Daşoguz

Turkmenistan

Alternatively called Derweze or the door to hell, this crater can be found in the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan, north of Ashgabat. While drilling in 1971, the Soviets tapped into this cavern filled with natural gas. They lit it thinking it would burn itself out in a matter of days. Not so, as you can see! It was mighty hot around the crater's edge, especially when there was a gust of wind. Can you see the people standing near the edge at the back in the middle? That will give you an idea of the size.
Alternatively called Derweze or the door to hell, this crater can be found in the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan, north of Ashgabat. While drilling in 1971, the Soviets tapped into this cavern filled with natural gas. They lit it thinking it would burn itself out in a matter of days. Not so, as you can see! It was mighty hot around the crater's edge, especially when there was a gust of wind. Can you see the people standing near the edge at the back in the middle? That will give you an idea of the size.
The Kutlug-Timur minaret raises its column high above a vast flat plain of this UNESCO world heritage area.
The gas crater was lit on fire by the Russians in the 60s. They thought it would burn itself out after a few days. Driving over sand dunes in the desert in the dark to arrive at the "Doors to Hell" is unique. By the way, the one little bright speck along the far side of the crater rim is a fellow traveller standing very close to the edge.
We were on our way from Konye-Urgench to Darvasa in Turkmenistan. It was mile upon mile of dusty desert terrain, but still there were grazing herds of sheep and goats.

Popular cities in Daşoguz

Derweze
Derweze
Known for Deserts, Scenery and Natural parks

Reasons to visit

  • Darvaza Flaming Crater
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