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Köw Ata Underground Lake
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The Köw Ata underground lake is located within the Baharden Cave in the Kopet Dag mountains, roughly 100 kilometers west of Ashgabat. Its name translates to Father of Lakes in Turkmen, signifying its immense size and ancient geological origin. The lake lies approximately 60 meters below the surface and is famous for its warm, sulfurous waters that maintain a constant temperature between 33 and 37 degrees Celsius. The cave system spans over 250 meters in length and is home to one of the largest bat colonies in Central Asia. The water is rich in 38 chemical elements, including magnesium, potassium, and sodium, which are believed to have healing properties for various ailments. Today, it is a well-developed tourist site featuring illuminated stairs that lead visitors down to the thermal waters for swimming and recreation. The unique microclimate inside the cave remains warm and humid throughout the year.
- Location: Turkmenistan
- Top sights: Seyit Ybraym Mosque · Mahmut Işan Metjidi
- Nearby: Bäherden (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 24 | 29 | 31 | 29 | 24 | 17 | 9 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 15 | 29 | 33 | 30 | 17 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 18 | 15 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching the cave entrance is relatively easy via a paved road located about 100 kilometers from Ashgabat. Inside, visitors must descend a very long, steep metallic staircase built directly into the cavern walls.
Best season
Open year-round. The thermal water maintains a constant warm temperature regardless of the season. However, visiting during the cooler winter months makes the descent into the humid cave feel wonderfully comforting.
Terrain & paths
The interior is completely enclosed and profoundly dim. The metal stairs down to the water are often slick with condensation, and the rocky areas near the lake edge are uneven and require slow, deliberate steps.
What to bring
Bring your swimsuit and a quick-drying towel. Appropriate footwear with good rubber grip is essential for the slippery stairs. A waterproof headlamp or flashlight is also highly recommended due to the faint lighting.
Parking
There is a dedicated, spacious parking lot located just outside the main building that houses the cave entrance. It is usually quite safe, and small local cafes or vendors often operate nearby during peak hours.
Safety
The cave features a strong sulfuric smell which can be overwhelming; people with respiratory issues should be cautious. The stairs are intensely slippery, and swimming too far into the unlit depths is generally discouraged.
Time needed
Allow roughly two hours for the entire experience. This includes the substantial time needed to carefully descend the long stairs, enjoy a warm soak in the lake, and slowly climb back out to the surface.
Geography
Facts
- The lake is situated 60 meters below the earth's surface inside the cave.
- The water temperature remains steady between 33 and 37°C year-round.
- The cave's total length is approximately 250 meters from entrance to end.
- Scientists have identified 38 different chemical elements in the lake water.
- It hosts a major population of bats, estimated at several thousand individuals.
- The lake is about 75 meters long and has a maximum depth of 14 meters.
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Sights in the town Köw Ata Underground Lake (2)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Köw-Ata Lake?
An underground thermal lake in a cave, known for its warm, sulfurous water.
Can one bathe there?
Yes, bathing is permitted and very popular, as the water is pleasantly warm all year round.
Is the water healthy?
The sulfurous water is said to have healing properties for skin and joints.
How does one get to the lake?
It is located near the city of Bäherden; it is easily reached by car from Ashgabat.
Are there entry fees?
Yes, a small entrance fee is charged for access to the cave and for bathing.
Köw Ata Underground Lake: where is it located?
Köw Ata Underground Lake is located in Turkmenistan.
Köw Ata Underground Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Seyit Ybraym Mosque, Mahmut Işan Metjidi.
Köw Ata Underground Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Köw Ata Underground Lake: why is it worth visiting?
The Köw Ata underground lake is located within the Baharden Cave in the Kopet Dag mountains, roughly 100 kilometers west of Ashgabat.
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Nearby cities
Tejen
An oasis city in the Karakum Desert that is an important transportation hub.
Bäherden
A city on the edge of the Kopet Dag mountains, known for an underground cave.
Gökdepe
A historical city where a significant battle took place at the end of the 19th century.
Kaka
A small town on the Trans-Caspian Railway, near the Iranian border.
Änew
A city east of Ashgabat known for its archaeological sites.
History & landmarks
Nature
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