The burning pit
Fire on flat ground.
flydime — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Benjamin Goetzinger — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Benjamin Goetzinger — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bjørn Christian Tørrissen — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Benjamin Goetzinger — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the «Door to Hell», is a collapsed natural gas field turned into a burning pit near the village of Darvaza, in the heart of the Karakum Desert. It is 60 to 70 metres across and about 30 metres deep, some 260 km north of Ashgabat. It is the country's best-known sight, even though it is hard to reach. Its origins are poorly documented, as records are missing or inaccessible. The best-known account says drilling in 1971 punctured a gas cavern, the roof collapsed and engineers lit it to stop the gas from spreading. Local geologists say the collapse came in the 1960s and the fire in the 1980s. In 2022 the authorities announced plans to put it out, but the crater stayed open. Note that famous photos may be stronger than what you see today. In 2025 the authorities said the fire had fallen threefold, and reports say the flames' heat has dropped by more than 75% over three years. Even so, the scene remains strange at sunset, with fire in a wide pit on endless flat ground. It is about 255 km from Ashgabat in a straight line, about four hours by car and then an unsigned dirt desert track. Arrange the trip with an agency, a four-wheel drive and a camp. Do not go close to the edge, as there may be no adequate fence. Ask about the state of the flames before booking, and bring warm clothes for the desert night.
Fire on flat ground.
Camp and stars.
Driving without signs.
Near Darvaza, Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan
Yes, as of the latest we found, but the flames are far weaker, so ask about conditions before booking.
It is easiest, as self-drive hire is not usually available and the track crosses desert.