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Kow-Ata Underground Lake

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

tourist-attraction

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Kow-Ata Underground Lake is located within the Bakharden Cave, roughly 100 kilometers west of Ashgabat at the base of the Kopet Dag Mountains. The name Kow-Ata translates to 'Father of Caves,' referencing the immense scale of this subterranean cavern. The lake lies approximately 60 meters below the surface and is famous for its warm, sulfur-rich thermal waters, which maintain a constant temperature between 33 and 37 degrees Celsius (91-98°F) year-round. Containing 38 different chemical elements including magnesium, iodine, and sulfur, the water is widely believed to have therapeutic properties for treating skin conditions and rheumatism. Visitors reach the lake via a long metal staircase that descends into the cave's depths, where the humidity is noticeably high. The cave also serves as a habitat for one of the largest bat colonies in Central Asia, making it a site of significant biological interest. Kow-Ata remains a popular destination for locals and travelers seeking a unique swimming experience in a naturally heated underground pool surrounded by dramatic limestone formations.

Location: Turkmenistan
Nearby: Bäherden (12 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

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Visiting

Visitors descend a steep, damp metal staircase into a vast, dimly lit limestone cave before reaching the surprisingly warm, sulfurous waters. You can swim in the thermal lake, but expect a very strong sulfur smell and a highly humid cave environment.

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Typical hours

The cave complex is typically open daily from mid-morning until late afternoon. Arriving earlier in the day often ensures a slightly quieter and more peaceful swimming experience before larger tour groups arrive.

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Photography

Capturing good images in the dark, extremely humid cave is notoriously difficult without specialized low-light camera equipment. Beware of heavy condensation quickly fogging up your expensive camera lenses and phone screens.

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Time needed

A visit usually takes roughly one and a half to two hours, giving you ample time to carefully descend, enjoy a relaxing thermal swim, and climb back up. Changing facilities are basic, so account for some extra time to prepare.

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Combine with

Located relatively close to the capital, this makes for an excellent half-day trip that is often combined with visits to the striking Geok Tepe Mosque or a local Akhal-Teke horse breeding farm nearby.

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Getting there

The cave is situated just off the main highway running west from Ashgabat, making it straightforward to reach by hired taxi or as part of a guided excursion. The paved road provides a smooth journey up to the entrance area.

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Insider tip

Wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops or non-slip water shoes, as the hundreds of stairs and the cave floor get extremely slippery from the humidity. Do not forget to bring your own towel, as rentals are not always reliably available.

Geography

Coordinates

38.30400, 57.51370

Facts

The lake is approximately 72 meters long and has a maximum width of 30 meters.
The water temperature stays consistently between 33°C and 37°C all year.
The total length of the Bakharden Cave system is about 250 meters.
It is home to an estimated population of several hundred thousand bats.
Scientists have identified 38 different medicinal elements in the lake water.
Visitors must descend exactly 350 steps to reach the thermal swimming area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Köw Ata Underground Lake5 km · NEExplore →

Bäherden12 km · SEExplore →

Kopet Dag18 km · WExplore →

Kopet Dag Flora Sanctuary30 km · NWExplore →

Köpetdag Nature Reserve49 km · NWExplore →

Mount Dushakeredag50 km · NWExplore →

Gökdepe51 km · NExplore →

Gökdere Gorge71 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kow-Ata Underground Lake (1)

Kow Ata📍 landmark

A unique underground thermal lake located inside a deep cave.

🕒 sunrise-sunset💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the lake?

Yes, this is the main attraction and absolutely allowed.

What is the water temperature?

The water is pleasantly warm all year round, about 35 degrees.

How to reach the lake?

You have to descend many steps into an underground cave.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, but one should be careful because of the slippery stairs.

Do you need special clothing?

Swimwear and a towel are sufficient.

Kow-Ata Underground Lake: where is it located?

Kow-Ata Underground Lake is located in Turkmenistan.

Kow-Ata Underground Lake: when is the best time to visit?

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

Kow-Ata Underground Lake: why is it worth visiting?

Kow-Ata Underground Lake is located within the Bakharden Cave, roughly 100 kilometers west of Ashgabat at the base of the Kopet Dag Mountains.

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