 7 things to Do on a Trip to the Darvaza Gas Crater
Darvaza offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing the opportunity to experience one of the world’s largest sandy deserts, admire the mesmerizing burning crater, and immerse yourself in local traditions.
Here are the Top 7 things to do on a trip to the Darvaza Gas Crater:
1. Experience the Vastness and Tranquility of the Karakum Desert
Darvaza gas crater is located hundreds of kilometers away from any major city, making it the perfect place to enjoy silence, solitude, and the beauty of the desert landscape.
2. Watch the Sunset Over the Blazing Crater & Capture Stunning Photos
As the sun sets, the flames of the crater become even more vivid against the darkening sky, creating a surreal and unforgettable sight. This is the perfect time to take breathtaking photographs of the "Door to Hell".
3. Stay Overnight in the Yurt Camp & Experience Turkmen Culture
Spending a night in a traditional yurt near the crater allows you to experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle of the Turkmen people. The clear desert skies also provide excellent stargazing opportunities.
4. Try Authentic Turkmen Cuisine
At the restaurant in the Yurt Camp, you can enjoy traditional Turkmen dishes and even watch how they are prepared - a great way to experience local culinary traditions firsthand.
5. Have Dinner by the Crater
For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a private dinner right by the burning crater. The combination of delicious food and the eerie glow of the flames makes for an unforgettable evening.
6. Visit Other Nearby Craters
While the Darvaza Gas Crater is the most famous, there are two other craters in the area: the Mud Crater, known for its bubbling surface, and the Water Crater, a rare natural sinkhole filled with water. These lesser-known sites offer additional unique landscapes to explore.
7. Explore Historical and Cultural Sites Near Darvaza
If you have extra time, consider visiting nearby towns and landmarks:
- Kunya-Urgench (275 km from Darvaza) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient mausoleums, mosques, and minarets from the medieval Khorezm Empire.
- Ashgabat (260 km from Darvaza) – Turkmenistan’s capital, where you can visit museums, theaters, grand monuments, and parks.
- Dashoguz (300 km from Darvaza) – A city with historical sites, museums, parks, and the ancient Izmukshir Fortress.
- Yerbent (90 km from Darvaza) – The closest village to the crater, where you can witness traditional desert life and see how people survive in this remote, arid region.
What to Expect from a Trip to Darvaza Gas Crater?
Going to the Darvaza Crater, get ready for an exciting adventure with a whole stream of various emotions and impressions:
Be prepared that you will have a long drive – it takes about 3–4 hours from Ashgabat to the crater. Think of something to occupy this time – take an interesting book, prepare a playlist, or download a movie.
During the trip, you will witness the unique gas crater, immerse yourself in authentic Turkmen culture, experience life in the desert, and explore remarkable historical monuments. You will also have the rare opportunity to enjoy solitude in nature, gaze at the starry night sky, and admire the mesmerizing flames of the Darvaza Crater.
Psychologists say that contemplating even a small fire or bonfire can restore strength, provide energy, and "burn away" unpleasant memories, as well as help in manifesting intentions. Fire has always held great spiritual significance, making it one of the most important ritual elements in many traditions. The huge flames of Darvaza will amplify each of these effects.
Therefore, near the crater, you will experience spiritual cleansing, renewed energy, and empowerment for important accomplishments in your life.
How to Get to Darvaza Gas Crater
The most reliable way to reach the Darvaza Gas Crater is by booking a tour with a trusted tour operator, ensuring a hassle-free experience. This allows you to avoid any difficulties with visa applications (see Turkmenistan visa page) while also providing comfortable and safe travel with reliable transportation and the assistance of a qualified guide.
While independent travel is possible, it is often uncomfortable and inconvenient. Public transport options are limited, and taxis can be costly, especially for solo travelers. Additionally, regardless of how you travel, obtaining a Turkmenistan visa without the assistance of a travel agency can be challenging.
Darvaza Gas Crater Accomodation
Only about 500 meters from the crater is the Yurt Camp, where you can stay overnight. The yurt is one of the greatest achievements of Turkmenistan’s culture, developed over thousands of years. In the yurt camp, you can experience all the comfort of this light and portable structure, beautifully decorated with carpets and other national handicrafts.
The camp is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay, including cozy four-bed Turkmen yurts, as well as toilets, shower rooms, and a restaurant offering traditional Turkmen cuisine.
Is It Safe to Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater?
Yes, a trip to the crater does not pose any particular dangers. Upon arrival in Turkmenistan, you will be accompanied by a guide who will help you navigate the unfamiliar terrain.
Tourist groups usually travel to the crater in several comfortable vehicles, eliminating the risk of being stranded in the middle of the desert due to transportation issues.
A visit to the crater is also safe as long as you follow basic precautions and avoid getting too close to the edges.
The only potential hazards are spiders and scorpions, which are especially active during the hot season from May through September. It is advisable to remain cautious and carefully check all belongings before use, particularly in the evening and morning hours.