Tour itinerary: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Ashgabat
Season: all the year round
Days: 1 | Nights: 0
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.
- All entrance fees to the monuments and museums as specified in the program;
- Comfortable transportation with a/c;
- English-speaking professional licensed local guide;
- International airfares;
- Transfers to Ashgabat to/from airport;
- Hotel accommodation;
- Fees for the use of photo and video cameras;
- Meals.
