DARVAZA
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. Imagine a hole in the ground with a tent over the top of it. If you needed a sh*t then there was a disability frame but I’m just hoping I my constipation kicks in for a day or 2.
TOILETS IN THE DESERT
It was pitch dark so on the way to the gas crater I accidentally walked into areas that were roped off which I thought was unusual, just these random areas which are cordoned off. Turns out they were the old toilets that have since be covered with sand – we are right down to the bare bones here!
Heading down at the gas crater and nothing can really prepare you for it, safe to say there is no where else on earth quite like it! Another benefit is the heat coming from the flames which probably makes this the hottest place within a 2000km radius.
THAT SNOOD FROM BAKU
I could only last around 30 minutes before it became unbearable and that was with all the layers. 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!! Managed to get some great shots with the drone and the guide couldn’t believe how I got it in the country!
KETTLE
The accommodation was interesting and there was 6 of us sleeping in it. After listening to the snoring it took me the best part of an hour to get to sleep, only to be woke by the most bizarre noise. Turns of the guide decided to leave the kettle on the stove since I arrived and it took the entire time to boil!
FINAL THOUGHTS
It was always going to be part of my itinerary when visiting Turkmenistan and it sure didn’t disappoint!
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.
