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Science & Nature • Geology

Darvaza Gas Crater

The Darvaza Gas Crater is a burning natural-gas crater in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, near the village of Darvaza.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Darvaza Gas Crater is a burning natural-gas crater in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, near the village of Darvaza. Widely known as the “Door to Hell” or “Gates of Hell,” it has burned continuously since 1971. The site is a notable geological feature and tourist attraction.

Geography and setting

The Darvaza Gas Crater is located in the Karakum Desert near the village of Darvaza in central-north Turkmenistan. It lies roughly 260 kilometres north of Ashgabat and is visible as a large flaming sinkhole in a remote desert landscape.

Origin and formation

The most widely reported account says Soviet geologists drilling for natural gas in 1971 caused the ground to collapse into an underground cavern. The crater was then ignited to burn off escaping methane, but the fire continued far longer than expected.

Physical characteristics

Commonly cited measurements place the crater at about 60–70 metres across and about 30 metres deep. Its size and constant flames have made it one of the most recognisable geological features in Turkmenistan.

Tourism and cultural significance

The site is popularly known as the “Door to Hell” because of its flames and remote desert setting. It has become an internationally known attraction and a symbol associated with Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert.

Key facts

  • The crater is a burning natural-gas field that collapsed into a cavern.
  • It is located about 260 kilometres north of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital.
  • Most accounts say Soviet geologists caused the collapse during drilling in 1971.
  • It was reportedly set on fire to reduce methane leakage and has burned ever since.
  • The site is one of Turkmenistan’s best-known tourist attractions.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know the Darvaza Gas Crater through travel, documentary, and geology coverage as one of the world’s best-known burning sinkholes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Darvaza Gas Crater?
It is a burning natural-gas crater in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert, near the village of Darvaza.
Why is it called the Door to Hell?
The nickname comes from its constant flames and dramatic appearance in the desert.
When did it start burning?
Most sources say it has been burning since 1971.
How big is it?
It is commonly reported as about 60–70 metres wide and about 30 metres deep.
How did it form?
The most widely circulated account says Soviet geologists drilled into a gas field in 1971, causing a collapse into an underground cavern.
Is it a natural or artificial feature?
It is a natural gas feature altered by drilling and ignition during Soviet-era exploration.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darvaza_gas_crater
    Supports: Common names, location, burning since 1971, and approximate dimensions.
  2. Geology.com — https://geology.com/oil-and-gas/darvaza-gas-crater/
    Supports: Location, description as a burning gas crater, and reported 1971 origin.
  3. Live Science — https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/gates-of-hell-turkmenistans-methane-fueled-fire-pit-that-has-been-burning-since-1971
    Supports: Burning since 1971 and the widely circulated origin story.
  4. WorldAtlas — https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-door-to-hell-of-turkmenistan.html
    Supports: Alternative naming, location, collapse into an underground cavern, and physical dimensions.
  5. National Geographic Education — https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/entering-door-hell/
    Supports: Description as a continually burning crater and 30-metre depth.