The blazing Darvaza Gas Crater is a mesmerizing phenomenon in the Karakum Desert and one of the most iconic landmarks not only of Turkmenistan, where it is located, but of all Central Asia. The crater lies in the Dashoguz region, 260 km north of Ashgabat and 90 km from the village of Erbent.
The fire that erupted in 1971 has not gone out to this day, turning the crater into a fiery pit that looks as if it came straight out of a science fiction movie. The intense heat and roaring flames earned it the nickname “The Gates of Hell,” also known as the “Door to the Underworld.” Over time, it has become a kind of tourist brand.
On the way to the Darvaza Crater, one can admire the majestic landscapes of the Karakum Desert with its sand dunes, saxaul thickets, and herds of camels. Modern civilization seems to have bypassed these lands, and they look exactly as they did hundreds of years ago when caravans passed through along the Great Silk Road.
History of the Darvaza Crater
The Darvaza Gas Crater is often referred to as a “natural phenomenon.” However, its origin is linked to an accident that occurred in 1971 at a Soviet drilling rig. During exploration, geologists prospecting for natural gas stumbled upon an underground cavern.
The upper layers of soil collapsed into the void, dragging the rig along with all its equipment and vehicles. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the incident. As a result, a massive crater formed, about 70 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep.
To prevent the release of gases hazardous to people and animals, the decision was made to ignite them. Initially, the geologists assumed the flames would die out within a few days. However, this never happened, and the Darvaza Gas Crater has continued to burn to this day, fueled by a steady supply of natural gas.
Further Developments
Attitudes toward the Darvaza Crater have shifted over the years. During the Soviet era, the question of eliminating it was occasionally raised. However, since the site lay far from any major settlements in a remote desert region, no action was taken.
The “Gates of Hell” drew renewed attention from local authorities only in the 2000s. In 2010, Turkmenistan’s president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow visited Darvaza. He instructed specialists to find ways to eliminate the crater or ensure that it would not interfere with the exploration and development of natural gas fields in the area.
In 2013, by presidential decree, a state nature reserve was created in the Karakum Desert, which included the Darvaza Crater. A year later, Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Tourism designated the crater as an important attraction for drawing visitors, particularly foreigners.
The site was officially named Garagum ýalkymy, which translates from Turkmen as “The Shining of the Karakum.” In 2019, Berdimuhamedow described the Darvaza Crater as a phenomenon that should be studied scientifically and could reveal many secrets of Turkmen soil and its depths.
In November 2013, Canadian researcher and explorer George Kourounis descended to the bottom of the crater, carrying out measurements and collecting samples. He discovered bacteria capable of surviving at the crater floor under extremely high temperatures—microorganisms not found anywhere else on Earth’s surface.
It was later discovered that the combustion of large amounts of gas negatively affects the environment and the health of nearby residents and animals. Moreover, the burning consumes natural gas that could otherwise generate significant revenue for Turkmenistan.
On January 7, 2022, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow instructed Deputy Prime Minister Shakhym Abdrakhmanov, then overseeing the oil and gas sector, to work with scientists to find a way to extinguish the flaming crater and, if necessary, to involve foreign experts.
Subsequent observations in 2024 showed that the intensity of the crater’s flames had begun to decline compared to previous years. Rumors spread that the Darvaza Gas Crater might soon extinguish itself. But that is a story for another time.
Location and Physical Parameters
The gas crater is located in the heart of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers (160 miles) north of Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat, near the now-abandoned settlement of Darvaza. Its exact geographic coordinates are 40.25264736059335, 58.43958926721146 (latitude, longitude).
Nearby lies another gas crater, fenced off and emitting a strong odor of natural gas. This striking geological formation is 60–70 meters (200–230 feet) in diameter and about 30 meters (98 feet) deep. The crater is partly filled with turquoise water, with gas bubbles rising from its bottom.
There is also another crater formed at the site of a cavern. Its bottom is filled with bubbling light-gray mud. Neither of these craters is burning, as the gas pressure in them is much weaker than in Darvaza. Moreover, they formed naturally and were not deliberately set alight.
Will the Darvaza Gas Crater Soon Go Out?
During a recent International Scientific Conference on Environmental Aspects of Hydrocarbon Field Development in Ashgabat, Dr. Irina Lurieva, head of a laboratory at the Research Institute of Natural Gas, reported a significant decrease in the activity of the Darvaza Crater.
This conclusion was based on satellite monitoring and long-term observations. The decline in the crater’s flames is linked to a sharp reduction in gas inflow from the nearby Chaljulba field. Thanks to Turkmenistan’s successful methane-control program—which includes new well-management methods and sustainable technologies—the gas flow has been brought under control.
This marks a major breakthrough in Turkmenistan’s efforts to preserve the environment and combat global warming. However, it also means that there may not be much time left to witness the famous “Gates of Hell” blazing in the Karakum Desert.
Visiting the Darvaza Gas Crater
The sight of the Darvaza Gas Crater never fails to inspire awe. When the sun sets and darkness falls over the desert, the crater seems to come alive, glowing with an otherworldly light. The bright orange flames illuminate the surroundings, creating an eerie, surreal atmosphere. The heat radiating from the crater can be felt from a distance, adding to its mystique.
Darvaza Crater has become a popular destination for travelers and photographers seeking unique experiences. Despite its remote location, tourists journey there to witness this fascinating phenomenon firsthand. Camping near the crater allows you to get close to this unusual wonder and spend an unforgettable, surreal night under the stars.
The Darvaza Gas Crater is undoubtedly a stunning wonder of nature. However, due to the intense heat and potentially hazardous gases, it should be approached with caution. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance and observe all safety measures.
The crater has also sparked scientific interest, serving as a site for studying the behavior of microorganisms in such extreme conditions. Scientists have discovered unique life forms thriving in the hostile environment around the crater, further underscoring its scientific significance.
The Darvaza Gas Crater stands as a testament to the unexpected beauty and mighty power of nature. Its unquenchable flames and mysterious allure make the “Gates of Hell” in the Karakum Desert an unforgettable destination for those seeking truly extraordinary, otherworldly experiences.
