Plizio Visual Lab

Darvaza Gas Crater

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Darvaza Gas Crater, popularly known as the 'Door to Hell', is a unique anthropogenic phenomenon located in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. It was formed in 1971 during a Soviet drilling operation searching for natural gas, when the ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed into a cavern. To prevent the escape of poisonous gases, geologists decided to set the gas on fire, expecting it to burn out in a few days. Instead, the crater has been burning continuously for over five decades, providing a spectacular visual display, especially at night. The crater measures approximately 70 meters in diameter and has a depth of about 30 meters. The constant heat and blazing flames have made the site one of the most famous, albeit unofficial, tourist attractions in the country. In recent years, there have been discussions about closing the crater for ecological and economic reasons, but it remains a fascinating example of human impact on the environment.

Location: Turkmenistan
Top sights: Derweze şäherçesi · Viewpoint of mud crater · Darvaza gas crater

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	8	15	24	29	32	29	22	14	5	-1
Rain mm	7	15	19	16	9	2	1	1	2	5	8	9

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Darvaza Gas Crater is an open, burning natural gas pit that can be safely viewed from a small viewing point. Descending into the crater is not allowed and is life-threatening.

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Typical hours

The crater is visible around the clock, the best time to visit is after dark. During the day the flame looks faded, while at night it glows dramatically.

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Photography

Photography is unrestricted from the viewing point. For impressive night shots, use a tripod and long exposure to capture the embers and flames.

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Time needed

A visit usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes, including travel from the nearby tent camp. If you wait for sunset and then see the glowing pit, plan for an hour.

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Combine with

The crater is in the Karakum Desert, often combined with an overnight stay in a yurt camp. Other attractions are the nearby mud volcanoes and the village of Darvaza.

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Getting there

The crater is only accessible with an off-road vehicle (4x4) from the settlement of Darvaza. The last kilometers are on dirt roads, a local guide is recommended.

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Insider tip

Arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy the light and stay until darkness maximizes the flames. Warm clothing is needed in the desert even in summer after sunset.

Geography

Coordinates

40.25250, 58.43970

Facts

The crater is located about 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat.
The temperature at the bottom of the crater can reach up to 400 degrees Celsius.
In 2013, explorer George Kourounis became the first person to descend to the bottom of the crater.
The burning gas is primarily composed of methane.
The crater is situated in an area rich in natural gas and oil deposits.
There are two other similar craters nearby, one containing water and another containing boiling mud.