The 'Door to Hell' at Darvaza, Turkmenistan
Darvaza Gas Crater · Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan
A crater of fire that has burned in the Karakum Desert for more than half a century.
Know before you go
- Turkmenistan strictly controls photography of government buildings and military or police facilities, so photograph only landscapes and culture on desert trips
- never head into the desert alone — always stay with your guide.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The usual story is that in 1971 the ground collapsed during Soviet geological drilling here, forming a crater 60–70 m across and about 30 m deep (the exact date and events are disputed). To stop poisonous gas spreading, the escaping natural gas was set alight in the expectation it would burn out in a few days; instead it has burned for more than half a century, becoming Turkmenistan's most iconic industrial wonder, known locally as the 'Door to Hell'.
Local customs
The area around Darvaza is inhabited by Turkmen, who are warm hosts and often invite guests to drink camel-milk tea. Camping in the desert is the classic way to experience the Door to Hell, usually organised by travel agencies.
Religion & beliefs
- Turkmenistan is mainly Sunni Muslim, but the religious atmosphere is relatively relaxed. There are no special religious customs in the desert
- dress for sun and wind.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Turkmenistan strictly controls photography of government buildings and military or police facilities, so photograph only landscapes and culture on desert trips
- never head into the desert alone — always stay with your guide.
Locals appreciate DO
- Turkmen are passionate about horses, and the Akhal-Teke is a national treasure
- they are also renowned for carpet weaving.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Important: since 2022 the government has been capturing the gas to reduce emissions, and the fire in the crater has weakened noticeably, so check the latest situation with your travel agency before you go. A Turkmen visa requires an invitation letter through an official travel agency, and you must be accompanied by a guide throughout
- desert temperatures swing widely between day and night, so bring enough clothes and water.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
There's no regular food around the crater, mostly simple camp meals from tour operators; the nearest supplies are in Daşoguz or Ashgabat (several hours' drive)
Must-try
- Brochettes (kebabs)
- Plov
- Non (bread)
Skewers, plov, non and tea made fresh at camp
| Where to eat | Camp meals at the campsite near the fire crater (included in tour fees); bring your own snacks |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Turkmenistan's visa and tour controls are strict — don't leave your group at camp, leave no trace in the desert and take rubbish away; alcohol rules follow your tour's policy |
| Typical price per person | Meals are usually included in tour fees; separately about TMT 80–150 ≈ CNY 160–300 (at the official rate, for reference only — in practice tours are mostly paid in US dollars) |
| Tips | Viewing the fire crater at night is best — bring a torch, warm clothes and plenty of water, and expect no shops and no signal. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Mizu basyo at Japanese Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photos
Photos
Benjamin Goetzinger · CC BY-SA 4.0
flydime · CC BY-SA 2.0
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada · CC BY 2.0
Sources & verification notes
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