The Door to Hell — Turkmenistan's Darvaza Gas Crater
The "Door to Hell" is a giant burning gas crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert — one of the most recognizable natural phenomena on Earth. Here is what it actually is, why it has been burning for more than 50 years, and how to see it safely for yourself.
See the Door to Hell for Yourself
The classic way to experience the crater is an overnight camping trip from Ashgabat, watching it glow at sunset and after dark. Below are tours that include the Door to Hell, either as a stand-alone trip or combined with Ashgabat, Ancient Merv or the Yangykala Canyons.
New Tour
4-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
8-day tour "Main attractions of Turkmenistan": Yangi-Kala Canyon, Merv and Darvaza Crater
4-day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara to Iran/Ashgabat: Merv, Darvaza and Ashgabat
Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara to Khiva/Nukus (5 days): Turkmenabat, Merv, Ashgabat, Darvaza, and Kunya-Urgench
Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara (5 Days): Turkmenabat, Merv, Ashgabat, and Darvaza
Upcoming Departures to the Crater
Join a guaranteed small-group departure — no need to organize logistics yourself.
How to Visit the Door to Hell
Seeing the crater safely and legally takes a bit of planning:
1. Understand what you're visiting
A collapsed gas field in the Karakum Desert, burning continuously since 1971 — read on for the full story below.
2. Arrange your visa (LOI)
A Turkmenistan tourist visa requires a Letter of Invitation from a licensed operator — we prepare it for every booking.
3. Book your trip
A 2-day overnight tour, or combined with Ashgabat, Merv or the Yangykala Canyons.
4. Camp by the crater
Your guide drives you into the desert, sets up camp, and you watch the crater burn after dark.
What Makes the Door to Hell Unique
What it actually is
A natural gas field that collapsed into an underground cavern in 1971 and has burned ever since, forming a crater roughly 70 meters wide.
Why it keeps burning
The exact reason it was never extinguished is debated, but there is still enough gas underneath to keep it alight decades later.
How safe it is to visit
Camps are set up a safe, guided distance from the crater edge — thousands of travelers camp there safely every year.
When to go
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable desert temperatures for camping overnight.
Visa for Turkmenistan — Included
A Turkmenistan tourist visa requires a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a licensed tour operator. It is included in every Door to Hell tour booking — read our full visa guide for the details.
Ready to See the Door to Hell?
Group departures fill up and visa processing takes time — book your trip today. Questions first? We reply within 24 hours.
