When last we ventured to the Darvaza Gas Crater, it was March 23, 2011. In that post, which I encourage readers to enjoy yet again, I shared its origin story as well as its familiar name as the Door To Hell. In the interest of accuracy, I am providing an update - that it is also known as the Gates to Hell. Not sure if that’s a name change designed to attract more tourists or what.
It’s easy to see the attraction. Nothing like a 226-foot wide crater, 100-feet deep spewing ignited methane and god only knows what else. Pack a lunch.
As it turns out, despite this exceptionally fun and unique attraction, only a couple thousand tourists travel into Turkmenistan each year. Of course, this is a must-see. As Turkmenistan attractions go, it is #2 - right after the Gypjak Mosque and just ahead of the Turkmen Carpet Museum. You can see why I strongly recommend going with the “Skip The Line” country-wide pass.
Apparently Turkmenistan has decided enough is enough, recommending the crater to be filled and the gas somehow extinguished. This will be a neat trick in itself, and one wonders where all that gas is going to go exactly. But the point is - if you were planning on going - you better book now if you want some of that sweet Gates of Hell merch.
And while you’re there, stock up on the Turkmenistan Carpet Museum merch before prices go up and it rises to #2 on the must-see list.
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