Turkmenistan’s ‘Door to Hell’ Burns for Over 50 Years

A natural gas fire, officially known as the Shining of Karakum, has been burning near Darvaza, Turkmenistan for over 50 years. The fire is believed to have ignited in 1971 when Soviet geologists drilled into a natural gas cavern, although some local geologists suggest it may have started in the 1980s. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origins, the site has become one of Turkmenistan’s key tourist attractions, known colloquially as the ‘Door to Hell’ or the ‘Gates of Hell.’

The government of Turkmenistan has recently announced plans to extinguish the fire due to health concerns among local residents. In a statement earlier this year, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow indicated that the fire’s expansion had adverse effects on community well-being. Despite these plans, the fire continues to draw international visitors, who are captivated by its unusual beauty and the phenomena associated with it.

Situated atop the Amu-Darya Basin, a region rich in oil and natural gas reserves, the fire is accessible by road. Visitors can view the crater and stay in nearby yurts, which provide a unique experience of this natural wonder. Many tourists report a strange smell emanating from the flames, while locals claim that spiders are attracted to the light, often jumping into the fire.

At a recent conference, Irina Luryeva, director of Turkmenistan’s state-owned energy company Turkmengaz, remarked on the significant reduction in the number of active fires, stating, “The reduction [in fires] is nearly threefold.” This comment reflects ongoing efforts to manage the site while balancing tourism interests.

In 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis made headlines by becoming the first person to enter the crater, collecting soil samples for the Extreme Microbiome Project. He described the scene as a “coliseum of fire,” filled with thousands of small flames and a sound reminiscent of a jet engine. Kourounis noted the remarkable clarity of the flames, saying, “It burns very cleanly, so there’s nothing to obscure your view.”

The ‘Door to Hell’ remains a source of fascination and intrigue, combining elements of natural beauty and scientific curiosity. As the government deliberates on future measures to manage the fire, its allure as a tourist destination seems unlikely to diminish anytime soon.