Darwaza - Gates to Hell, a big gas crater that appeared because of geologists' mistake.
They decided to set fire to the alleged remnants of gas in the crater, but alas. Gas still burning inside the crater since 1970s.
Tourists coming to Darwaza to see the flames dancing in the dark and feel the heat coming from crater. Despite all the superstitions, Darwaza has nothing to do with ghosts or Hell, its a natural miracle, accidentally done by human beings.
We organize a camp style BBQ nearby crater with a resting time. You will have time to do some photos on background of Darwaza and enjoy your grilled foods.
9:00 Meet with our guide & driver at your hotel's lobby and start the excursion.
Start excursion with visiting Sunday Bazaar "Tolkuchka" (secondhand market) which is famous for the variety of goods. Stretching for a few kilometers along deserted suburbs of Ashgabat, bazaar attracts many tourists by the opportunity to buy traditional Turkmen carpets.
Early afternoon departure by jeeps for after-dark trip to Darwaza (4-hour drive one way), with a stop at a local desert village on the way. BBQ dinner at Darvaza.
In 1971 geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of about 50-100 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists had hoped the fire would go out in a few days but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate to Hell, and the sight of the crater at night indeed gives a somewhat spooky feel.
The views are most impressive in the dark, and an overnight stay in tents near the crater is a unique experience, especially when accompanied by a barbecue dinner.
Midnight return to the hotel.
End of the tour.
- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;
- Please note that the tour price does not include seasonal VAT 15 %, VAT can be added to the basic tour price.
- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;
- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;
- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;
- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;
- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).
18 days, from: $3255
Season: March – December
3 days, from: $660
Season: all year round
5 days, from: $1260
Season: April – October
4 days, from: $775
Season: all year round
3 days, from: $835
Season: all the year round
2 days, from: $695
Season: all the year round
Central Asia & Caucasus DMC
