Darvaza Gas Crater – The Door to Hell

Today’s final destination was the Darvaza Gas Crater.

But as usual in Turkmenistan, the road there turned out to be just as interesting as the destination itself.

Our first stop was one of the breeding farms for the famous Akhal-Teke horses.

Often described as the national pride of Turkmenistan, this ancient breed is known for its speed, endurance, intelligence—and its distinctive metallic sheen.

The former president was particularly fond of them.
He reportedly owned more than 500 horses and seemed to enjoy being photographed on one whenever possible.

There’s also that famous race from 2013.

After crossing the finish line, he didn’t quite stay on the horse. The video briefly appeared online, disappeared, and then spread anyway. After a short trip in an ambulance, he later returned to receive his medal.

Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—YouTube is banned in Turkmenistan.

So most people never saw what actually happened.

Next stop: Nohur.

A small, remote mountain village, deeply traditional and noticeably more religious than most other places in the country. It feels isolated in more ways than one.

Some traditions have been preserved here that you won’t find elsewhere in Turkmenistan—including polygamy.

But the main reason to visit is the cemetery.

Many of the gravestones are decorated with goat horns and other objects. They are believed to protect against evil spirits and ensure a safe journey into the afterlife.

It’s unusual, slightly unsettling—and impossible to ignore.

And then, finally—

Darvaza Gas Crater.

Also known as the Door to Hell, it’s easily Turkmenistan’s most famous sight.

And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

A burning crater in the middle of the desert.

Back in 1971, Soviet engineers were drilling for oil when they hit a pocket of natural gas. To prevent the gas from spreading, they decided to set it on fire.

They assumed it would burn out quickly.

More than 50 years later, it’s still burning.

The environmental impact is obvious, and there have been repeated discussions about extinguishing it. But tourism has a way of complicating decisions.

People keep coming.

Right next to the crater, small yurt camps have been set up where you can spend the night.

And honestly, that’s the best way to experience it.

Because once the sun goes down, the flames become something else entirely.

It’s strangely quiet.
Just fire, heat, and the occasional gust of desert wind.

The good news—if you can call it that—is that the flames seem to be getting smaller.

One day, it may finally burn out.

Explore the rest of Turkmenistan – where this still somehow makes sense.