In the heart of the Karakum Desert, an inferno blazes against the barren landscape—a gaping pit of fire that has burned for decades, casting an orange glow visible for miles.
Known as the Door to Hell, the Darvaza gas crater is one of Turkmenistan’s most surreal and otherworldly landmarks, where geology, accident, and spectacle converge in a ceaseless flame.
The Door to Hell is not a mythic metaphor. It is a real, burning crater—alive with gas, light, and legend in the middle of a desert that keeps no secrets from the sky.
The fiery crater is located near the village of Darvaza, in central Turkmenistan, about 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat, the capital. It sits in the vast Karakum Desert, contrasting sharply with its silent and dark surroundings.
The Darvaza gas crater was formed in 1971 during a Soviet-era drilling operation. When the ground collapsed, creating a large sinkhole, scientists ignited it to prevent methane spread, expecting it to burn out quickly. It has been burning for over 50 years.
The nickname comes from the crater’s unearthly, glowing appearance, emitting heat, noise, and a sulfurous scent, resembling a portal to the underworld, especially at night.
The crater highlights Turkmenistan’s large natural gas reserves. The government has considered extinguishing the fire due to wasted resources and environmental concerns, but no successful efforts have been made.
Despite its remote location, the Door to Hell is a destination for adventure travelers who often camp nearby to witness its dramatic glow, requiring a 4x4 vehicle and careful planning. Guided tours from Ashgabat are available.
The burning crater symbolizes Turkmenistan’s energy wealth and serves as a stark reminder of a Soviet-era miscalculation, blending science and spectacle in the desert landscape.
The Door to Hell in Turkmenistan is a massive burning gas crater formed in 1971 during a drilling accident. Located in the Karakum Desert, it continues to burn decades later, attracting visitors with its eerie glow and geological mystery.
A Soviet drilling accident in 1971 led to its formation and ignition to prevent methane leakage.
Near Darvaza village in the Karakum Desert, about 260 km north of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The site is open, but the terrain is remote and caution is advised near the crater's edge.
Government plans exist, but the continuous gas leak makes it technically challenging.