Darvaza Gas Crater

The Door to Hell (Darvaza Gas Crater) – Turkmenistan’s Fiery Wonder

If you’re looking for an adventure that’s as fiery as it is fascinating, the Door to Hell in Turkmenistan is the place to be. This incredible natural phenomenon, also known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, is one of the country’s most bizarre and mesmerizing attractions. Located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat, the crater has been burning continuously for over 50 years, making it one of the most unique places on the planet.

The Story Behind the Door to Hell

The Door to Hell wasn’t created on purpose to be a tourist attraction—it’s actually the result of an accident. In 1971, Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas in the desert when the ground beneath them collapsed, forming a large crater. Fearing the release of toxic gases, the scientists decided to set it on fire, thinking it would burn out in a few weeks. Well, it didn’t. The fire has been raging ever since, earning it the haunting nickname “Door to Hell” due to its eerie, hellish glow that can be seen from miles around, especially at night.