Door to Hell
Quick Facts
- Location
- Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
- Category
- National Park & Nature
- Duration
- About 1–3 hours incl. drive
- Opening Hours
- Open-air crater viewable 24/7; best by day and at dusk
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Free · Free (remote desert, no ticket); need 4WD and guide
- Address
- Darvaza, Turkmenistan
- Coordinates
- 40.2526, 58.4396
Introduction
The Door to Hell (Darvaza gas crater) lies deep in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, near Darvaza about 260 km north of Ashgabat. When a Soviet drilling rig collapsed in 1971 and methane leaked, the crater was set alight to prevent the spread of gas — and it has burned continuously for over half a century, a glowing pit some 70 m across and 20 m deep whose red light at night looks like the earth's furnace mouth. Not a natural wonder but a landscape born of an industrial accident, its rare fire and desolate backdrop have made it a pilgrimage for adventure travellers and photographers. Reaching it needs a 4WD and a guide; by night the flames meet the star field, one of Central Asia's most surreal sights.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Ticket Information
| Adult | Free |
|---|
Free (remote desert, no ticket); need 4WD and guide
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Door to Hell?
Open-air crater viewable 24/7; best by day and at dusk
How much is the admission for Door to Hell?
Adult: Free; Free (remote desert, no ticket); need 4WD and guide
Any practical tips for visiting Door to Hell?
4WD plus local guide essential. Cold at night; dress warm.
How long should I spend at Door to Hell?
A typical visit takes About 1–3 hours incl. drive.