The Door to Hell may be gone for good soon
For half a century, the Darvaza Gas Crater (officially renamed The Shining of Karakum in 2018) has been Turkmenistan’s most famous attraction: a massive burning pit in the desert that locals call the “Door to Hell.”
But after 54 years of continuous flames, experts monitoring the fires inside the Darvaza Gas Crater say the human-made inferno seems to be finally diminishing.
At a recent hydrocarbon conference in Ashgabat in June, officials revealed that “the reduction [in fires] is nearly threefold,” with the crater’s fiery illumination now only visible upon close inspection. a dramatic change from when it could be seen from miles across the desert.
In 2022, the President of Turkmenistan instructed officials to find ways to extinguish the flame, citing environmental and economic concerns.
It may be a bit of a loss for most of us who wish to visit this natural wonder, but if it’s true that the flame is finally dying out, it’ll be considered a win by the locals as decades of natural gas fueling the fiery crater have had significant impact on the ecosystem and nearby communities.
How to visit the Door to Hell while you still can
Visa
Current Requirements:
- Letter of Invitation (LOI) required from a licensed Turkmen travel agency
- Processing time: 1 month minimum, with quicker outcome possible.
- Visa fee: $50-150 USD (cash only, post-2008 bills)
- Additional registration fee: about $29 upon arrival
Pro tip: Book with a reputable tour operator who handles the LOI process; independent travel isn’t permitted in Turkmenistan. Ayan Travel is the biggest local operator around.
Getting there
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) is the main international gateway. Popular routes include flying in via Istanbul, Dubai, or Moscow. Turkmenistan Airlines also operates flights from some European cities (e.g., London, Frankfurt, Paris).
The Darvaza Gas Crater is located in the Karakum Desert, approximately 260-280 km north of Ashgabat. Your tour operator will arrange a 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver. The journey takes about 3-4 hours from Ashgabat, involving a mix of paved roads and off-road tracks through the desert.
The best way to experience the crater is to spend a night camping or staying in a yurt camp nearby. The flames are most spectacular after dark, illuminating the desert sky. Most tours include dinner cooked by the crater.
Important travel preparation
Turkmenistan is a cash-based society, with US Dollars accepted at major hotels and establishments. Internet access to the outside world is severely restricted and censored (Facebook, Gmail, WhatsApp being blocked is accurate). International calls are expensive.
Here’s what to pack:
- Layers essential: Desert nights are surprisingly cold
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Camera gear: Extra batteries (limited charging in desert)
- Cash stash: Credit cards rarely accepted
Beyond the Door to Hell: Turkmenistan’s hidden gems
- Explore Ashgabat (The Marble Capital): Wedding Palace, National Museum, Tolkuchka Bazaar
- Visit Yangykala Canyon: “Turkmenistan’s Grand Canyon” with stunning limestone formations
- Carpet weaving workshops: Watch master craftspeople create traditional Turkmen carpets
- Visit Ancient Merv: Explore 4,000 years of Silk Road history (60km from Mary)
- See giant footprints at Dinosaur Plateau: World’s largest reserve of dinosaur footprints
