Darvaza Gas Crater
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, officially the Shining of Karakum, is a burning natural gas field collapsed into a cavern near Darvaza, Turkmenistan. Hundreds of natural gas fires illuminate the floor and rim of the crater. The crater has been burning since 1971. Drilling punctured a natural-gas cavern, the cavern's roof collapsed, and some sources state that engineers ignited the crater to prevent poisonous gases from spreading. The crater is near the village of Darvaza in the middle of the Karakum Desert. Located about 260 kilometres north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, it has a diameter of 60–70 metres and a depth of about 30 metres. Another nearby gas crater is fenced off and has a distinct odor.
Year round
Overnight recommended
Highlights
Travel Tips
- •Bring warm layers — desert nights can drop below freezing even in mild seasons
- •Pack a flashlight and extra batteries for nighttime
- •Stay well back from the crater edge — there are no safety barriers
- •Bring your own food, water, and supplies — there are no facilities nearby