DARVAZA TO DOUGHUZ
Gates to hell, visa disappointment & the worst steak in the world. After eating my body weight in yet again more bread, we took a few more photos and called it a day. Consequently, I was impressed with the crater and would rank it as the top attraction in Turkmenistan. Indeed, nothing else compares to it.
The burning Darvaza gas crater is often called the Eye of Hell, Turkmenistan, or the Gates to Hell, and it is one of the most surreal travel sights in Central Asia.
SORRY NO VISA ON ARRIVAL
I am driving up to Doughuz so I can hop across the border in Uzbekistan for the Silk Road adventure. We broke down a few more times on our way, which seems typical for traveling in Turkmenistan.
VISA PROBLEMS
The guide asked about my visa situation to ensure I wouldn’t be stranded. However, he quickly corrected me when I said I could get one at the border.
As it turns out, Irish citizens can’t get a visa on arrival, which makes things very difficult. Fortunately, my guide called immigration to see what we could do. Ultimately, I didn’t want to drive back to Ashgabat and miss Uzbekistan.
TURKMENISTAN….
- It has the 6th largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world.
- In 2014, 15,000 public health workers were dismissed.
- The following year, all hospitals outside of the capital were closed.
- It was decided that everyone should come to the capital for treatment.
A BIT OF LUCK
Wi-Fi and internet are almost nonexistent; however, we found a café and tried to apply for an e-visa. Unfortunately, after 10 minutes, we were thrown out for lunchtime. Consequently, we checked into the country’s most opulent yet quiet hotel.
After a little more research, the driver found out that the “visa on arrival begins tomorrow.” Amazingly, I couldn’t believe my luck. Starting tomorrow, Uzbekistan implements a new visa policy, which would save my blushes! Furthermore, the guide gave me a copy of the president’s decree to take with me.
THE WORST STEAK IN THE WORLD
What made this 4-star hotel even more bizarre was the 1-star food. Specifically, it was the worst steak I’ve ever had. The knife couldn’t cut it, so I had no hope of eating it. Check out my Turkmenistan Instagram story in the highlights to see how tough it actually was. I got fizzy water instead of still, and I couldn’t communicate ‘no gas’. Nevertheless, there are bigger problems, and life goes on. 🤣
The Gates to Hell in Darvaza, Turkmenistan — often called the Eye of Hell Turkmenistan — remains one of the strangest natural attractions on Earth.
NEXT UP
Getting into Uzbekistan with a bit of luck!! 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
- What is the worst food you have ever had?
- Where did you eat it?
- Have you stayed in any expensive hotels that have been a disaster?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
