The Darvaza gas crater (Turkmen: Garagum ýalkymy), also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is a constantly burning natural gas field that collapsed into a cavern near Darvaza, Turkmenistan. Officially called the Shining of Karakum, the crater features hundreds of flames lighting up its floor and rim. The blaze has been active for decades. While the exact cause of the crater’s formation remains unclear, it is believed that engineers deliberately ignited the gas to prevent the spread of toxic fumes. Learn more about the history and science of this famous burning gas crater in the Karakum Desert.
Situated in the heart of the Karakum Desert, the crater lies near the village of Darvaza, approximately 260 kilometers (160 miles) north of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital. It has a diameter of 60–70 meters (200–230 feet) and a depth of roughly 30 meters (98 feet). Another nearby gas crater, smaller and fenced off, emits a distinctive odor, further highlighting the area's rich natural gas reserves. The area is known for its remote desert scenery, sand dunes, and unusual geological features.
In 1971, near the settlement of Darvaza in the Turkmen SSR, Soviet geologists discovered a large underground gas reserve. During exploratory drilling, they encountered a subterranean cavern, which caused the ground above to collapse. The drilling rig, along with its equipment and vehicles, fell into the resulting gas-filled crater. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. To prevent harmful gases from spreading into the surrounding environment, the geologists decided to ignite the gas, assuming the fire would extinguish itself within a few days. However, this assumption proved wrong—according to widely circulated accounts, the natural gas emerging from the crater has continued to burn for decades. The exact details of the crater's origins remain uncertain, as described in this National Geographic article about Darvaza.
The crater is known for its extreme heat, hot air, and constant sound from escaping gas. Gas seeps from the ground, fueling hundreds of flames of varying sizes, some of which have been reported to reach 10 to 15 meters in height. Because the crater is a hazardous geological feature, visitors should remain in designated safe areas and follow local guidance.
In 2004, the settlement of Darvaza was abolished by order of Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov.
In 2010, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the crater and instructed local authorities to explore ways to eliminate it or ensure it would not hinder the development of nearby gas fields. By 2013, under a presidential decree, a state nature reserve was established in the Karakum Desert, incorporating the Darvaza crater.
In November 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis took part in a scientific expedition to study the crater and collect samples. Researchers investigated microorganisms capable of surviving in extreme environments. The expedition attracted international attention and increased scientific interest in the crater's unusual conditions.
As of 2014, the Turkmen State Committee for Tourism viewed the crater as a key local attraction for international visitors. Today, the Darvaza Gas Crater remains one of Turkmenistan's best-known tourist attractions.
In 2019, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during an extensive trip through the Karakum Desert, referred to the remarkable site—officially named "The Shining of the Karakum"—as a phenomenon deserving scientific study. He emphasized that it could reveal more about Turkmenistan's land and natural resources.
On January 7, 2022, President Berdimuhamedov instructed Deputy Prime Minister Shahym Abdrakhmanov, responsible for the oil and gas sector, to collaborate with scientists to find a solution to extinguish the crater, possibly involving international experts. The president highlighted that the ongoing gas combustion adversely impacts the environment and the health of nearby residents while wasting natural gas that could generate revenue. For further background, read National Geographic's report on efforts to extinguish the Darvaza crater.
In April 2010, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow suggested measures to minimize the crater's impact on the development of other gas fields in the region. In January 2022, he announced plans to extinguish the fire, citing its negative effects on the environment, public health, and the natural gas industry. A special commission was created to explore possible solutions. The crater has remained an important subject of discussion involving natural gas resources, environmental concerns, and tourism. For recent background on the debate, see this report on the future of the Door to Hell.
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Darvaza gas crater has become a prominent tourist attraction. Its popularity grew further after the area was designated a natural reserve in 2013. Although access to the site involves a basic, unmarked road, visitors can stay in nearby yurts for an immersive Karakum Desert experience. The journey combines remote desert landscapes, traditional Turkmen hospitality, and views of one of the country's most unusual natural attractions.
Travelers can explore the crater with a planned Darvaza Gas Crater day tour from Ashgabat, or include it in a longer Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan adventure tour. These routes offer opportunities to experience the Karakum Desert alongside the historic cities and cultural heritage of Central Asia.
In 2018, the crater served as an overnight stop during the Amul-Hazar automobile rally. A year later, President Berdimuhamedow appeared on state television performing car stunts around the crater to refute rumors of his death, further cementing the site's role in Turkmen culture and media.
In 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis participated in an expedition to the Darvaza crater as part of research into microorganisms living in extreme environments. The mission involved collecting soil samples for scientific analysis. The research attracted international attention and helped raise awareness of the crater as more than a tourist attraction: it is also a subject of interest in geology, microbiology, and environmental science.
Interested in visiting the famous Door to Hell in Turkmenistan? DOCA TOURS offers a dedicated Darvaza Gas Crater day tour featuring a journey from Ashgabat into the Karakum Desert. You can also explore the crater as part of a broader Turkmenistan historical tour or a multi-country Central Asia adventure itinerary.
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For more information about the crater's history, geology, and environmental impact, visit National Geographic's feature on the Darvaza Gas Crater.
