Turkmenistan’s “Gates of Hell” in 2023: Current Status and 11 Wild Facts

Across the planet, several “lakes of fire” rage beneath the soil. Some famous sites in America, like Centralia, Pennsylvania and the Burning Mountain in New South Wales, Australia have drawn attention for many years. Well, one of those raging infernos, fueled by the depths of the earth, is known as the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan. The isolated country offers little in the way of tourist attractions, but this intense fiery place is one of them.

Let’s take a look.

What is the Darvaza Gas Crater or the Gates of Hell?

If you’ve ever wondered what the setting for the Divine Comedy might look like, head to the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, or the Carvaza Gas Crater. The large crater rests within the Karakum Desert in north-central Turkmenistan. Thousands of flames rage within the crater, earning the spot its nickname. The flames have raged for between 40 and 55 years. The crater itself is 226 feet across and 98 feet deep.

Why Are the Gates of Hell Burning?

The Gates of Hell have stayed aflame since its original lighting in the 1970s or 19080s. This is because beneath the earth here, an undetermined amount of methane gas fuels the flame. As long as there is methane gas beneath, the flames will likely continue.

History of the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan

The beginnings of the Gates of Hell remain uncertain, thanks to the records missing from the archives, classification, or other inaccessibility. Some claim the crater came to be in the 1960s when the soil collapsed under the pressure of the methane gas. But it took until the 1970s or 1980s for the fire to burst out. Supposedly the fire was set to prevent the emission of the poisonous gas. Others think Soviet engineers in 1971 drilled the hole in the oil field and it collapsed a few days later. This would have formed the crater, followed by them setting the gas aflame to prevent the deadly emissions.

Fascinating Facts About the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan

Only One Person Has Survived Entry to the Gates of Hell

Some folks have attempted to descend into the fiery pit, but only one has survived the feat. In 2013, George Kourounis, for a National Geographic expedition, lowered down into the pit to collect soil samples. As he dug out the samples, flames appeared in the spots.

The Gates Of Hell in Turkmenistan Is One of the Hottest Places on Earth

With an ever-burning fire fed by methane gas, it’s doubtful anyone’s surprised. The Gates of Hell is one of the hottest places on earth. The hottest air temperature ever recorded is only one-sixth the temperature of the pit. Death Valley? Not even close to the hellish fiery temperatures. The Gates of Hell blazes at 752 degrees year-round.

The Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan Is One of the Biggest Tourist Attractions in the Country

While the site isn’t actually that busy, with fewer tourists than one might expect, the dangerous crater rim is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The dangers are part of why numbers are lower than they’d be at, say Yellowstone National Park, but two other factors play into this as well.

For one, there’s nothing else to do here at the crater. The Gates of Hell doesn’t particularly cater to tourists with food, lodging, or souvenir shops. Secondly, the location is extremely remote and most folks can’t get to it. Thirdly, and perhaps the most distinctive reason for few tourists, Turkmenistan itself is a rather isolated place and not a lot of tourism occurs within its borders. In fact, Turkmenistan is the second most isolated country in the world, beaten out only by North Korea. This means you can only leave the capital city in Turkmenistan (Ashgabat) with a registered tour guide.

Hordes of Spiders Dive Into the Flames Each Night

Apparently firsthand accounts from a number of visitors tell of spiders drawn to the heat and the light. Then, as they seek to enjoy the atmosphere, they dive right into the crater. And, apparently, this happens in hordes, not just one or two at a time.

The Fires Began Before Turkmenistan Did

It’s not strictly defined when the fires of the Gates of Hell began. But geologists are pretty sure the crater collapsed in the 1960s and the fire was set in the 1980s, with others saying it was during the 1970s. And technically, the fires began, either way, the fires began when Turkmenistan wasn’t an independent country yet and was still part of the Soviet Union.

The Gates Of Hell Goes By Many Names

Other nicknames for the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan include:

• The Door to Hell
• Shining of Karakum (its official name)
• Darvaza Gas Crater

You Can Camp at the Gates of Hell

While not many will try it, folks can actually camp out around the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan. The crackling glow of the deep heat inside may be accompanied by scorching winds, but you’ll certainly have unique tales to tell!

Unusual Lifeforms Live Within the Gates of Hell of Turkmenistan

The Gates of Hell doesn’t sound like such a great place to live, but some curious critters disagree. Microorganisms known as extremophiles flourish in just such a terrifying environment. They’ve adapted to extreme heat, low-nutrition conditions and don’t seem to mind the smell.

Scientists Believe a Massive Reserve of Methane (Natural Gas) Rests Below the Gates of Hell

Beneath the crater lies a large reserve of methane gas. Scientists who have studied the crater believe it could be extracted for use in natural gas production. It’s not surprising, either, as Turkmenistan holds the sixth-largest natural gas reserve in the world.

Authorities Wish to Close the Gates of Hell But They’ve Had No Luck

Because of the dangers of this intriguing spot, the authorities in Turkmenistan want to close up the crater. Multiple attempts have been made over the 50 years, but nothing has worked yet. The hotly burning flames and the nearly endless stream of toxic gas have made it impossible thus far.

A Nuclear Explosion Might Be the Only Way to Close the Gates Of Hell in Turkmenistan

Attempts have been made to put this fire out but nothing, so far, has worked. So, scientists have theorized other ways to snuff the fire. Ultimately, they’ve decided that it’s possible a nuclear explosion could do it. After all, in the 1960s, the Soviet scientists and engineers managed it with a similar fire with a nuclear bomb. Of course, a nuclear bomb would have intense, deadly aftereffects with radiation or the explosion going wrong.