Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan
Darvaza gas crater is one of the most amazing places in Turkmenistan. A huge crater in the middle of the desert with a diameter of 60 meters and a depth of 20 meters has attracted thousands of tourists for many years.
For more than 40 years, flames have erupted from the Kara-Kum Desert, some of these flames reaches 10-15 meters high.
In 1971, near the village of Darvaza, Soviet geologists discovered a large accumulation of gas under the sands of the desert. In the process of drilling an exploratory well, geologists found a cavern – a void under the sands of the desert. The earth collapsed into it, pulling down the rig, all the equipment and cars. Fortunately, none of the people were hurt. Through the emptiness natural gas appeared, capable of harming humans and animals. The scientists decided to set it on fire, being sure that the fire will cease in a few days.
Half a century later, the flame of the earth did not quench.
Near the Darvaza gas crater there are two more. They do not burn, at the bottom of one a bubbling liquid mud of light gray color, and the bottom of the second crater is decorated with a liquid of turquoise color.
Your journey will begin in Ashgabat. Your way will pass through 260 km of the Karakum Desert.
Part of the way will pass through the desert sands, only off-road vehicles, comfortable and reliable, will manage here.
After leaving a highway, the landscape will change dramatically, here the Karakum desert will appear in all its glory. A sandy wind, scanty vegetation and a new view behind every hill. Even if you decide to visit Darvaza in the summer, do not expect a warm welcome – the heat of the day will quickly change to cold at night. Strong temperature changes are the commonness of the Karakum desert.
A few hours later you will find yourself at the gas crater. Top three phrases from tourists here: “Yeah!”, “Wow!” and “Selfie!”. Do not deny yourself anything!
Nearby there are two more craters, filled with viscous and multi-colored liquid. In the evening and at night, the landscape becomes unearthly. This is really fascinating.
First vivid impressions were received, it’s time camp and refresh yourself! You will be located a few dozen meters from the gas crater, each guest will be given a private tent where he can leave his stuff and spend the night. While a dinner is being cooked, you will have enough time to walk around, because at night it will be hard to see anything except the stars in the sky and the fire halo of the Darvaza gas crater.
At night, Darvaza gas crater will be transformed and will open in all its glory. Sometimes, flames rise tens of meters high, whisper something in their own language, stars seems to be closer than usual. Nowadays, it’s rare for a city dweller to see so many stars. Some of our guests saw the Milky Way for the first time in their lives.