Deep in the heart of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan, there lies a blazing pit that has fascinated and baffled visitors for decades. Known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, this fiery wonder is more famously called the Gates of Hell due to its dramatic flames and glowing red crater that seems to lead straight into the underworld.
The story of the Darvaza Gas Crater began in the early 1970s, during a Soviet drilling operation. While prospecting for natural gas, a drilling rig collapsed into a massive underground cavern, forming a sinkhole over 60 meters wide and 20 meters deep. Fearing the release of poisonous gas, geologists made the bold decision to ignite it, thinking it would burn out in just a few weeks.
However, the fire never stopped. Over 50 years later, the crater is still burning continuously, fueled by the rich natural gas reserves beneath the surface. It has since become one of Turkmenistan’s most famous tourist attractions, drawing adventurers and photographers from around the world to witness its eerie glow, especially at night.
Despite concerns about its environmental impact, the Darvaza Gas Crater remains untouched, a blazing reminder of nature’s unpredictability and human miscalculation. For many, it is a symbol of the raw power hidden beneath the earth’s surface and a surreal destination unlike any other.
Whether you are an adventure seeker or a fan of strange natural phenomena, the Darvaza Gas Crater is a must-know wonder of the modern world.
Source : nationalgeographic.com
