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Darvaza Gas Crater, Darvaza

4.6

#1 of 56 in Things to do in Turkmenistan

Geologic Formation Nature / Park Must See

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Peer into the fiery chasm of Darvaza Gas Crater, a dramatic opening in the earth glowing with fire and heat. What began as a natural gas field collapsed during Soviet prospecting in 1971 and was promptly set on fire to prevent the spread of methane gas to neighboring towns. The 70 m (230 ft) wide hole, expected to burn out within weeks, has been alight ever since. Offering otherworldly views and photo opportunities, the remote site is best experienced after nightfall, so consider arranging to camp in the area to see the burning hole in all its glory. Put Darvaza Gas Crater into our Darvaza trip itinerary planning app to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Darvaza.

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Darvaza Gas Crater Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

166 reviews

Google

4.5

• By VanPimpenstein

  Turkmenistan is like no other country I've ever visited. And Darvaza is like no other tourist attraction. We were in Ashgabat prepping to play a Van Pimpenstein concert for a US Embassy function...  more »

• By mimiwoodbridge

  In my amazing month’s journey through Central Asia, high on the list of spectacular events wan the night in a yurt camp below the extraordinary Darvaza Gas Crater. In the middle of nowhere over miles....  more »

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Google

• By keshav aggarwal

  Great place to the "Door to Hell". The Darvaza gas crater  also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is a natural gas field collapsed into a cavern located in Derweze, Turkmenistan. Geologists intentionally set it on fire to prevent the spread of methane gas and it is thought to have been burning continuously since 1971. The gas crater has a total area of 5,350 m2. Its diameter is 69 m (226 ft), and its depth is 30 m (98 ft). Another interesting phenomenon on Earth which is a "must see".

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• By Jacqui Aldridge

  Fascinating crater, especially after dark - watching fire can be hypnotising. The heat can be tremendous, though it's temporary, but welcome once the daytime heat has evaporated.

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