
If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a place that looks like the set of a sci-fi film—or perhaps a portal to another dimension—then the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan is calling your name. Nicknamed the “Door to Hell”, this gaping, fiery pit in the middle of the Karakum Desert is one of the world’s most bizarre and unforgettable travel destinations. Imagine standing at the edge of a burning crater, the heat licking your face, the orange flames dancing in the night—and not another soul around. Yes, it’s just as wild as it sounds.
Let’s dig into what makes this place so unique, how it came to exist (spoiler: it wasn’t the devil), and how you can get there without selling your soul to a travel agency.
The Darvaza Gas Crater is a massive burning sinkhole, roughly 70 meters wide and 30 meters deep, located in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. It’s been on fire since 1971—yes, you read that right—and it’s still going strong today. At night, it glows like something out of a dystopian novel, drawing adventurous travelers who want to witness the surreal sight of Earth quite literally on fire.
But here's the kicker: it wasn't meant to be a tourist attraction—or to burn forever. Which brings us to the next point...
The crater’s story begins in 1971, when Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas in the area. They struck a natural gas pocket, but the ground beneath their rig collapsed, creating a massive sinkhole. Concerned that the released methane gas could be hazardous to local wildlife or even people, the scientists decided to set it on fire, hoping it would burn off in a few days.
Well, someone clearly underestimated the gas reserves, because over 50 years later, the crater is still burning—a never-ending inferno powered by the vast supply of subterranean natural gas.
In a world filled with carefully curated attractions and sanitized tourism, the Darvaza Gas Crater is refreshingly raw and real—a total accident that became an iconic landmark.
There are plenty of geothermal and volcanic features around the world, but nothing quite like Darvaza. Here’s why it’s one-of-a-kind:
It’s man-made... by mistake. Most natural burning gas fields eventually extinguish, but not this one.
It’s literally in the middle of nowhere. The isolation adds to the post-apocalyptic vibe.
There’s no fence or railing. Yep, you can walk right up to the edge—carefully, please.
You can camp beside it. Imagine falling asleep with the glow of fire lighting up your tent. (Just don’t roast marshmallows over it.)
Getting to Turkmenistan, and specifically to Darvaza, is an adventure in itself—but that’s half the fun.
First, you’ll need to fly into Ashgabat, the capital. Turkmenistan Airlines and a few regional carriers operate flights from Istanbul, Dubai, and a handful of other cities.
Important note: Turkmenistan has strict visa policies. Most travellers will need to arrange a tourist visa through an authorised Turkmen travel agency, which often includes booking a guided tour.
From Ashgabat, the crater is about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive north into the Karakum Desert.
Option 1: Book a tour. This is the easiest (and safest) option. Most tours include transportation, meals, and camping gear if you’re staying overnight.
Option 2: Self-drive.Technically possible if you’re up for desert driving, but not recommended without a 4x4 and serious off-road experience.
Option 3: Hitch a ride. Adventurous travelers sometimes hitch rides with locals or other tourists, but this is unpredictable and should only be attempted if you speak some Russian or Turkmen.
Once you arrive, the closest “settlement” is a ghost town with just a few scattered buildings. Most visitors camp beside the crater, which is the best way to experience its otherworldly glow under the stars.
Go at sunset. The crater is most dramatic at night when the flames are fully visible.
Pack for extremes. The desert can be blistering during the day and freezing at night.
Bring your own food and water. There are no shops or facilities—this is truly off-the-grid travel.
Watch your step. There’s no barrier around the edge, and the ground can be unstable. Don’t get too close.
Take your time. It’s tempting to snap a few pics and move on, but the real magic is in sitting quietly, watching the fire dance, and letting it sink in.
The Darvaza Gas Crater is not for the faint of heart. It’s dusty, remote, and intense—but that’s exactly why it’s so unforgettable. There’s something humbling about standing at the edge of a burning hole in the Earth, created by human error, yet powered by nature's untamed force.
If you’re a traveller who thrives on the unexpected, who wants stories that few others can tell, then the Door to Hell should absolutely be on your bucket list. Just be warned: once you’ve looked into the fire, you might never look at Earth the same way again.