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Turkmenistan
The Door to Hell
Photo by Benjamin Goetzinger https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Darvaza_gas_crater,_J%C3%A4hennem_derwezesi,_Door_to_Hell,_Gates_of_Hell,_Derweze,_Turkmenistan_at_night.jpg
Where is it?
The Door to Hell (also known as the Darvaza Gas Crater) is located in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, approximately 260 kilometers (160 miles) north of the capital, Ashgabat. It lies near the small village of Darvaza, from which it gets its name.
What is it?
The Door to Hell is a natural gas field that has been burning continuously since 1971. It began when Soviet geologists accidentally discovered a large underground gas pocket while drilling for natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, creating a large crater, and fearing the release of poisonous gas, the scientists decided to set it on fire, thinking it would burn out in a few weeks. However, the fire has been burning ever since, and the Darvaza Gas Crater has become one of the most intriguing natural landmarks in the world. The crater is a fiery pit, approximately 60 meters (200 feet) in diameter and 20 meters (66 feet) deep, with a glowing orange and yellow flame visible from a distance. At night, the scene is especially dramatic, with the flames lighting up the desert sky. The name "Door to Hell" comes from the locals’ description of the massive, unrelenting fire, which appears as if the entrance to hell itself has opened in the desert.
The Door to Hell is a surreal and otherworldly landscape, attracting adventurous travelers and photographers from around the globe. It is often visited as a curiosity and for the unusual experience of standing on the edge of a constantly burning crater in the middle of a vast desert.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn (March to May, September to November): The best time to visit The Door to Hell is during the cooler months, such as spring and autumn. Temperatures in the Karakum Desert can be extremely high during the summer months (above 40°C or 104°F), making travel uncomfortable, while the winter can be quite cold at night.
Nighttime: For a truly spectacular experience, visiting the crater at night is highly recommended. The glowing flames are most visible after dark, and the sight of the fire in the vast, dark desert is a mesmerizing and unforgettable sight.
Tips for the Trip
Travel with a Guide: The Door to Hell is located in a remote desert area, and roads can be difficult to navigate. It is advisable to visit with a local guide or a tour group familiar with the area to ensure a safe and smooth trip.
Bring Proper Gear: Since the area is in the desert, temperatures can fluctuate drastically. Be sure to bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for the day and warm clothing for the cooler desert nights.
Camping Near the Crater: Many visitors choose to camp near the crater to experience the fiery spectacle overnight. If you plan to camp, be sure to bring appropriate camping gear and enough water, as the desert can be harsh.
Safety Precautions: While the area is not officially closed off, the crater itself can be dangerous. Stay away from the edges of the crater, as the ground can be unstable, and the heat near the flames can be intense.
Screw-Goats
Where is it?
The screw-horned goats found in Turkmenistan are primarily the Turkmenian ibex, which inhabit the Kopet Dag Mountains along the border between Turkmenistan and Iran. The rugged, rocky slopes and steep cliffs of this mountain range provide the ideal habitat for these elusive creatures. The region is characterized by a semi-arid to arid climate, with dry landscapes that are home to several species of wildlife, including the Turkmenian ibex.
What are they?
The screw-horned goats, also known as the Turkmenian ibex, are a subspecies of wild goat known for their distinctive, spiraling horns that curve in a screw-like fashion. These goats are particularly adapted to life in the rugged mountain terrain of the Kopet Dag range, where they are highly agile and capable of scaling steep, rocky cliffs with ease. The males have particularly large, impressive horns, which can grow up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) long and spiral tightly. These horns are used in mating rituals and in battles between males for dominance. The females tend to have smaller, less pronounced horns. Turkmenian ibexes are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation that grow in their rocky environment. They are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the region, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. Their ability to climb and jump across cliffs makes them extremely difficult to spot, though they are most commonly seen in small groups or herds.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn (March to May, September to November): The best time to visit the Kopet Dag Mountains for spotting the screw-horned goats is during the spring and autumn months, when temperatures are milder and more conducive to hiking and wildlife spotting. Summer can be extremely hot, making trekking challenging, while winter can bring snow and colder conditions.
Early Morning or Late Afternoon: The goats are typically most active during the cooler times of the day, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons, when they come down from the higher cliffs to forage for food.
Tips for the Trip
Hire a Local Guide: Due to the remote and rugged terrain of the Kopet Dag Mountains, it’s highly recommended to hire a local guide who is familiar with the area. They can help you navigate the mountains and increase your chances of spotting the ibex.
Bring Proper Gear: Hiking in this mountainous region requires sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, as temperatures can change rapidly.
Respect Wildlife: Be respectful of the wildlife and maintain a safe distance from the goats. While they are not generally aggressive, they are wild animals and should be observed without disturbing them.