DARVAZA
The gates of hell. The temperature is now no joke and if anything is getting worse as the night goes on.
THE ONLY RESPITE IS STANDING BESIDE THE CRATER
The guide decided to show me around briefly before going to see the crater, and to be honest, there wasn’t much else to see apart from the toilet. As you can imagine, it had just a hole in the ground with a tent over the top of it. If you needed a sh*t, then you could use a disability frame; however, I just hoped my constipation would kick in for a day or two.
When you’re this close to the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, you quickly realize how remote and basic everything is there are no real facilities, just the desert and the famous Darvaza Gas Crater burning in the distance. Travelers often laugh at how the so-called “toilets near the gates of hell” are nothing more than pits in the sand.
This level of simplicity only adds to the surreal atmosphere of visiting the Gates of Hell, where the harsh desert environment contrasts with the fiery glow of the crater.
TURKMENISTAN….
- Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- Called the North Korea of Asia, it is ranked as one of the hardest countries to enter.
- You are required the assistance of tour agencies and a guide to gain a visa
- Turkmenistan ranked is as the 178th most censored countries in the world – out of 180!
- Only North Korea and Eritrea are worse off.
Despite its restrictions, Turkmenistan attracts curious travelers with its unique sights most famously the Darvaza Gas Crater, better known as the Gates of Hell. Visiting the Gates of Hell is one of the few reasons adventurous tourists make the difficult journey into the country.
TOILETS IN THE DESERT
Since it was pitch dark on the way to the Gas Crater, I accidentally walked into a few areas that had been roped off, which at first seemed pretty random. Only later did I realize those spots had once been makeshift toilets, now buried under sand. It was one of those moments that reminded me just how basic life in the desert really is no luxuries, no comfort, just survival.
If you’ve done any remote desert camping before, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Facilities here are about as minimal as it gets, and honestly, it only added to the bizarre charm of visiting the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan.
As we headed down to the gas crater in Darvaza, nothing could really prepare us for it. The sight was overwhelming the glow of the flames against the pitch-black desert sky made it feel almost otherworldly. It is safe to say there is nowhere else on earth quite like the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, and standing at its edge gives you a strange mix of awe and fear.
Additionally, another benefit is the heat that comes from the flames, which probably makes this the hottest place within a 2,000 km radius. Travelers often describe the Gas Crater as both eerie and beautiful, a reminder of Soviet history and nature’s raw power. Visiting this place is an experience that lingers long after you’ve left the desert, and it’s without doubt one of the most unforgettable highlights of any trip through Turkmenistan.
GATES TO HELL….
- It was given the name by locals
- 226ft / 60m wide, roughly the size of a football field
- 98ft/30m deep.
- Soviet engineers set it alight in 1971 in an attempt to burn off the excess gas
- It was estimated that it would take a few weeks to burn off but hasn’t stopped.
- It is located near one of the largest gas reserves of the world
THAT SNOOD FROM BAKU
I could only last around 30 minutes before it became unbearable and that was with all the layers. I had packed for the trip. The heat coming off the Gas Crater was so intense it felt like standing next to an open furnace in the middle of the desert. All I can say is thank god for that snood I bought in Baku and I was right to say it was the best purchase of the trip LINK!!
With it, I managed to push through the heat long enough to soak in the full atmosphere and grab some great shots with the drone. Watching the fiery crater glow against the night sky was one of those surreal travel moments you never forget, and the guide couldn’t believe how I even managed to get the drone into Turkmenistan.
KETTLE
The accommodation was interesting, and six of us slept in it. After listening to the snoring, I took the best part of an hour to fall asleep, only to wake up to the most bizarre noise. As it turns out, the guide had decided to leave the kettle on the stove since I arrived, and it took the entire time to boil!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting the Gates of Hell was always going to be a must on my Turkmenistan itinerary, and it absolutely didn’t disappoint! From the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater at night to the raw desert experience, it’s truly unlike anywhere else on earth. The heat, the eerie atmosphere, and even the quirky moments like our makeshift accommodation and the ever-boiling kettle made it unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Turkmenistan, this is one adventure you simply cannot miss.
NEXT UP
Visa disappointment at the border. Click to read.!!!!!
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
128/229
This post is part of the Central Asia Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
Question Time
- Have you been to the Gates of Hell, what was your experience like?
- Would you return?
- Did you like the locals?
- How long did you manage to stay near the Darvaza Gas Crater before the heat became too much?
- Would you recommend visiting Turkmenistan just to see the Gates of Hell, or combine it with other destinations in Central Asia?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
