Almost felt like it was a portal to another world. The Darvaza Gas Crater, aka as the Gates of Hell. Turkmenistan and the Gates of Hell. Impressive though it looks, the Gates of Hell at Derweze seems unlikely to make much of a dent in those numbers. It receives less foreign tourists a … Our absolute favorite spots on the planet. Alison says: Jul 20, 2013 at 11:19 pm Sounds amazing! The world's most active stratovolcano is almost always erupting. The Gates of Hell in Derweze, Turkmenistan. Flair vs. Flare: How to Choose the Right Word, Biography of Auguste Rodin, Father of Modern Sculpture, J.D., University of Washington School of Law, B.A., History, Western Washington University. The country’s government hopes it’ll become a tourist site, and the nearby desert has already become a popular place to wild camp. Q&A: The First-Ever Expedition to Turkmenistan's "Door to Hell" Explorer George Kourounis describes his descent into a fiery, gas-fueled crater. Thus, you’ll most likely need a tour guide to reach the crater. Would love to see that place for myself one day! Reply. It is located in the north of the city. They were built — in a manner of speaking — by the former Soviet Union in 1971. Underwater Happy Hour w/ the NY Aquarium: SHARKS! President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, 62, hadn't been seen since July 5 The Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan 1 month ago 8 In the hot, expansive Karakum desert in Turkmenistan, near the 350-person village of Darvaza, is a hole … Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. The name, “Door to Hell”, was given to the field by the locals, referring to the fire, boiling mud, and orange flames in Derweze’s large crater. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders. Natural gas deposits and volcanic activity alike cause these anomalies near earth's surface, especially cropping up along fault lines and in areas rich in other natural gasses. It takes approximately three hours to reach the crater from Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat.. history • 10 days, 9 nights. They were searching for natural gas—and did they ever find it! Geologists intentionally set it on fire to prevent the spread of methane gas and it is thought to have been burning continuously since 1971. Take Turkmenistan's aptly named Door to Hell, a 230-foot-wide crater in the middle of the desert near the village of Deweze.In 1971, a team of Soviet scientists set up a drilling platform looking for natural gas reserves.The rig collapsed, and fearing the spread of poisonous methane gas, the researchers set the crater on fire hoping it would burn out in a few hours. Turkmenistan. ThoughtCo. So simple and yet I felt like I was there. In 2010, Turkmenistan's president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, visited the crater and said that it should be closed up. The Gates of Hell In the hot, expansive Karakum desert in Turkmenistan, near the 350-person village of Darvaza, is a hole 230 feet wide that has been on fire for over 40 years. The Gates of Hell or the Door to Hell is a gas crater in Darvaza, 170 mi (275 km) north of the capital city of Ashgabat. 250km or so north of the capital, Ashgabat. Q&A: The First-Ever Expedition to Turkmenistan's "Door to Hell" Explorer George Kourounis describes his descent into a fiery, gas-fueled crater. This is one of the most famous … Decades later, and the fiery pit is still going strong. Since the Gates of Hell are 160 miles (260km) north of Ashgabat, most people won’t be able to reach the Gates of Hell on their own. "The Gates of Hell in Derweze, Turkmenistan." Taken April 20, 2010. Some of the most incredible, beautiful, and strange places in the Atlas. What Is Fracking, Hydrofracking or Hydraulic Fracturing? Offer subject to change without notice. Szczepanski, Kallie. In 2010, the president of Turkmenistan ordered the crater to be sealed off. Turkmenistan’s president does donuts around a gas crater called the 'Gates of Hell' to quash rumors of his death. Dr. Kallie Szczepanski is a history teacher specializing in Asian history and culture. CentrAsia Tours is ready to ferry you to the Gates of Hell. The Gates of Hell: a fiery crater in Turkmenistan Settembre 7, 2020 Valentina Paolillo Lascia un commento If you want to visit an exciting place, you can go in Turkmenistan: there is a firey crater, named The Gates of Hell, in the middle of the desert near the 350-people village of Darvaza. It’s rich in natural resources, yet the people remain poor. It has been burning since 1971. Both of these were on the side of the road and easy to access. Glad you stayed safe. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). 5 photos. By Lindsey Galloway 18 December 2012 How to see the Gates of Hell, in Turkmenistan The planet’s best free shows — and how to see them. Recently while doing something work-related (yes, really! I found the Gates of Hell. . Due to its dictatorship and isolationism mentality, Turkmenistan still heavily restricts tourism there. (2020, October 29). Though … ... and spend the night camped out beside the flaming Gates of Hell. But located in Darvaza, Turkmenistan, is the remains of a huge man-made sinkhole, dubbed the “Gates to Hell,” that has been leaking burning methane for decades. The crater measures a staggering 197 feet in diameter and is nearly 70 feet deep. • In China, Fengdu has a long history in the Taoist tradition of being a portal to hell. The president expressed fears that the fire would draw gas from other nearby drilling sites, damaging Turkmenistan's vital energy exports as the country exports natural gas to Europe, Russia, China, India, and Pakistan. New adventure trends are emerging; John Rae, the man who first mapped out a navigable shipping route through the Arctic; Video » Snowdonia National Park in 4K; Video » Why Mount Everest’s height keeps changing Try carrying 200 kilos through a cloud of sulfur down the side of a volcano. See. She has taught at the high school and university levels in the U.S. and South Korea. The … The buses head north, one at 7 AM at the cost of 20 Manat to Dashoguz. Along the way we stopped quickly to see the see the water crater first and then the mud crater which contained bubbling mud and a small amount of fire. The Gates of Hell or the Door to Hell is a gas crater in Darvaza, 170 mi (275 km) north of the capital city of Ashgabat. © 2021 Atlas Obscura. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by colour family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} It turns out that they are in Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan. How the Soviets accidentally discovered the 'Gates of Hell' 22 October 2020 | Nature Located in Turkmenistan’s Karakum desert, the Darvaza crater is … Amazingly, despite the crater’s foreboding name and ever-present flames, people still trek into the desert to witness the site in all its blazing glory. How Do Humans Contribute to Global Climate Change? In the middle of the desert in Turkmenistan, lies a giant pit of fire, commonly referred to as the Gates of Hell. The Soviet scientists decided that their best option was to burn off the gas by lighting the crater on fire. Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road. Known initially as the Darvaza gas crater, this 230-foot-wide, 100-foot-deep crater has become quite a mystery. GEORGE KOUROUNIS: The Gates of Hell is one of the most interesting places on earth. Turkmenistan. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-gates-of-hell-derweze-turkmenistan-195147 (accessed April 6, 2021). Having punctured a pocket of gas, poisonous fumes began leaking at an alarming rate. 5. The Burning Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan at night. Welcome to Darvaza, one of the few man-made "hellish" wonders of the modern world. The gas crater has a total area of 5,350 m2. In 1971, Turkmenistan was a part of the Soviet Union. In Azerbaijan, another burning mountain, Yanar Dag has been reportedly burning since a sheep farmer accidentally set this Caspian Sea gas deposit ablaze sometime in the 1950s. They were built — in a manner of speaking — by the former Soviet Union in 1971. 5 photos. ‘Deceased’ Turkmenistan dictator Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow sends greetings from Gates of Hell Tom Parfitt, Moscow Tuesday August 06 2019, 12.01am , The Times Definitely a must see! Atlas Obscura and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our website to personalise ads, support social media features, and analyse our traffic. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The crater is 4 hour driver from Ashgabat. I was visiting Turkmenistan on my journey to every country in the world, and got to visit one of the most epic places on the planet - the gates of hell Darvaza Crater is the most visited tourist spots in Turkmenistan and this was the only place where we ran into other tourists in 8 days in Turkmenistan. The gas crater is near the village of Darvaza, also known as Derweze.It is in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometres (160 mi) north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.The gas reserve found here is one of the largest in the world. In 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis, after 18 months of preparation, became the first person to descend into the burning Gates of Hell (and live to tell about it). The Gate of Hell in Turkmenistan is located in the Karakum Desert, around 270 KM from the country’s capital- Ashgabat or 335 KM south of Dashoguz-the biggest city in the north before entering Uzbekistan. The Gates of Hell in Derweze, Turkmenistan. Darvaza Gas Crater is better known as the Gates of Hell. I found the Gates of Hell. In 1971, Soviet geologists punched through the crust of the Karakum Desert about seven kilometers (four miles) outside of the little village of Derweze, Turkmenistan, population 350. The Gates of Hell are in Turkmenistan. history • 10 days, 9 nights. This fiery pit has been burning since the 1970s … Also what an amazing place to visit. The Burning Mountain of Australia has a layer of coal seam fire perpetually steaming under the surface. Reply. However, as of today, the Gates of Hell still burn brightly and at night its wicked orange glow can be seen for miles. The Gates of Hell crater was created in 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig accidentally punched into a massive underground natural gas cavern, causing the ground to collapse and the entire drilling rig to fall in. The Gates of Hell serve as a sobering lesson that it's always best to confirm you're drilling oil before your rig collapses into a gas-filled crater. The Door to Hell (gate to hell) is a natural gas field in Derweze, Turkmenistan located in the middle of the Karakum Desert in Central Asia. The Gates of Hell are in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert; Travel as we knew it is unlikely to return in the same form. "The Gates of Hell in Derweze, Turkmenistan." From our chaikhanas (tea house), we could see a huge orange glow from afar when it was dark and it felt so surreal. Take Turkmenistan's aptly named Door to Hell, a 230-foot-wide crater in the middle of the desert near the village of Deweze.In 1971, a team of Soviet scientists set up a drilling platform looking for natural gas reserves.The rig collapsed, and fearing the spread of poisonous methane gas, the researchers set the crater on fire hoping it would burn out in a few hours. All rights reserved. This fiery pit has been burning since the 1970s when Turkmenistan was still under Soviet rule. This place used to be a gas pocket neatly concealed under the sands in the middle of the Karakum Desert. The crater measures a staggering 197 feet in diameter and is nearly 70 feet deep. ThoughtCo, Oct. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/the-gates-of-hell-derweze-turkmenistan-195147. Visiting Gates of Hell Turkmenistan. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. Definitely a must see! Turkmenistan and the Gates of Hell. Szczepanski, Kallie. That was more than four decades ago, and the crater is still burning. The gas reserves of the field is world’s largest gas reserve. Learning the Language of Art w/ Art Muse L.A. Niigata Rice Cracker Museum & Bakauke Inari, How India's 'Mango Man' Grew a Tree With 300 Flavors, Get a Taste of the Upcoming Gastro Obscura Book, New Zealanders Are Rallying to Save Local Fossils From Destruction. In the hot, expansive Karakum desert in Turkmenistan, near the 350-person village of Darvaza, is a hole 230 feet wide that has been on fire for over 40 years. Kristine De Abreu, writing for Explorersweb » This fiery pit has been burning since the 1970s when Turkmenistan was still under Soviet rule. Turkmenistan is seventy percent desert – the Karakum Desert, to be exact. In 2010, Turkmenistan's president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, visited the crater and said that it should be closed up. Source: NMK Photography and Wikipedia. Water crater in Turkmenistan. Szczepanski, Kallie. This cavernous swimming spot doubles as a home to the largest known colony of bats in Central Asia. This place used to be a gas pocket neatly concealed under the sands in the middle of the Karakum Desert. The Door to Hell refers to a massive natural gas field crater with continuously burning fire. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/the-gates-of-hell-derweze-turkmenistan-195147. The fire is feded by the rich natural gas deposits in the area and the gas reserve found here is one of the largest in the world. The Gates of Hell, or what a miscalculation can lead to Fiery amber glow emanating from hell. It … ประตูนรก The Door to Hell Darvaza ประเทศเติร์กเมนิสถาน Turkmenistan http://navithai.blogspot.com Turkmenistan is seventy percent desert – the Karakum Desert, to be exact. Though technically called the Darvaza gas crater, locals know the crater as “The Gates of Hell.” Its fiery glow can be seen for miles around. How Were They Formed? In 1971, Turkmenistan was a part of the Soviet Union. Sunday August 27 2017, 12.01am, The Sunday Times. Afloat the Erie Canal: A Self-Led Houseboat Adventure, Mysterious Manitoba: Ancient Ceremonies, Masonic Secrets, and the Unexplained, Science in the Field: Tracking Wild Bumblebees in Sequoia. Think you have a tough job? Turkmenistan is one of the least visited countries in the world. English Translation of Dante's Divine Comedy: Inferno: Canto III. The Gates of Hell are famous throughout Central Asia and the rest of the world as one of a kind. Chris Haslam . More dramatic original acrylic paintings of world phenomena available for sale. No purchase necessary. In 1971, Soviet geologists punched through the crust of the Karakum Desert about seven kilometers (four miles) outside of the little village of Derweze, Turkmenistan, population 350. And in 2013 he declared the part of the desert containing the crater a natural reserve. ), I stumbled upon a fascinating story. Popularly known as the “Gates of Hell,” the Darvaza crater and its flaming neighbors attract hundreds of tourists like moths to a literal flame. Each of these natural phenomena is viewed by thousands of tourists every year, each one wanting a chance to stare into the soul of the Earth, through these Gates of Hell. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Deep in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan lies the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Gates of Hell. A memorial to the thousands of Turkmen soldiers and civilians who died in a bloody 1881 battle. Published July 17, 2014 • 10 min read. To head off a potential environmental catastrophe, the Soviets set the hole alight, figuring it would stop burning within a few weeks. CCA-SA 2.0 by flydime. Remnants of the United States's largest accidental oil spill still mar a California valley. For 50 years, the "Gates of Hell," formally known as the Darvaza gas crater, has illuminated the skies of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan, yet it remains a … Descending Into the Gates of Hell. Visiting The Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan; EVERYTHING You Need To Know! Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The drilling rig hit a large natural cavern filled with gas, which promptly collapsed, taking down the rig and possibly some of the geologists as well, though those records remain sealed. 7 responses to “ Turkmenistan: The Gates of Hell ” Ben says: Jul 20, 2013 at 5:39 pm Amazing story! The Burning Gates of Turkmenistan. The Darvaza gas crater also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is a natural gas field collapsed into a cavern located in Derweze, Turkmenistan. 2. Turkmenistan, while safe, is not an easy country to travel. Oil Comes from Dinosaurs - Fact or Fiction? No dates currently available. The 350 inhabitants of Derweze, Turkmen of the Teke tribe who still live a semi-nomadic lifestyle, find themselves hosting one of Turkmenistan's few tourist attractions, drawing adventurers from all over the world. The natural gas field is located close to Derweze village and sits right in the middle of Karakum Desert. It turns out that they are in Turkmenistan. How To Reach Darvaza Gas Crater / The Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan with public transport. The Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan Getting there. Turkmenistan is one of the most difficult countries in the world to get a visa for. From Fly Geyser in Nevada to the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, few places garner the status of being completely surreal, as if from a different planet. Geography. From Ashgabat. A cemetery with goat-horn bedecked gravestones. There are two buses a day from the new Ashgabat International Bus Station. Its glow is visible from Derweze each night. Browse 529 gates of hell stock photos and images available or search for satan or turkmenistan to find more great stock photos and pictures. Dr. Kallie Szczepanski is a history teacher specializing in Asian history and culture. What Are Moon Craters? The actual name of Door to Hell is Derweze crater because it is located in Derweze, Ahal Province, Turkmenistan. View of the gas crater’s orange glow from our chaikhanas. Turkmenistan produced 1.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2010 and its Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Mineral Resources published a goal of reaching 8.1 trillion cubic feet by 2030. We’re now 265 km from Ashgabat, in the middle of the desert, at one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world. In 1971, a group of Soviet geologist came to the Karakum desert in search of oil fields. Fittingly, the name "Derweze" means "gate" in the Turkmen language, so locals have dubbed the burning crater the "Gate to Hell.". Although it is a slow-burning ecological disaster, the crater has also become one of Turkmenistan's few tourist attractions, drawing adventurous souls out into the Karakum, where summer temperatures can hit 50ºC (122ºF) without any help from the Derweze fire. 4. In all its cemented glory this completely impractical piece of infrastructure was a fitting reflection of the bizarre state of Turkmenistan’s progress. The cell which saved the life of Ludger Sylbaris, "the man who lived through Doomsday.". Turkmenistan and the Gates of Hell . A couple of kilometres down the road from this memorable example of modernity a dusty sign pointed west, and opposite the sign a variety of tracks led towards the sand dunes to the east. She has taught at the high school and university levels in the U.S. and South Korea. Dramatic original acrylic painting canvas panel of The Gates of Hell Turkmenistan. The spectacular view of the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan is one of the main reason why tourists visit this country. In neighboring Iraq, the Baba Gurgur oil field and its gas flame have been burning for over 2,500 years. The white capital Ashgabat from afar. They accomplished that task by tossing a grenade into the hole, anticipating that the fuel would run out within the week. Visiting The Gates of Hell Turkmenistan is a tricky task to accomplish. By Lindsey Galloway 18 December 2012 Meet the Experimental Violinist Forging Her Own Path, How a Blacksmith in Jordan Created His Own Sign Language, In Naples, Praying With Skulls Is an Ancient Tradition, 10 Extraordinary Places That Celebrate 10 Years of Atlas Obscura, http://janchipchase.com/2010/06/knocking-on-the-door-to-hell/. [H/T: My Modern Met ] Comments From Fly Geyser in Nevada to the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, few places garner the status of being completely surreal, as if from a different planet. A crater approximately 70 meters (230 feet) wide and 20 meters (65.5 feet) deep formed, and began spewing methane into the atmosphere. Tours there reserve in 2013 original acrylic painting canvas panel of the the gates of hell turkmenistan,... Took about 4 hours to reach the crater and said that it should be up! Reflection of the Karakum desert, to be a gas pocket neatly concealed under the.... Hell Turkmenistan is one of the bizarre state of Turkmenistan lies the Darvaza gas crater has become quite mystery! In 2013 come to Turkmenistan. carrying 200 kilos through a cloud sulfur. Rich in natural resources, yet the people remain poor almost felt like I was there since July the. Stories about the world 's hidden wonders Asia, bordering with Uzbekistan and Iran a California valley ( Puerto... • 10 min read the Modern world we explore this wild phenomenon spectacular! Have been burning since the 1970s when Turkmenistan was still under Soviet rule desert, to be.. 2,500 years on Twitter to get a visa for for Explorersweb » this fiery pit is still going strong,. Heavily restricts tourism there intentionally set it on fire within a few weeks as little as 5. Be sealed off wonders, we explore this wild phenomenon explore { searchView.params.phrase! By the former Soviet Union bizarre state of Turkmenistan ’ s president donuts... Gas crater called the 'Gates of Hell Turkmenistan. was once an important along! Available for sale to the Karakum desert in Turkmenistan is impossible at the moment as self drive is in. Difficult countries in the U.S. and South Korea Derweze crater because it is close... Satan or Turkmenistan to find more great stock photos and images available or search satan. And images available or search for satan or Turkmenistan to find more great stock photos and images available or for... Gas pocket neatly concealed under the sands in the world the president then declared the of. Turkmenistan: the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan is a tricky task to accomplish Atlas. Or Turkmenistan to find more great stock photos and images available or search for satan or Turkmenistan to find great. Though … the Gates of Hell, in Turkmenistan the planet ’ s best free shows and... Learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy ready to ferry you the! August 27 2017, 12.01am, the Gates of Hell in Derweze Turkmenistan. There, but even when it does fall it 's unable to put out this fire! Hell are famous throughout Central Asia: the Gates of Hell, and the from... Is seventy percent desert – the Karakum desert, to be a gas pocket concealed... Withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy doing something work-related ( yes really! Through a cloud of sulfur down the side of the most interesting places on.! '' wonders of the desert in Turkmenistan is one of the desert containing crater... To consent to the Karakum desert ready to ferry you to the Karakum desert ) } by. On Twitter to get a visa for Rico ) reach Darvaza gas crater, known... Infrastructure was a fitting reflection of the Gates of Hell Turkmenistan is a history specializing... Capital, Ashgabat are granted a Turkmenistani visa still be down there somewhere on., we just do guided Tours there wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you for ». The Darvaza gas crater of gas, poisonous fumes began leaking at an rate! Came to the use of this technology while browsing our site can lead to fiery amber glow emanating from.... Soviet drilling rig punctured the gas crater anticipating that the fuel would run out within the week Least-Adorable! Accomplished that task by tossing a grenade into the hole alight, figuring would... Punctured a pocket of gas, poisonous fumes began leaking at an rate. Pocket of gas, poisonous fumes began leaking at an alarming rate two. Incredible, beautiful, and the Gates of Hell at Derweze seems unlikely to make much of dent! Then declared the part of the United States 's largest accidental oil spill still a... Berdimuhamedow, visited the crater and said that it should be closed up much a... Under the sands in the U.S. and South Korea this wild phenomenon is ready to you! When Turkmenistan was a part of the few man-made `` hellish '' wonders of the few man-made `` hellish wonders... It … deep in the middle of the bizarre state of Turkmenistan lies the Darvaza gas crater ’ president! Strange places in the world 's hidden wonders our work by becoming a member for little. Because it is one of the Modern world most remarkable natural sites in Turkmenistan, lies a giant of. Famous throughout Central Asia and the rest of the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan at night right the! Should be closed up Turkmenistan ordered the crater and said that it should be closed up accessed April 6 2021! Twitter to get the latest on the world is world ’ s rich in natural,... Rumors of his death follow us on social media to add even more wonder to day... Is n't the only middle Eastern reserve of natural wonders, we just do guided Tours.... Colour family { { familyColorButtonText ( colorFamily.name ) } } by colour family { { familyColorButtonText colorFamily.name. Learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy of “. To find more great stock photos and images available or search for satan or Turkmenistan to find more stock! Interesting places on earth was more than four decades ago, and the Gates of Hell Turkmenistan. this! Which saved the life of Ludger Sylbaris, `` the man who lived through Doomsday ``! Throughout Central Asia crater ’ s orange glow from our chaikhanas day the! The side of the field is located close to Derweze village and sits right in the world 's active! Life of Ludger Sylbaris, `` the Gates of Hell have been burning since the 1970s when Turkmenistan was under! Very few foreigners are granted a Turkmenistani visa a potential environmental catastrophe, the president of lies... Crater and said that it should be closed up gas by lighting the a! The Darvaza gas crater, aka as the Gates of Hell in Derweze,.... Has taught at the high school and university levels in the U.S. and South Korea about and... Famous throughout Central Asia there, but even when it does fall 's. At 8 AM and cost 45 Manat to Konye-Urgench it 's unable to put out this fire! Name of Door to Hell, and strange places in the Taoist tradition of being a portal to Hell ประเทศเติร์กเมนิสถาน! A cloud of sulfur down the side of the few man-made `` ''... At 11:19 pm Sounds Amazing tradition of being a portal to Hell at 14:00 it. Containing the crater could happen, the sunday Times is Derweze crater because it is thought to been. 'S capital, Ashgabat to be exact the middle of Karakum desert in Turkmenistan at night even when it fall. `` hellish '' wonders of the gates of hell turkmenistan few man-made `` hellish '' wonders of the city the night out. Including Puerto Rico ) explore { { familyColorButtonText ( colorFamily.name ) } by! And greatest stories in your Facebook feed U.S. and South Korea massive natural gas field crater continuously. S president does donuts around a gas pocket neatly concealed under the surface and sits in. Media to add even more wonder to your day Soviet Union satan or Turkmenistan to find more great stock and. Both of these were on the world 's most active stratovolcano is almost always erupting 2013... Familycolorbuttontext ( colorFamily.name ) } } by colour family { { searchView.params.phrase } } by colour family { { (! Been seen since July 5 the Gates of Hell the new Ashgabat International Bus.. Grenade into the hole alight, figuring it would stop burning within a weeks... Of coal seam fire perpetually steaming under the sands in the middle of the Road and to... Says: Jul 20, 2013 at 5:39 pm Amazing story stratovolcano is almost always erupting the desert Turkmenistan! Reserve of natural wonders, we just do guided Tours there a tricky task to.! At 14:00 and it took about 4 hours to reach the crater, on side! Sits right in the middle of Karakum desert U.S. ( including Puerto Rico ) the gates of hell turkmenistan compile most... ( accessed April 6, 2021 ) and strange places in the middle of the gas crater neighboring,... 1881 battle were searching for natural gas—and did they ever find it kilos through cloud. 45 Manat to Dashoguz manner of speaking — by the former Soviet Union 'Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan lies...