In the heart of Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert lies one of the world’s strangest natural–manmade phenomena: a massive, blazing crater about 70 meters wide and 20 meters deep, burning day and night for more than half a century. Known as the “Gates of Hell” (Darvaza Gas Crater), its story is nothing short of astonishing.
Birth of a Legend
It was 1971. The Soviet Union was drilling in the area in search of natural gas reserves. Suddenly, the drilling rig and equipment collapsed into a vast underground cavity, creating a giant crater. To prevent the release of toxic gases (mainly methane), geologists decided to set it on fire, assuming the gas would burn out within a few weeks. They were wrong. More than 50 years later, the fire is still raging.
Unique Features
* Thought-provoking spectacle: The heat inside the crater is so intense that it can be seen from afar. At night, its glow shines across the dark desert for tens of kilometers.
* Roar and scorching heat: Approaching the rim is accompanied by a furnace-like roar and unbearable heat.
* Constant transformation: The crater’s walls are continuously collapsing and expanding due to the relentless heat, altering its shape over time.
* Otherworldly scenery: Many visitors describe the sight as resembling the surface of another planet—or a gateway to the underworld.
The Gates of Hell Today: From Symbol to Challenge
* Adventure tourism magnet: Today, the site is Turkmenistan’s most famous tourist attraction. Camping beside this colossal fire offers a truly unique experience.
* Attempts to extinguish: In 2022, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow ordered the fire to be put out to preserve resources and protect the environment. Yet extinguishing such a massive blaze fueled by vast reserves of gas requires immense technology and cost—and remains unrealized.