One of the most eerie places on the planet is the Darvaza Crater, located in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan. It was formed in 1971, when Soviet geologists came across an underground void while drilling an exploratory well. As a result of the collapse, the rig and equipment fell underground, forming a huge funnel from which natural gas began to emerge.
To prevent an environmental disaster and protect people and animals, geologists set fire to the gas, expecting it to burn for only a few days. However, the fire has not stopped for more than half a century, and the crater received an ominous name – “Gates of Hell” or “Door to the Underworld”.
Attempts to extinguish the fiery crater were made in the 21st century. In 2022, the Turkmen authorities announced plans to develop a solution together with scientists and foreign experts, but the flames continue to burn.
According to observations in 2024, the intensity of the fire has noticeably decreased. Experts suggest that this is due to the gradual depletion of gas reserves feeding the flames.
Today, Darvaza remains not only a natural phenomenon, but also a popular tourist attraction, attracting travelers from all over the world.
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