Nature hides extraordinary secrets, and sometimes, it sets them on fire.
The Door to Hell in Turkmenistan, also known as the Darvaza gas crater, is one such fiery marvel blazing in the heart of the Karakum Desert, near Derweze village. This massive, methane-fueled crater has been burning since the 1970s and draws adventurous travellers from around the world. Roughly the size of a football field, it’s one of the most surreal and dangerous tourist attractions in Turkmenistan, gaining viral fame through global travel communities.
Door To Hell: Facts & Figures
- The Door to Hell is also known worldwide as Darvaza Gas Crater
- The crater has been burning since 1971, for almost 47 years
- Darvaza Gas Crater is 69 meters wide and 30 meters deep, with a total area covering 5350-meter square
- Altogether, there are 3 craters in Turkmenistan. Water Crater and Mud Crater are the other two apart from the fire crater. But the fire crater is certainly the most impressive. Don’t get confused while planning a visit.
Map of the Door To Hell
How to reach the Door to Hell
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By air: Ashgabat International Airport, 10 km northwest of the capital city, is the nearest airport to Darvaza Gas Crater. The crater is 275 km from the airport and takes around 3.5 hours to reach by road in a private vehicle.
By road: Darvaza Gas Crater is a 3.5-hour drive from the capital city, Ashgabat and a 6-hour drive from Dashoguz.
Stays near the Door to Hell
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Spending a starry night beside the illuminated crater certainly sounds exciting. Therefore, it is suggested to plan a wild desert camping in the vicinity of the burning crater. Carry your camping gear beforehand. After making your way to the crater through the dunes, the camping stint would soothe your soul.
Stay informed that there are no places to stay around the Door to Hell. However, towards the north of the crater along the main road, there are a few Chaikhanas in Darvaza that arrange a bed for the night, food, and petrol if the need be. The rates are fairly priced at around $10. Also, there are a few yurts in the 150 m range around the crater priced at $10.
Other popular attractions in Turkmenistan
Surrounded by Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan is the land of ancient forts, ruins, historical museums, and much more. Apart from the Door To Hell, one can look into the prehistoric attractions that make the country a delight for explorers. You can take a day tour to these places and see how beautiful this Asian country is!
i) Gutlug Timur Minaret
At 60 m, the Gutlug Timur Minaret is the tallest medieval structure in the Central Asia region. The horizontal tiles flashing blue majolica tiles make the minaret even more enchanting.
ii) Konye-Urgench Museum
The Konye-Urgench Museum is an interesting place to visit on a day tour of Konye-Urgench. Located inside the complex of a Madrasa, the museum has wonderful Arabic texts carved on stone. Around here, find a display of Turkmen culture, carpet looms, and pottery workshops in the museum.
iii) Kow Ata Underground Lake
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A long metal staircase leads to this hidden wonder inside the Bakharden Cave. Almost 235 feet under the ground, Kow Ata Underground Lake contains minerals, salt, and mostly sulphur. This place is perfect to go out and spend some cool moments away from the toll-taking everyday life.
The water in the lake is lukewarm at 35 degrees Celsius and is a thermal spa in itself. This place was established to protect the largest group of bats in the Central Asian region. Certainly, Kow Ata Underground Lake is one of the top attractions in Turkmenistan.
iv) Ancient Merv
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Located along the iconic Silk Route, this place is another preserved monument towards the southeast of Turkmenistan. Ancient Merv was the capital of vast empires in Central Asia and has wonderfully designed complexes and urban centres, making the ancient city a grand spectacle.
v) Geokdepe
One of the finest pieces of architecture in Turkmenistan, the Geokdepe mosque is a wonderful depiction of Turkmen architecture. The mosque was built back in 1996 by the first president of Turkmenistan. A perfect stop, it is located 30 km from Ashgabat.
vi) Parthian Settlement of Nisa
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The Parthian Settlement of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkmenistan, offers a rare glimpse into the twin capitals of the ancient Parthian Empire. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, this archaeological site bridges the remnants of Old and New Nisa — a true treasure for history lovers and fans of ancient civilisations. Wander through the ruins to uncover cultural artefacts and Parthian architecture that narrate a forgotten chapter of Central Asia.
The deeper you travel, the more hidden wonders you uncover — like Nisa. Let your curiosity lead the way, and the world will keep rewarding you with stories, ruins, and surreal landscapes carved by time itself.
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